News Release

OECD Annual Rural Development Conference

A Promising Future for Rural

Quebec City, October 15, 2009 – Close to 300 experts from around the world gathered in Quebec City to take part in the seventh annual Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) conference on Rural Development. This conference gave participants from approximately 30 countries the opportunity to share their respective findings and experiences in order to bring forward new ideas for sustainable rural development. Bringing their distinct identities and cultures, these experts came to Quebec City to map out a better future for rural regions around the world.

Mobilisation and Innovation

"This conference offers us the unique opportunity to discuss rural issues and share our experiences and know-how. Although we face different realities from one country to another, it is clear to me now that we can all learn a great deal from each other in elaborating policies suited to the needs of rural citizens," claimed the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture). "The Government of Canada reinforces its commitment to playing an active role in the OECD rural file and will pursue the dialogue that was started this week."

"In order to sustain rural development, we need to mobilise populations, make way for their innovative spirit, and create new local, private and public businesses, not only in the agri-food industry, but also in the tourism, forestry and energy sectors. In a sustainable development perspective, we need to use our land in the most dynamic, efficient and ecoresponsible ways, added the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy, Mr. Laurent Lessard."

More than ever, rural development appeals to the ingenuity and sharing of regions and countries which invest in the future of their rural regions. In that regard, the province of Quebec distinguishes itself with their National Policy on Rurality, which takes all aspects of rural development into consideration. The OECD is currently examining this policy in the Canadian context, which will be made public at the beginning of 2010.

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For information:

Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy
Sylvain Bourassa
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy
418-691-2050

Caroline St-Pierre
Head of Press Relations
Communication Services Branch
Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy
418-691-2015, extension 3746

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Sophie Doucet
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
613-947-7298
Mobile: 613-608-3252

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972