Rural Prosperity Group 2025-06-29 Rural Prosperity Group 2025-06-29

Rural Roundup June 2025: Rural Canada has what the world needs, let’s embrace it

RPG NEWS

Happy Canada Day, from the Rural Prosperity Group

For Rural Prosperity Group honorary chair Candice Bergen, rural life has always meant more than just geography — it’s a way of being, a community spirit that shapes identity and purpose.

“The rural way of life means knowing your neighbours — not just their names, but who they are. It means feeling safe, feeling like you belong,” she says. “There’s a connection and trust that you don’t always find elsewhere. Sure, sometimes you feel like you’re missing out on the excitement of the city, but that sense of belonging? You can’t put a price on it.”

That foundation, she says, is critical to Canada’s strength today. “Rural Canada is where it all begins — our natural resources, our agriculture, even our national security. It’s the base that supports everything we build as a country. And now, more than ever, we need to understand that the success of rural Canada drives the success of the whole nation.”

Natural resources, in particular, are central to that vision. “Our oil, gas, and other resources don’t just fuel our economy — they give us the chance to help power the world,” she said.

On trade, Bergen points out the direct impact on rural families. Trade decisions don’t just happen in boardrooms — they land in our fields, in our barns, on our kitchen tables, she says. “Most Canadians understand that what happens in trade directly affects our farmers, our producers, our communities.”

Looking ahead to Canada Day, she reflects on what makes the country unique. “Canada is incredible because of our freedom — the freedom to live as we choose,” she says. “Canada Day isn’t just a celebration; it’s a reminder to protect those freedoms and to make sure everyone, no matter where they live, has the opportunity to thrive.”

Her vision for rural Canada is one of pride and optimism. “I’m excited for what’s ahead — to see rural Canada recognized as a champion of natural resources, as a leader in energy, agriculture and innovative industries, as a partner in building a stronger Canada,” she says. “We have what the world needs, and it starts right here at home.”

CDNPOLI NEWS

A rural voice in Ottawa: Senator Todd Lewis on why Canada needs a rural lens on policy

**‘I think the future looks pretty good for rural Canada,’ says Saskatchewan Senator Todd Lewis. / RURAL ROUNDUP PHOTO**

From his family farm in Gray, Sask., to the halls of Parliament, newly appointed Senator Todd Lewis is bringing a rural perspective he says is urgently needed at the national level. His message is clear: to build a stronger, more united Canada, policies must be shaped with rural communities in mind.

“Oh I think very much so,” Lewis told The Rural Roundup, when asked if a rural lens is necessary on public policies.

Lewis, a fourth-generation farmer who was appointed to the Senate on the recommendation of former prime minister Justin Trudeau in February, sees rural Canada as not just a region, but the foundation of the country’s economy and identity. “When you look at Canada, our large urban areas are important, of course … but when people think about Canada, they think about mountains and prairies and forests and those kinds of things, and that’s rural Canada. So it really is the fabric of our country.”

He added, “So much of the country is rural Canada, and we really in a lot of ways are what tie the country together.”

That connection between rural and urban Canada, Lewis believes, is too often overlooked in policy decisions. He pointed to the carbon tax as an example of something that could’ve been prevented from doing detrimental harm to farmers had there been a rural lens put on it. “At the end of the day, the carbon tax took money out of farmer’s pockets and really made it more difficult to invest and reinvest your money,” he said. “That money would have been better spent in buying new technology on farms and so on and actually improving the farmer's carbon footprint. When a farmer is able to buy a new piece of equipment, I pretty well guarantee it's going to be more carbon friendly than the piece of equipment it's going to replace.”

Transportation policies in Western Canada are another example.

“It's such a huge part of what we have to do with exporting our product. We have one of the areas in the world that is the farthest from tidewater, and so transportation policy is really important in Western Canada,” he said.

Earlier this month Lewis asked the government in the Senate about the Liberal party’s commitment to extending the Extended Railway Interswitching pilot. “Competitive shipping rates are important, not only for the agricultural sector but for all commodities, many of which are facing uncertainty because of trade and tariffs. I’d like to see the government go further and make the pilot permanent,” he said.

He told The Rural Roundup this is important because it affects multiple industries and allows supply chains to run smoothly. Interswitching allows for more competition, and “good competition is always good for the economy.”

“We have a duopoly of class one railroads,” he said, adding that there are no alternatives to ship products overseas, from lumber, to mining, potash and more. “They need to use the railroad.”

According to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the agriculture and agri-food sector supplies approximately 2.3 million jobs and contributes $143.8 billion (7.4 per cent) to Canada’s GDP. It’s an industry that can lead our economy, said Lewis. “When we look at wanting to increase our GDP, agriculture would be a big part of it.”

His advocacy extends beyond farming. From his years as a local councillor, Lewis has seen firsthand the gaps in services that rural communities face. He noted particular concerns with infrastructure, veterinary services, emergency care, and attracting health and mental health professionals to rural areas. “It’s not an easy fix,” he said, “but I think if we shed light on them … there’s genuine interest in seeing those services improve.”

Lewis is also optimistic about the potential of rural Canada to attract newcomers and fuel economic growth. “I think a lot of urban Canadians would be surprised at the opportunities that exist in rural Canada,” he said, including good jobs, safe communities and enjoying nature among others.

