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 QUEBEC
VAL D'OR, QC, Oct. 23, 2003 - A wide array of 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 Val D'Or. 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.
"The people who participated in this discussion brought many good ideas to the table," said Mr. Mitchell. "Their suggestions and comments will help in developing the priorities that will improve 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.
Johanne Jean, Rouyn-Noranda, Vice-President (Academic) at Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, said, "The federal government must take the lead and work with us to reverse the demographic downturn. If Montreal is the heart of the province, then regions like Abitibi-Témiscamingue are the legs and arms, and we need all parts for the whole to develop."
Manon Richmond, Development Officer, Communauté des anicinape de Kitcisakik, praised increasing collaboration on priorities among all rural Quebec residents, and noted, "This afternoon's four topics are all related to economic development. I believe that we must stress the importance of collaboration, in particular with First Nations people. We must share with the First Nations people, recruit Aboriginal workers and encourage the creation of new businesses."
The Val D'Or 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 enquiriesChristine Aquino
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State
(613) 759-1085
For program enquiries
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa
(613) 759-7972
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