Help Shape Canada's Rural Development Action Plan

Official title: Rural Development Action Plan - Consultation

Closed Policy & Studies Economy & Jobs Housing & Communities
The federal government wants to hear from rural Canadians about what's working and what isn't. They're building an action plan to make sure federal programs actually fit rural realities. Your input—whether from lived experience, local knowledge, or professional expertise—will shape policies affecting rural communities for years to come.

Why This Matters

Live in a small town? Run a farm or rural business? This is your chance to tell Ottawa what federal programs miss about rural life. Whether it's spotty internet, lack of healthcare access, or programs designed for cities, your voice can push for real changes. Rural Canada feeds, powers, and builds the country—but often gets overlooked in policy decisions.

What Could Change

Federal programs could be redesigned to better fit rural needs—think more flexible funding rules, better broadband commitments, or healthcare delivery that works for remote areas. New tools may be created to ensure rural perspectives are considered before policies are finalized. Success metrics could shift to measure what actually matters to rural communities.

Key Issues

  • How can federal programs be improved to address the unique challenges of rural communities?
  • Which existing federal, provincial, or regional programs have actually worked for rural development?
  • What policy changes would make the biggest difference for long-term rural sustainability?
  • How should the government measure success of rural initiatives?

How to Participate

  1. Complete the Rural Development Action Plan online questionnaire to share your views on rural priorities.
  2. Prefer email or mail? Send your feedback to rural@ised-isde.gc.ca or mail it to the Rural Team at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 235 Queen Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H5.