As Lewis settles into his Senate role, he said his goal is to ensure that the concerns and contributions of rural Canadians are not forgotten. For Lewis, rural Canada is more than a place. It’s a way of life that deserves a central place in the national conversation.

“I think the future looks pretty good for rural Canada,” he said. “And I think the more we can talk about that... and show the opportunities in rural Canada, I think the better understanding will happen from urban counterparts.”

‘Rural communities form the beating heart of Canada’ : FCM

Rural Canada plays a vital role in the nation’s success, offering rich resources, innovation and untapped economic opportunities. This all needs to be harnessed as key drivers of national prosperity, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities says in a new report

“Rural communities form the beating heart of Canada, covering 95 per cent of our country’s landmass and home to a growing population of 6.3 million people,” says the report, which outlines measures to strengthen rural communities and, by extension, the country as a whole.

The Future of Rural Canada, a plan to harness rural communities' full potential, comes at what FCM describes as “a pivotal moment for Canada’s economy and communities.”

Among the key recommendations in the report are expanding broadband and cellular services to support a 21st-century rural economy, growing the rural housing supply through stronger federal-municipal collaboration and advancing climate resilience by partnering with rural municipalities on infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.

The report also emphasizes the need for federal infrastructure programs that reflect rural realities, reforms to the bail system and enhanced rural policing through intergovernmental collaboration.

“Rural communities are essential to the fabric of Canada and contribute to Canada’s prosperity in countless ways,” the report says. “From agriculture and natural resources to environmental conservation, rural communities play a critical role in shaping Canada’s identity and future. With dynamic local economies, a key role in infrastructure, and unique identities and cultures, rural Canada is already foundational to the success and growth of our Canada.”

FCM’s spotlight on rural innovations: Community-based solutions to connectivity

Investments in broadband must grow beyond simply funding infrastructure. The maintenance of infrastructure must also be considered. Policy development must recognize and respond to the unique needs of different communities. For example, CityWest is a locally owned company in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, that provides high-speed internet services through partnerships with municipalities.

These partnerships include a board of directors, and a portion of the profits are reinvested back into the community. By partnering with CityWest, municipalities have improved service quality and availability according to one interviewee.

CityWest has also partnered with various First Nations to deliver services and create new companies, like Snutl’yalh Communications and Tahltan CityWest Communications Corp.

As it expands, CityWest continues to “improve connectivity to more underserved communities across the province… bringing residents and businesses urban-class connectivity.” — Stefan Woloszyn, CEO of CityWest

Economic growth needs to be tangible in all communities: Abacus Data poll

A new survey by Abacus Data shows that while most Canadians are open to the idea that stronger economic growth could improve their standard of living, many — including in rural and smaller communities — remain skeptical that those benefits will reach them.

Across the country, the poll of over 2,500 Canadians reveals a trust gap in how people view economic growth strategies. Just 47 per cent agree that “when governments talk about growth, they believe it’s about things that will help them personally.” More than half — 52 per cent — agree with the statement: “Even if the economy grows, I don’t trust that the benefits will reach people like me.”

For rural Canadians, that distrust is often tied to feelings of exclusion and concern that national growth strategies focus on big cities while leaving smaller communities behind. Among those who don’t think growth will help them personally, 17 per cent cite being on a fixed income or retired, while 12 per cent say growth hasn’t improved affordability so far. Another 12 per cent point to general pessimism, believing that future growth will simply create more inequality, and six per cent say they don’t believe policymakers will implement growth strategies fairly.

"People need to believe that growth will be fair. That it won’t just benefit the rich. That it won’t leave rural communities, younger workers, or vulnerable sectors behind," Abacus Data CEO David Coletto said.

Regionally, Canadians outside major urban centres were among the least likely to see themselves reflected in pro-growth messaging. In Saskatchewan and Manitoba, for example, just 34 per cent agree that government growth plans are about helping people like them — the lowest among regions measured. In Atlantic Canada, only 44 per cent feel included, while 27 per cent outright disagree that government growth strategies are designed to help them.

While the Carney government’s ambition of “building the strongest economy in the G7” resonates nationally — with 53 per cent saying that would mean good things for them — that optimism is not universal. In Quebec, where many smaller communities face unique economic pressures, only 47 per cent see that goal as positive, and 33 per cent are neutral. Support is highest in Alberta (63 per cent) and British Columbia (61 per cent), but the poll highlights the need for regionally tailored messaging that connects national economic goals with local realities.

"Talking about GDP or competitiveness isn’t enough. Canadians want to see how those ideas translate into wages, housing, healthcare, and job security. They are open to growth but not abstract growth," Colletto said. "If you’re building a pro-growth campaign, start with the tangible. Explain how boosting productivity or attracting investment leads to better schools, lower grocery prices, or more doctors in rural communities."

Abacus Data’s findings show Canadians prefer growth policies that feel tangible and tied to fairness and opportunity. Sixty-six percent say “increasing productivity” would mean good things for them, 63 per cent feel positively about expanding post-secondary programs for in-demand jobs, and 63 per cent support Buy Canadian policies. But policies like attracting more skilled immigrants (net +11 good) and public-private partnerships (net +21) draw less enthusiasm, and only 17% believe unleashing AI’s full potential will be good for them, with 30% saying it would be bad.

