New report outlines steps to building a vibrant and sustainable rural Canada
The voices may be different but the message remains the same - Canada's rural and remote communities matter.
Canada's rural leaders have released a groundbreaking report that outlines the priorities of their communities and a plan for continued sustainability. The report, One Vision, Many Voices: How to Build a Sustainable Rural Canada, is based on the themes and recommendations of the Rural Matters! Forging Healthy Canadian Communities national symposium held during the summer of 2008 in Edmonton, Alberta.
"Rural Canada is the foundation of this country and a vital part of its future," said Donald W.Johnson, President of the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC) and Chair of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' (FCM) Rural Forum. "With [the Rural Matters! symposium] we brought together representatives from across the nation to create a united vision for healthy and vibrant communities. One Vision, Many Voices is our plan on how we are going to reach this goal and be able to face the challenges of the future together - as Canadians."
Providing stable and predictable funding, reducing the barriers rural Canadians have accessing post-secondary education and increasing high-speed connectivity are among the report's seven main recommendations.
One Vision, Many Voices also calls for the creation of a federal ministry to deal solely with issues and opportunities of rural and remote Canada.
"These recommendations are about working together better as a nation to create a more sustainable rural Canada," said Johnson. "Investing in a modern and sustainable rural Canada will contribute to the growth and prosperity of the entire country. A dedicated federal ministry will help provide the focus necessary to understand the unique challenges and opportunities of rural Canada."
Prepared by the AAMDC and approved by the national FCM, the report will now be distributed to municipalities and stakeholders across the country. Letters, meetings and other presentations with federal and provincial decision-makers are also being arranged.
"Change will not happen overnight," concludes Johnson. "This is another important step towards building the kind of rural Canada that we all know is possible. In the months and years to come, we will continue to work closely with all levels of government to build on the ideas and recommendations of this report."
[Download the Report: English | French]
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