Canadians can provide feedback until Feb. 6
The federal government wants input from Canadians about issues and priorities for rural parts of the country.
Until Feb. 6, Canadians can participate in a public consultation through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
“What we hear from those living in rural Canada and rural stakeholders and partners, be it informed by expertise/lived experience and/or traditional knowledge, will help shape a stronger, more inclusive rural Canada,” the consultation page says.
The survey asks three questions:
1. How can existing federal initiatives be improved to better address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by your rural community?
2. What federal, provincial, territorial or regional programs have been notably successful in promoting rural development within your region?
3. What kinds of policy changes or initiatives would make the greatest difference to the long-term sustainability of your region, and how can we measure their success? What nation-building projects could contribute to this sustainability?
The collected responses will contribute to the government’s new Rural Development Action Plan, which is scheduled for release sometime this year.
This new plan will build on a 2021 progress report based on the federal government’s 2019 launch of a rural economic development strategy.
Some rural community groups have done their own research on challenges and opportunities in rural Canada.
In its 2024 State of Rural Canada report, for example, the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation identified housing affordability, and attracting and retaining talent in healthcare and education, as obstacles.
The group also said strengthening local food systems and harnessing renewable energy, are opportunities for rural communities.
The report’s executive summary also called for the development of a national rural strategy.
Rural Canada at a glance:
- Canada has more than 5,000 rural communities and small towns, according to Statistics Canada
- Rural Canada is responsible for more than 20 per cent of the national GDP.
- Rural communities employed about 2.7 million people in 2025
- Stats Canada’s 2023 Life Satisfaction survey found 59 per cent of rural residents reported a high life satisfaction compared to 49 per cent of urban respondents