The poll underscores a key challenge for policymakers: bridging the gap between national economic plans and the lived experiences of rural and small-town Canadians. As Abacus Data puts it, Canadians “are cautious. They want to know: will this help me? Will it make my life easier? Can I trust you to deliver?”

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Rural Canada is growing: StatsCan

Canada’s rural communities grew between 2021 and 2024, according to new data from Statistics Canada. The population of Canada's rural and small towns increased in 10 of the 13 provinces and territories.

“From mid-2023 to mid-2024, Ontario and Quebec had the highest net number of people who moved from cities to rural and small towns within the province, while Alberta had the highest net gains from people moving from other parts of Canada to its rural and small towns,” StatsCan reported.

It also found that the top industries in rural and small town Canada included: construction (14.7 per cent), agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (14.4 per cent) and retail trade (10.6 per cent).

Meanwhile, two in five households in rural Canada had access to basic services (eg: employment, grocery stores, health care facilities) within 15 km of their home but were least likely to have access to libraries, pharmacies and high schools within this radius.

Rural Canada hit hard as food insecurity reaches unprecedented levels, RBC warns

Canada’s rural and remote communities are facing deepening economic and social challenges as food insecurity reaches record levels across the country, according to a new report from RBC. The report, Feeding the crisis: The tariff toll on food insecurity, highlights that “Canada’s rural and remote areas account for 25 per cent of Canada’s GDP but are grossly underserviced when it comes to health care, housing, and other basic needs, including access to healthy food.”

The report points to soaring food insecurity in northern regions, noting that “food insecurity is high across Canada but is highest in northern and remote areas. More than 58 per cent of people in Nunavut experience food insecurity.” RBC stresses that without targeted investment, rural and remote communities will continue to struggle to attract and retain the workforce necessary to support Canada’s major infrastructure ambitions.

“Much of Canada’s plans to build its economic security and sovereignty hinges on having a productive workforce in rural and remote Canada,” the report says. “But getting people to stay in rural and remote areas or relocate for these projects is a tough sell if they can’t access resources needed for their families to lead a healthy life. Canada can help flip the trend of urban areas growing 15 times faster than rural by mitigating brain and resource drain through investments in community resources including access to healthcare, food and housing that match the ambitions of major infrastructure projects.”

The economic pressures driving this crisis are complex and mounting. The RBC report cites the U.S. trade war, inflation, and supply-chain upheaval as major contributors to rising costs. “China’s tariffs on agri-food products including canola oil and seafood have recently taken a toll on Canada’s rural economy. Nova Scotia is thought to be the hardest hit by China’s 25 per cent duties on aquatic products, which represented 9.2 per cent of the province’s total export value in 2024,” the report says.

Canada’s farmers and fishers, already accustomed to market volatility, are feeling the squeeze. “Farmers are often price receivers — unable to pass rising costs onto buyers and consumers,” RBC notes. The disruptions are “erod[ing] stability in rural and remote regions that are already at a disadvantage in accessing economic opportunities and services.”

Across Canada, food insecurity now affects “one in four Canadians” — or 10 million people — “a level never seen before in this country.”

RBC emphasizes that “ultimately, it’s an issue of affordability. There is an abundance of food available. But for an increasing number, it’s out of reach.”

The report highlights the sharp rise in food bank use: “In March 2024, more than two million visits were recorded at Canadian food banks. That’s a 90 per cent increase in just five years.”

The bank underscores that solutions must go beyond emergency measures. “Properly supporting and resourcing food banks is critical. However, addressing food insecurity longer term relies on building a stronger Canadian economy. This includes addressing the affordability crisis, improving productivity and advancing durable economic development in Canada’s rural and remote areas.”

RBC recommends aligning food security initiatives with Canada’s broader growth strategies. The report calls for the federal government to “expedite the development of rural and remote community and health services alongside efforts to expedite Canada’s major infrastructure projects.”

The report concludes with a call for a national food security target as part of Canada’s pro-growth agenda. “A food security target may be the catalyst needed to pull these solutions together to drive action across Canada and track progress. Now is the time to implement a bold vision for food security in Canada as the country sets out to build back a better economy.”

ICYMI

‘If we're going to move faster, there is a real opportunity for Indigenous communities to start to be in that conversation at the very beginning,’ says Canadian Council for Indigenous Business President and CEO Tabatha Bull. / CCIB PHOTO

Economic partnerships and consultation with Indigenous communities essential for growth

Indigenous business in Canada is experiencing a period of significant growth, despite initial economic exclusion and the continued impacts of significant barriers, said Tabatha Bull, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business.

Indigenous businesses are being created at five to nine times the rate of non-Indigenous businesses across every sector, said Bull, who appeared on the Institute for Research on Public Policy’s (IRPP) podcast Futureproofing Canada, hosted by IRPP president and CEO Jennifer Ditchburn.

Bull suggested that resilience and determination to face barriers has inspired Indigenous entrepreneurs to push for inclusion. Additionally, the global turn to sustainability — which has been at the “core value” of Indigenous communities — has benefited Indigenous businesses by increasing consumer and investor interest.

