Canadian Rural Partnership
Enhancing collaboration – A report on the Government of Canada’s rural initiatives
2003-2004
Viable and sustainable rural communities are important to the vitality and prosperity of all of
Canada and the federal government is committed to the economic and social renewal of rural
Canada in order to increase its vitality and prosperity. Through citizen engagement, partnerships
and horizontal coordination, the Government of Canada has improved access to opportunities for
citizens in rural, remote and northern Canada, helping them to benefit from and contribute to the
economic and social well-being of Canada.
The Rural Secretariat has a mandate to develop, coordinate, and implement a national, cross-government approach to better understand the issues and concerns of rural communities. This is
accomplished through the Canadian Rural Partnership (CRP) which is the key policy framework
supporting federal rural policy efforts. The Rural Secretariat works collaboratively with 32
federal departments and agencies to assist them in developing policies, programs and services
that reflect the unique challenges faced by rural Canadians.
A summary of the work of the Canadian Rural Partnership is posted on the Treasury Board
Secretariat's Horizontal Results Web site at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rma/eppi-ibdrp/hrdb-rhbd/profil_e.asp
A summary of results are included in the Departmental Performance Report 2003-2004
Agriculture and Agri-Food which is posted on the Treasury Board Secretariat Web site:
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rma/dpr/03-04/AAFC-AAC/AAFC-AACd34_e.asp
The information below outlines the initiatives by federal departments and agencies that
contribute to the economic and social well-being of rural Canada. To some extent, these
initiatives reflect the results of the Rural Secretariat's work in bringing a rural perspective to the
development and delivery of federal policies, programs and services.
FEDERAL PARTNERS
AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD CANADA
http://www.agr.gc.ca
Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development (CARD):
The CARD fund is designed to help stimulate progressive change in Canada's agriculture and
agri-food sector and rural communities across Canada by capturing new market opportunities
and becoming more competitive. CARD focuses on six adaptation priorities including:
research/innovation; human resource capacity-building; environmental sustainability; food
safety and quality; capturing market opportunities; and rural development.
Note: In 2004-05 the funding previously available under the CARD Program is available under
the Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food (ACAAF) Program,
http://www.agr.gc.ca/acaaf/index_e.html
Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) Program: http://www.agr.gc.ca/caisprogram/main.html
The CAIS program integrates stabilization and disaster protection into a single program, helping
producers protect their farming operations from both small and large drops in income. The CAIS
program is a whole-farm program available to eligible farmers regardless of the commodities
they produce.
Crop Insurance: http://www.agr.gc.ca/progser/ci_e.phtml
Crop Insurance provides risk protection for farm production by minimizing the economic effects
of crop losses caused by natural hazards. As well, complementary companion programs such as
the Net Income Stabilization Account and the Canadian Farm Income program also provide risk
protection for farmers or help industry development and research.
ATLANTIC CANADA OPPORTUNITIES AGENCY (ACOA) http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/index.shtml
Cod Fishery Action Plan: http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/whatsnew/measures1.shtml
Further to the closure of cod stocks in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and along the northeast coast of
Newfoundland, the Government of Canada developed an action plan that will help create
alternative employment opportunities, and expand scientific research into the decline of the cod
stocks.
The Argentia Management Authority (AMA): http://www.argentia.nf.ca/ama.html http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/about/programs.shtml
AMA is a not-for-profit organization established in 1994 to mitigate the economic impact of the
U.S. naval facility closure at Argentia, Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Board of the AMA continues to manage a fund established by the federal government. The
AMA's marketing efforts have attracted several new businesses to the area.
Interdepartmental Partnership with Official Languages Communities (IPOLC): http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/library/reports/action0204/ns.shtml
In 2001, ACOA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Canadian
Heritage under the IPOLC, a five-year initiative designed to further the development of
official-language minority communities in Canada.
Softwood Industry and Community Economic Adjustment Initiative (SICEAI): http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/about/profile.shtml
SICEAI is designed to address the adjustment and transition needs of forest-dependent
communities across Canada. ACOA delivers and implements the initiative in Atlantic Canada.
Strategic Community Investment Fund: http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/financial/scif.shtml
The Strategic Community Investment Fund supports strategic initiatives that respond to the
economic development needs of Atlantic Canada and help communities strengthen their
economic base. The primary focus of this initiative will be projects in rural areas.
Cost-shared position between ACOA and the Rural Secretariat:
All costs related to a Rural Policy and Program Coordination Officer position are cost-shared on
a 50-50% basis in each Atlantic province to promote the Canadian Rural Partnership initiative.
Championing the Canadian Rural Partnership in Atlantic Canada:
ACOA chairs the four Rural Teams (horizontal teams) in Atlantic Canada and participates on the
Interdepartmental Working Group in Ottawa.
Collaboration on Rural Research:
ACOA collaborated with the Rural Secretariat and other federal departments on research to
develop a GIS database and report outlining the impact of wharves and government support in
Nova Scotia. The paper titled "Between the Land and Sea Report" is available at
www.coastalcommunities.ns.ca.
Regional Economic Development Organizations (REDO): http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/about/building/section1.shtml
Covering both rural and urban areas, REDOs develop community capacity to address local needs
through strategic planning; partnering with municipalities, provinces, and community groups;
and delivering community projects.
