News release
Office of the Secretary of State
(Rural Development)(Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario)
SECRETARY OF STATE HOSTS DISCUSSION ON RURAL PRIORITIES IN NORTHERN ONTARIO
NEW LISKEARD, ON, Oct. 21, 2003 - Priorities for the future of rural, remote and northern Canadian communities were discussed at the latest in a series of roundtable discussions between community leaders and federal representatives on Oct. 17.
The Honourable Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State (Rural Development) (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario) hosted the event in New Liskeard. Representatives from the business and aboriginal communities, youth organizations, government and rural and urban economic development organizations joined together to discuss how communities can adjust and develop solutions to the changes affecting rural Canada.
The discussion focused on such issues as community capacity building, youth, infrastructure and entrepreneurship. It also identified the tools and strategic priorities the Government of Canada can support to help communities adapt to change.
"This meeting was a way to hear directly from Canadians who live in rural and remote communities about their priorities," Mr. Mitchell said. "Their insightful comments and suggestions will help guide the Government of Canada in improving the quality of life in these communities."
Participants found the roundtable a useful vehicle to express their ideas on life in rural Canada, as well as the future of their communities.
Rick MacLeod Farley, director of strategic planning for the Tri-Town Strategic and Economic Development Unit, said, "Bringing people together to share information like this is very powerful."
Susan Church, director of the Blue Sky Economic Growth Corporation, agreed. "This was a very welcoming, very focused process. We were not afraid to speak very honestly about issues."
The New Liskeard roundtable was part of a series to be held across Canada over the next several months. The session was part of the Rural Dialogue, which engages Canadians from rural, remote and northern regions in a discussion with the Government of Canada on opportunities, challenges and priorities. The Dialogue has engaged more than 16,000 Canadians who have taken the opportunity to help the government understand and react to local and regional issues since 1998. This input has helped shape the Government of Canada's rural agenda.
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For more information, please contact:
| For media enquiries Christine Aquino Press Secretary Office of the Secretary of State (613) 759-1085 |
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For program enquiries Media Relations Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa (613) 759-7972 |
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