Bull said that the understanding that economic partnerships and consultation with Indigenous groups and businesses are essential for progress on major projects and economic growth is also benefiting Indigenous businesses. She also notes that she has seen more corporations set out frameworks to ensure Indigenous partnerships, advance Indigenous procurement and hire Indigenous employees, which is also "spurring growth.”

However, tariffs on exports to the U.S. and China have created uncertainty, as “very high concentrations” of Indigenous businesses are involved in high export sectors, including oil, gas, forestry and seafood. If the government launches any support programs for affected sectors, Bull urged for Indigenous business leaders to be included in those discussions to ensure that programs are being developed to ensure they meet their needs.

Though Bull said she thinks major projects will help grow the economy in Canada, she emphasized the importance of consulting with Indigenous communities, and that “community equity participation” will be a requirement.

“If we're going to move faster, there is a real opportunity for Indigenous communities to start to be in that conversation at the very beginning,” she said. “And we've seen in the past that that's when projects actually move faster — when the Indigenous community is actually a partner in the project.”

Local production key to building B.C.’s economic resilience: report

Continuing not to address the lack of industrial land development in the Greater Vancouver area means lost economic activity, undermined regional competitiveness and limited opportunities for job creation with negative impacts to British Columbia’s economic growth, according to a new report.

“Industrial production in the province is declining, and our overall exports are less than 10 per cent of Canadian exports, meaning we punch below our weight,” says The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s new report Building B.C.'s Economy: Fostering More Local Production.

The report outlines that the province’s manufacturing investment per worker is below the national average and, compared to the United States, is only a quarter. “However, B.C. is the most diverse agricultural landscape in Canada, with over 200 primary agricultural products and 100 fish, shellfish and marine plant species. We are a market full of opportunity with natural advantages, abundant natural resources, and Canada’s pre-eminent port, which should mean B.C. punches above our weight for local production and exports,” the report says.

“Unfortunately, despite their significant economic contribution, Greater Vancouver’s industrial lands face chronic shortages and development roadblocks that stifle economic growth.”

The report offers five recommendations:

Legislate clear timelines for provincial permitting decisions affecting local development.
Work collaboratively with municipalities to make more industrial and trade-enabling land available for development.
Eliminate the 50/50 rule to enable scalable, year-round agricultural processing, increase food security, and attract investment.
Continue to preserve and protect quality farmland, while working collaboratively to rapidly and flexibly designate industrial areas that support investment and jobs.
Review the impact of amenity cost charges (ACCs) and development cost charges (DCCs) on industrial lands

“By removing longstanding barriers and re-aligning land use policy with economic priorities, we can advance our shared goal of achieving three per cent annual GDP growth and secure a more resilient, self-sufficient, and prosperous future for British Columbia,” the report says.

Investments in broadband infrastructure to have ‘profound impact’ for rural, remote and Indigenous communities: CRTC vice-chair

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) says it remains focused on closing Canada’s digital divide, particularly in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.

“Meeting this challenge when it comes to Internet coverage has been the focus of the CRTC’s Broadband Fund,” Adam Scott, CRTC Vice-Chairperson, Telecommunications, told the Canadian Telecom Summit earlier this month. “The Broadband Fund team works with partners across the industry, governments and municipalities to connect communities that have previously lacked adequate or sufficient access.”

Since 2017, rural and Indigenous access to high-speed Internet has grown from 37 per cent to 78 per cent in rural areas and about 60 per cent in the Territories and on Reserves. The national goal is full coverage by 2030. “There is little, if any, low-hanging fruit remaining. The last steps to the finish line are often the hardest,” Scott noted.

So far, the Broadband Fund has helped connect over 270 communities. Recent projects have supported improvements across seven provinces and territories, including 100 kilometres of road coverage and 2,700 kilometres of new transport fibre.

“These investments will make a profound impact by improving access to health care, education, and creating opportunities for local businesses,” Scott said.

The CRTC has also launched a review of the Fund to improve funding allocation, speed up applications, support Indigenous applicants and better identify underserved areas. “We are continuing to review other aspects of the Fund so it can help us close the coverage gaps that remain across the country,” Scott said.

Scott said the CRTC is on track to meet its goal of 100 per cent of the country having internet access by 2030.

SRPC urges rural focus in physician licensure evaluation

Though the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) saw the Federal Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada’s (FMRAC) evaluation as a positive step towards reducing barriers to multi-jurisdictional licensure for physicians in Atlantic Canada, the SRPC offered clarifications to the evaluation framework as it applies to rural areas. The SRPC emphasized the unique barriers and challenges faced in rural communities, including greater recruitment and retention challenges, licensure barriers, and coverage gaps.

The SRPC suggested improvements for future evaluations:

Include measures showing how the Atlantic Registry prevents service gaps and supports system resiliency (e.g., enabling physician time off), rather than relying on billing data.
Engage rural partners directly and analyze rural-urban data separately to clarify the registry’s impact.
Assess longer timeframes to better capture benefits that short-term measures may miss.

While the SRPC recognized the Atlantic Registry as a meaningful step towards improvements in reducing barriers to health care access, it suggests that the report underscores the need for a “truly national” approach to physician licensure. The SRPC specifically highlighted rural communities as needing a flexible and responsive physician workforce.

