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.
Famous quotes containing the word rural:
“Our rural village life was a purifying, uplifting influence that fortified us against the later impacts of urbanization; Church and State, because they were separated and friendly, had spiritual and ethical standards that were mutually enriching; freedom and discipline, individualism and collectivity, nature and nurture in their interaction promised an ever stronger democracy. I have no illusions that those simpler, happier days can be resurrected.”
—Agnes E. Meyer (1887–1970)