“I have heard your message, Canada needs a plan to strengthen the rural economy. Canada needs a rural champion and policy must be developed to account for the uniqueness and diversity of Canada’s rural communities.” 
-- Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada 

"We want Alberta to remain a place where people live in safe, vibrant and healthy communities. Rural communities play an integral role in our province -- today and into the future. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Government of Canada and our local partners as we work to address the complex challenges faced by many rural communities.”
-- The Honourable Ray Danyluk, Minister of Municipal Affairs (Province of Alberta)

"Rural communities across the nation have come together in an unprecedented manner. These recommendations will be the foundation of a new rural Canada, the result of which will be a stronger Canada."
-- The Honourable Jack Hayden, Minister of Infrastructure (Province of Alberta) 

"Cooperative action and communication at the local, regional, provincial, national and international levels is essential for effective environmental management and rural sustainability. I commend the [Rural Matters'] commitment to the environment while working to build a sustainable rural Canada."
-- The Honourable Rob Renner, Minister of Environment (Province of Alberta)

"The Government of Alberta shares the vision expressed in One Vision, Many Voices report of strong, sustainable rural communities. It is encouraging to see the cooperation of municipal organizations across Canada in developing strategies to achieve common goals."
-- The Honourable Heather Klimchuck, Minister of Service Alberta 

 "Rural Matters was an excellent opportunity to gather together with people from across Canada with a vision for building our rural communities. This report captures the essence of the combined thoughts of all who participated and will be a valuable guide as we move forward."
-- David Marit, President of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM)

“This report strongly supports key Municipalities Newfoundland and Labroador (MNL) initiatives, particularly in the areas of governance and sustainability”
-- Graham Letto, President of Municipalities Newfoundland & Labrador (MNL) 

“When our AAMDC board determined to put together our ‘Rural Matters’ conference, we wanted to do something that would truly make a difference in giving hope to rural and remote communities across Canada. We wanted bring together the best experts and representatives from rural communities across the country, to listen to and put together a report that would form the basis in moving forward in bringing to the attention of all of Canadians, including the Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments, the key fundamental role that Rural Canada plays in the economic, social and cultural fabric of this great nation. We have been successful. The response has been almost overwhelming. Now the real work begins in putting into action the recommendations of the report; to make a difference for Rural communities who truly ‘Matter’.”
-- Donald W. Johnson, President of the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC)

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