Climate change hits crops, but Canadian farmers see hope

Climate change could significantly cut production of six staple food crops globally, including Canadian wheat production, leading to higher prices, with certain crops in higher income regions possibly experiencing bigger losses than crops in developing countries, according to a study published in Nature on June 18.

Incorporating adaptation strategies, including growing different crop varieties and adjusting fertilizer use, could also help offset losses.

Still, even with adaptation, the study projected 25 per cent productivity losses by 2100 among some of the studied crops, which is the equivalent of the amount of calories people eat for breakfast. The fallout could lead to higher prices in higher-income countries, and social and political instability in poorer countries.

However, Canada does have “some options” and may fare better with the changes, compared to other countries. Canadian farmer and president of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association Gunter Jochum told CBC he and other farmers are constantly improving their practices, technology and changing their crops and varieties to adapt to changing conditions in the climate and market. He thinks that, though it poses risks, Canadian farmers could adapt well to changing climates if given the proper support. His group is advocating for higher government investment in new varieties of crops and policies that incentivize the private sector to develop new varieties.

We want to hear from you

Do you have news, analysis or upcoming events related to rural Canada to share? Are you doing interesting and noteworthy things to unleash rural Canada’s potential? We’d be happy to showcase you or your organization. Please get in touch: info@ruralprosperity.ca.

Rural Prosperity Group 2025-03-03 Rural Prosperity Group 2025-03-03

The Rural Roundup - March 2025

Spotlight on rural Canada: Resilience being tested again

Now more than ever, after hearing directly from stakeholders and Canadians through conversations and submissions, it’s essential for us to take a moment to reflect on our shared vision for rural Canada’s economic prosperity.

Every day, we are reminded that rural Canadians are looking, both personally and through their organizations, for more focus and action on their concerns. These include everything from immigration and workforce integration to connectivity and taxation policies, especially regarding the climate impact on rural communities. One stakeholder summed it up well, saying, “We need a new approach to economic development in Canada.”

Since the launch of the Rural Prosperity Group, we have witnessed the resilience and ingenuity of rural communities. With great uncertainty on the North American trade front, that resilience will again be tested.

Our mission is to highlight the critical importance of rural Canada and the rural way of life to our country’s economic growth and prosperity. We are doing this by:

Bringing together diverse voices to deepen ties and foster dialogue on the unique considerations for rural communities. Our reach currently spans Canadians living in rural Canada and public policy stakeholders at urban and rural boardroom tables. We are meeting Canadians where they are, whether that’s at a Royal Canadian Legion on Fogo Island, Nfld., at a Cercle des fermières in Québec, at a dairy farm in Steinbach, Man., or at a small business in downtown Vancouver, as well as online.
Sharing rural Canadian stories and successes and promoting your initiatives through diverse and effective communication channels.
Asking for commitments that ensure no future regulations or policy initiatives that harm rural Canada, even inadvertently, will be implemented, and that any existing policies and regulations be urgently reviewed through a rural lens, so that they truly support the rural way of life and create real opportunities.

Currently we are focused on reaching out, through our lobbyist, to political parties and transition teams, ahead of the upcoming election to raise awareness about the need to include a focus on rural in their platforms. With Finance Canada Budget 2025 consultations underway, we’re also finalizing a submission and will engage further.

In the coming weeks, you’ll also see more from Rural Prosperity Group as we implement a digital campaign to hear from Canadians and meet them where they are online. Expect our evolved communication to reflect a natural shift post-diagnostique phase of focusing on challenges and gaps, to an equal amount of shedding light on the promise of rural Canada. We will engage Canadians on those opportunities, including sharing the input received to date.

Additionally, as things unfold, and keeping in mind the intricacies of our North American markets, we remain vigilant about any engagement outside Canada. We welcome any thoughts on this at any time: info@ruralprosperity.ca.

This Rural Roundup will keep you and all stakeholders informed of our activities and highlight rural communities' needs and contributions. We would love to hear from you so that we can share your story and the stories of your neighbours. Please send your ideas to us.

You are central to these efforts and we look forward to collaborating!

**Honorary vice-chair Dennis Dawson pictured with honorary chair Candice Bergen at the NAC just after launching the Rural Prosperity Group.**

Honorary chair meets with stakeholders

The Hon. Candice Bergen, honorary chair of the Rural Prosperity Group, met with agriculture stakeholders in Ottawa last month to outline the group’s work and promote rural Canada, which she said is “the jewel of our nation.”

She celebrated the dairy sector’s leadership on rural prosperity, innovation and job creation, and discussed the need to both protect the “rural way of life” and educate urban Canadians about the value rural prosperity brings to not only their own lives but the success of organizations as well.

Separately, in a widely-attended Forest Products Association of Canada event in the fall, Bergen was awarded the Jim Carr Forest Community Champion Award for her commitment to Canada's natural resources and rural way of life over the course of her career.

“It was a privilege to work for Canadians from coast to coast and see the important work they were doing to help make our country a better place. This was especially true in our rural and remote communities, where our forestry sector is often the key driver of economic growth,” she said.

During a panel discussion that she moderated at the same event, Bergen said, “There's a real lack of services that has a direct effect on rural Canadians and how we can operate our businesses and grow.”

