News Release

The Government of Canada Renews Its Commitment to Rural Canada

Saint-Ambroise, Quebec, May 29, 2009 - The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture), renewed the Government of Canada's commitment to rural citizens today. Canada's Rural Partnership (CRP) will be continued through March 2013. The $45.6 million investment over four years will allow the Rural Secretariat to work with rural citizens and their communities to overcome challenges and make the most of their opportunities created by the land.

"The next four years of Canada's Rural Partnership is about results for rural Canadians," said Minister Blackburn. "Communities across Canada, like our forestry, mining, farming, fishing, agricultural and manufacturing communities, have been the foundation of our economy for generations - and we cannot thrive without them."

Canada's Rural Partnership will focus on enhancing the competitiveness of rural regions, fostering the transformation of local ideas and untapped assets into sustainable economic activities, and facilitating the development of new economic opportunities from existing natural and cultural amenities.

The Government of Canada's Rural Secretariat will work in partnership with non-governmental organizations in an effort to find creative ways to supply the critical services that rural communities need to prosper.

The new direction is the next step based on the lessons learned over the first ten years of the CRP.  Having worked with rural citizens building knowledge and tools for rural development, the Rural Secretariat is transitioning to a more active services approach designed to achieve more results for rural communities.

"Resource-dependent communities are struggling in the face of a reduced demand for natural resources and declining prices because of the restructuring of resource industries. In view of this, I am pleased to announce that, included with the renewal of the CRP, there is a new program that will lighten the painful adjustments made in communities across Canada", said Minister Blackburn. "The Community Development Program, Building Rural and Northern Partnerships is a tool that will assist communities - especially those that are resource-dependent - in activities that will make a difference in rural communities."

For more information, consult Canada's Rural Partnership and the Community Development Program.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-759-7972
1-866-345-7972

Sophie Doucet
Press Secretary
The Office of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
Office: 613-947-7298
Cell: 613-608-3252