Rural Advantage: Securing Canada’s economic prosperity and security

The Coalition for a Better Future submitted a written response to the public consultation request on the Rural Development Action Plan from the Secretary of State for Rural Development, directed to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Drawing on the findings of our rural perspective highlighted in our annual Scorecard Report, our submission emphasizes the role rural Canada plays in securing our economic prosperity and security.

We underscore the importance of investing in rural communities, detailing how they contribute to Canada’s economy through natural resources, agriculture and innovative technologies.  It identifies that a lack of investment in rural regions leads to weak productivity and stagnant incomes. 

Key priorities are outlined, including: applying a “rural lens” to all policy development;  expanding high-speed internet connectivity; modernizing transportation and securing fragile supply chains; addressing deficits in social structures;  and empowering Indigenous communities.