She and honorary vice-chair Dennis Dawson are committed to bringing urgency to the issues through public communication.

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Primer on way forward on looming U.S. tariffs: ‘Quite simply, bad business’

As of Monday morning, Donald Trump's tariff plans remain unpredictable.

An executive order issued today lays the groundwork to remove the rule that allows certain low-value shipments from Canada to enter the U.S. without paying tariffs.

On March 4, he has threatened a 25 per cent tariff on most Canadian goods, though delays are possible, and experts expect either another postponement or a smaller tariff.

On March 12, a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminum is likely, impacting Canada significantly. The scope remains unclear, and enforcement could extend to car parts and construction materials. A delay is also possible.

By April 1, the U.S. will review trade measures, potentially leading to global minimum tariffs or targeted retaliatory tariffs against certain countries, including Canada.

On April 2, Trump has threatened 25 per cent tariffs on auto, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, and possibly lumber imports, which could harm Canada’s economy.

Later in spring 2025, Trump may use these tariffs as leverage to renegotiate CUSMA, demanding more access to Canada’s dairy market, changes to digital trade policies, and auto trade restrictions. If Canada resists, Trump could threaten to withdraw from the agreement.

The U.S. has justified these measures as necessary to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged to implement “dollar-for-dollar, matching tariffs” on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods if the U.S. tariffs proceed. The initial phase imposes 25 per cent tariffs on $30 billion of American imports, with plans to extend these tariffs to the remaining $125 billion within three weeks. This stance reflects Canada's commitment to defending its economic interests amid the escalating trade dispute.

While many others are, the rural agricultural sector is particularly vulnerable. Canadian farmers export approximately 60 per cent of their products to the U.S., and industry leaders are concerned about the potential impact of tariffs on cash flow and profitability.

Chris Davison, president of the Canola Council of Canada, noted that farmers are likely to be affected across all aspects of their operations. “Certainly, farmers will unfortunately feel the impact,” he said. “We anticipate it will touch virtually all facets of their operations.”

Additionally, U.S. refiners are exploring alternatives to Canadian oil in anticipation of the tariffs, which could disrupt existing supply chains and impact operations.

The potential for a full-scale trade war looms, with significant implications for industries and consumers in both countries. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to resolve the disputes and prevent even further escalation, however, the last thing our rural innovators need is continued uncertainty.

Keith Currie, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, says the tariffs will have negative consequences on both sides of the border. “Our agriculture sectors rely on each other, not just to sell products to one another but also to provide essential inputs to grow food such as fertilizer.”

Our competitors around the world are the only winners in a trade dispute between Canada and the U.S., Currie said, adding, “Tariffs are quite simply, bad business.”

In a joint-statement, the Canadian Cattle Association and the National Cattle Feeders' Association said the beef industry would seek an exemption from the blanket tariffs, and will be advocating for relief support for impacted producers.

Rural Canada is the backbone of our economy. It includes workers in the following industries:

Innovative sectors
Agriculture
Forestry
Natural resources
Telecommunications
Vital infrastructure and supply chains
Technology (delivering healthcare to rural and remote communities) and more!

Rural Canada is a key creator of wealth and opportunity for the entire country and its industries are major drivers of exports to the U.S. Any increase in tariffs or trade restrictions would almost certainly result in reduced market access, lower prices for Canadian products and job losses in rural industries. This will directly impact farm incomes, disrupt supply chains and hurt small businesses that rely on exports to sustain their operations.

POV: Forest group head champions made-in-Canada essentials

By Derek Nighbor
President and CEO, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC)

While being immediately felt in rural and northern Canada, the current U.S. tariff threat facing Canada’s forest sector has serious implications for the rest of the country. It’s a wake-up call to urgently improve competitiveness and infrastructure, and to diversify export markets — in tandem with our efforts in this new world to evolve our shared economic and security partnership with our American neighbours.

Forestry has long been a cornerstone of the Canadian and North American economies. But it’s not the $87 billion-plus in revenue it generates annually that tells the story. Forestry’s economic, environmental and social benefits come from the more than 200,000 Canadians directly employed in the sector, living and working in hundreds of communities across the country.

In these uncertain times, it would serve us to remember the lessons we learned during the pandemic about the importance of domestic supply chains and the need to ensure we can provide essential products to all Canadians. We must prioritize growing our natural resource industries sustainably, so we are not depending on other countries for basic goods and supplies — and we can reliably generate economic wealth for Canadian families.

Canada’s forestry communities are on the front line providing innovative “made-in-Canada” essentials that can address our most basic needs, including affordable housing, biofuel, paper packaging, diapers and other hygiene products. It’s high time that we recognize these workers and the contributions they make to the rest of Canada by ensuring we have a clear national economic plan that reflects their unique local conditions.

Today, and throughout our history, forestry forms a backbone for Canada by keeping hundreds of communities alive and leading the world. Rural Canadians deserve a clear economic growth plan that can make a positive difference in the lives of the people who call these communities home.

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If you have a policy issue that requires a comprehensive deep dive, we would love to hear about it and showcase it to our broader communication audience. Reach out today to partner with us through content contributions or advertising in The Rural Roundup and more. Email us at info@ruralprosperity.ca to set up a time to chat.

