Rural Secretariat

The Rural Secretariat is a focal point for the Government of Canada to work in partnership with Canadians in rural and remote areas to build strong, dynamic communities. Located in Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, it provides leadership and coordination for the Canadian Rural Partnership; facilitates liaison and creation of partnerships around rural issues and priorities; and promotes dialogue between rural stakeholders and the federal government.

Key activities of the Rural Secretariat include:

• seeks input of rural Canadians through the Rural Dialogue so the federal government can better understand and respond to local and regional issues;
• conducts an Information Outreach program to promote awareness of federal programs and services for rural Canadians;
• promotes use of the "Rural Lens" to ensure that rural concerns are considered throughout the federal government;
• conducts and supports research and analysis of economic and social issues affecting rural Canada;
• coordinates a partnership approach on rural issues across the federal government, through the provincial and territorial Rural Teams;
• provides one-stop access to information of particular interest to rural Canadians through the Canadian Rural Information Service.

The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is responsible for the Rural Secretariat.