Stability in #cdnpoli even more sorely needed today

This has been a tumultuous number of months for Canadian federal politics and the ground continues to shift rapidly. Former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor Mark Carney has taken the lead in the race to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as Liberal Party leader, following Trudeau's resignation announcement earlier this year. Some would say Carney’s decision to enter the race has revived the outlook for the Liberals in the upcoming election, which could be announced as early as March.

Polls now show that the Liberals, who only weeks ago looked like no-hopers to retain power, have narrowed the once-massive gap with the Conservative Party of Canada to a thin single-digit advantage. Most observers believe this might not have happened without the sense of urgency created by U.S. President Donald Trump and his tariff plan — not to mention his casual comments about annexing Canada — however the picture in Canadian federal politics has changed completely, though it certainly remains chaotic.

As you know, Parliament is prorogued, with lawmakers not due to return until March 24 and as such the state of our government’s finances is in suspended animation. Lawmakers have been deprived of an opportunity to debate the government’s fiscal update which showed a $62 billion federal deficit. Leaders of all political parties, including Pierre Poilievre, are quickly recalibrating messages and platforms to respond to the hardball tactics coming out of Washington.

“Canada’s next Prime Minister must hit the ground running and be laser-focused on strengthening the Canada-U.S. trade relationship,” Canadian Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Candace Laing has said. “Any business owner knows the dangers of staying in the red year after year. Any homeowner knows that mortgages shouldn’t get bigger over time. The lack of fiscal accountability … combined with a government in total disarray, creates profound instability for Canadian businesses and families at a time when we need the opposite.”

For rural Canadians, there were several areas touched on in the FES that still need to be clarified. Prior to proroguing parliament, the Liberals promised to invest in the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, expand the Canada Carbon Rebate rural top-up, prioritize a new Community Banking Initiative and support the conversion of the Belledune Generating Station to biomass.

These demonstrate a clear recognition of the challenges faced by communities across Canada. The deficit will have a detrimental effect on rural Canada, particularly now that tensions with the U.S. may require a significant shift in how Canadian policymakers prioritize spending, for instance, toward meeting NATO targets or supporting workers whose jobs have been affected by any trade war.

“Canada’s business community remains extremely worried about the government’s lack of a robust plan to tackle the expanding deficit and revive economic prosperity,” said Laing. “From manufacturers to farmers, a strained relationship with the U.S. will be felt across every sector.”

A former senior trade official said the timing of the tariff threat is “very unfortunate” for Canada as our own political landscape is unstable. “We're really not in the kind of position we would like to be in terms of having a clear, coherent strategy going forward, given all that uncertainty,” the official said at a recent conference. “All of these issues, whether it's the issues at the border, trade, deficit concerns, unfair trade practices, all of this is eventually going to turn into some kind of negotiation, and then it's a question of how we can best deal with that.”

The official emphasized the need to have a plan rather than starting off too early by making concessions. “Others have said we may need to make certain obligations with respect to our resources,” he said. “And I'm sure you've heard, as I have, as some have said, we need to put dairy on the table. I think that is completely misreading the situation with the U.S. It was very clear from the negotiation we had with the last Trump administration that resulted in the CUSMA that if you offer the U.S. concessions too early, they're not going to have much value at all. The U.S. is simply going to accept them.”

It is now vital that the government demonstrates the stability and commitment required to deliver tangible results for all Canadians.

**Liberal Party leadership candidates Karina Gould, Frank Baylis, Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney, pictured in Montreal at the English debate on Feb. 25.**

Liberal leadership candidates give shout-out to rural Canada

Two Liberal leadership candidates raised the importance of rural Canada during the English debate on Feb. 25 in Montreal and another did so during their campaign launch.

In response to a question about productivity in the face of tariff threats from the U.S., Chrystia Freeland noted that rural Canada is a key piece of the puzzle.

“I do want to talk about a part of the economy where there have been huge leaps in productivity, which is central to Canada's resilience and economic strength, particularly as we face up to Donald Trump, and that is rural Canada,” she said. Having herself grown up on a farm in Alberta, she said she knows how farmers “are an important source of strength when it comes to this standoff with the U.S.”

Karina Gould said she supports rural Canada’s economies and as prime minister would revive Bill C-282 to protect supply management. “It was a piece of legislation that unfortunately died when we prorogued parliament, but I think it is imperative that we protect our supply-managed sectors,” she said. “One of the frustrations that [audience member] Roland had with us as a government is that we haven't spoken enough about sectors in rural Canada, whether that is mining, whether that is energy, whether that is agriculture, whether that is forestry.”

At Freeland’s campaign launch in Toronto, Liberal Quebec MP and caucus chair Stéphane Lauzon remarked that he’s worked with Freeland over the last nine years and knows she’s engaged with all Canadians “in big cities and small towns and rural regions.”

“We know rural regions are the heart of our economy and our identity,” he said, adding that Freeland understands that all regions in Canada need to be supported.

When she took the stage, Freeland spoke about growing up in rural Alberta. “While Toronto is now my home, I was born in Peace River, Alta., a place in the rural part of our country that Stéphane Lauzon spoke about so movingly. My dad's a farmer and a small-town lawyer and my mother was a Ukrainian immigrant who arrived here with her family as a child,” she said, noting she owes a lot to her parents’ hard work.

At his launch in Edmonton, Mark Carney spoke about some of the issues facing Canadians, including in rural Canada. “Our times are anything but ordinary. The system is not working as it should and it's not working as it could,” he said, adding many Canadians are falling behind, unable to find family doctors or afford their home. “We're living through the two biggest technological revolutions since they split the atom. Our climate is changing in ways that threaten livelihoods from Fort Mac to Fort Smith.”

Many hurdles, but rural and small-town businesses remain optimistic according to StatsCan survey

Businesses in Canada’s rural and small-town (RST) areas faced a complex economic landscape in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to a new analysis based on the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions. Key challenges included rising input costs, labour shortages and increasing debt burdens, which also impacted functional urban areas. Despite these hurdles, a majority of businesses expressed optimism about their 12-month prospects.

Report highlights divergence between rural and northern areas

The State of Rural Canada 2024 report by the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation highlights challenges and opportunities in rural, remote and northern communities. While some areas face population decline, others are growing through immigration and returning residents. Traditional industries are evolving, and new sectors like renewable energy and technology offer growth potential.

Rural areas face climate risks, aging infrastructure and limited services, but northern communities show resilience, according to the report, which pointed to partnerships with Indigenous communities, digital innovation, sustainable economies and local food systems. It calls for a National Rural Strategy, climate-resilient infrastructure, better healthcare and Indigenous-led initiatives to build a stronger, more prosperous rural Canada.

Despite challenges, there are opportunities to leverage digital technologies, create sustainable economic models and strengthen local food systems, the report says.

Immigration cuts mean rural communities will age faster

Canada's Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027, released in October 2024, forecasts a 0.2 per cent population decline in 2025 and 2026, followed by a return to 0.8 per cent growth in 2027. During this period, the population aged 65 and older is expected to increase by nearly three per cent annually.

The working-age population (ages 15-64) could shrink by over 450,000 between late 2024 and late 2026, the report said. In contrast, international immigration and non-permanent residents in this age group grew by more than one million in 2024 — about the size of the entire population of Nova Scotia.

Rural communities are aging faster than urban areas, as they lack the influx of new residents from immigration.

“The odds of immigrants moving into rural Canada have actually decreased over time rather than increased,” said Lindsay Finlay, a PhD candidate in sociology at Western University and the lead author of The Places We'll Go: Rural Migration in Canada. “It's the kind of things like a lack of transportation, a lack of employment, academic opportunities. There's also the risk of potential discrimination in these areas.”

Exploring ways to attract more immigrants, invest in workforce training and leverage technology to mitigate labour shortages and sustain economic growth need to be priorities.

Fitbits for cows? How technology can propel rural economies

Karen is a dairy farmer who uses cutting-edge technology, which she likens to a “Fitbit for cows,” to monitor their health and productivity. This technology allows her to track each cow’s activity, food intake and milk production, helping her make informed, data-driven decisions.

“I can honestly say I probably know more about my individual cows than my kids on some days,” she joked. “We track all the components in their milk, their feed intake. And we’re evaluating the data, asking are we doing the best job possible? Is there anything that stands out that we can tweak to make it that much better for the cows?”

A mother of four, she and her husband now run their 400-cow operation supported by eight employees. She fosters a compassionate workplace and takes pride in producing high-quality, nutritious food. “It’s amazing what is actually happening on dairy farms, using data-driven decisions and making the best animal care choices,” she said.

CGI’s AI innovations save lives in rural, remote communities

The inaugural podcast episode of I4 Insights explores how cutting-edge technology is transforming healthcare, particularly for rural and remote communities.

Joy Ardz from CGI highlighted an innovative project originally designed for astronauts that has direct applications for underserved populations: “We developed a smart container that had the ability to check in, guide the patient through this whole interactive experience of self-testing, telemedicine, medical education, and treatment.”

This technology could revolutionize healthcare access in isolated regions, including Indigenous communities.

Andrew Doner, CGI’s VP of AI and Analytics, discussed AI’s role in diagnostics and efficiency, citing a collaboration with Helsinki University that uses AI to detect brain hemorrhages days or weeks before they become critical: “By having the AI solution complement the experts, we’re now able to diagnose and begin to treat those issues in advance.”

Joshua McCutcheon, a senior program consultant from Alberta Health Services asked: “I'm curious, what does this mean for Alberta? What are the next steps and how could we bring some of this work to start affecting our rural communities or individuals who are looking to access their information in a more meaningful way to them.”

Ardz highlighted the need for a human-centred, design-thinking approach in Alberta’s healthcare policy. She compared healthcare data flow to an angiogram, explaining that blockages in patient information and access can be just as harmful as physical health conditions.

Doner reinforced the urgency of adopting AI responsibly to handle growing healthcare demands, stating, “It’s time to be bold, be brave, be courageous and get after it with a bias to action.”

The episode also covered CGI’s work with Indigenous communities, using AI-powered risk assessments for fire safety and virtual assistants to improve healthcare accessibility. These initiatives demonstrate how technology can bridge gaps in rural healthcare, streamline operations, and improve patient outcomes. “These kinds of technologies allow us to bring world-class expertise into communities that otherwise wouldn’t have access,” Doner said.

Listen to the full podcast here.