Community Futures Program: http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/about/building/section5.shtml
The Community Futures Program is a national program that provides funding to over 300
community development organizations across Canada. In Atlantic Canada, these organizations
are now known collectively as the Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs), a
network of 41 autonomous, not-for-profit organizations that work with all levels of government
and the private sector to meet the needs of small business. For further information on the
programs and services provided by the CBDCs, see Community Business Development
Corporations.
Aboriginal Business Development Fund (ABDF): http://www.cbsc.org/english/search/display.cfm?code=3061&Coll=FE_FEDSBIS_E
ACOA contributed $6,000,000 to the Aboriginal Business Development Fund, and $450,000 for
annual operations. The ABDF provides access to capital for small and medium Aboriginal
enterprises.
Seed Capital ConneXion Program for Young Entrepreneurs: http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/library/reports/seed.shtml
The Seed Capital ConneXion Program for Young Entrepreneurs provides training and
counselling to young entrepreneurs across the Atlantic provinces.
Women's Business Initiative: http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/ business/entrepreneurship/wbi/wbi.shtml
This initiative assists women across the Atlantic provinces in starting or expanding their own
businesses.
CANADA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR QUEBEC REGIONS (CED): http://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/asp/ProgrammesServices/PDC.asp?LANG=EN#CFDC
The CFDCs promote community economic development by organizing events, fostering co-operation and creating sustainable jobs and businesses. Funded by the federal government, the
corporations are run by independent boards of directors made up of community, local industry
and interest group representatives. The CFDCs' mandate is twofold: provide services for the
community and services for businesses. The CFDCs have several community development tools:
An investment fund; Youth Strategy Initiative; and Public Internet Access Centres.
Rural Enterprises initiative:
The main objective of this initiative is to support economic activities in
rural communities by capitalizing on local material and human resources. The
initiative is delivered on the ground through CFDC and will focus primarily on:
- Identifying and developing new ways of promoting the natural and human
resources of rural communities by focusing primarily on the development of
technological and niche products and services.
- Encouraging rural development and supporting rural areas in their efforts
to attract technology-based businesses associated with urban areas by
fostering innovation.
- Encouraging the introduction of economic activities related to the new
knowledge-based economy.
CO-OPERATIVE SECRETARIAT: http://www.agr.gc.ca/policy/coop/home_e.phtml
The Secretariat helps people develop co-ops, and to research and test innovative ways of using
the co-operative model. CDI will make the co-op option more readily available to Canadians, to
respond to their present-day challenges.
CDI has two main components:
- Advisory Services, to provide expert assistance to groups who want to start new co-ops, or
who need help to manage existing ones. This component is managed jointly by the
Canadian Co-operative Association and the Conseil Canadien de la Coopération.
- Innovation and Research projects, to study and demonstrate how co-ops can be used
successfully in new ways. This component is managed by the federal Co-operatives
Secretariat.
ENVIRONMENT CANADA http://www.ec.gc.ca/
EcoAction Community Funding Program: www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction/what_is_e.html
EcoAction provides financial support to non-profit, non-governmental organizations for
community projects that protect or improve the environment and/or improve the capacity of
Canadians to take action on environmental issues. Projects must address one or more of the
following environmental priorities: climate change/clean air; clean water and nature. Resources
are allocated to projects in both urban and rural areas.
Northern Ecosystem Initiative (NEI): http://www.pnr-rpn.ec.gc.ca/nature/ecosystems/nei-ien/dh00s00.en.html
The NEI addresses ecosystem and community priorities across the Canadian North from the
Yukon to Labrador and including portions of northern Ontario and Quebec. The goal is to support
partnership-based activities that enhance the health and sustainability of communities and
ecosystems.
EC's Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP): http://atlantic-web1.ns.ec.gc.ca/community/acap/
ACAP is a unique community-based program initiated by Environment Canada in 1991 to help
Atlantic Canadians restore and sustain watersheds and adjacent coastal areas. ACAP recognizes
that local organizations are the most effective champions to achieve sustainability in their
communities.
FEDERAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE IN NORTHERN ONTARIO
(FEDNOR) http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/engdoc/main.html
FedNor is an initiative of the Government of Canada aiming to address the economic
development needs of Northern Ontario. Working with numerous partners, and through its
programs and services, FedNor helps fund community projects as well as other initiatives
designed to improve the economic and social well-being of the North as a whole.
Applied Research and Development Program: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/engdoc/main.html
FedNor is committed to supporting technological innovation, research and development, and the
commercialization of new products and processes in Northern Ontario. By working with various
community stakeholders FedNor will identify significant opportunities that will link traditional
resource industries to a more knowledge-based product and service development. FedNor is
providing additional support for early stage research and development and for pre-commercial
product development.
Community Recovery Initiative: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/engdoc/main.html
This initiative is designed to provide special assistance to Northern Ontario communities that
have been adversely affected by sudden or severe downturns in their local economy. This funding
will support the development and implementation of recovery strategies. Eligible activities may
include support for development and implementation of recovery strategies including economic
analysis, strategic planning, feasibility studies, and other activities deemed necessary to assist in
the recovery process.
Northern Ontario Economic Development Fund (NOEDF) - Capital Projects: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/infednor-fednor.nsf/en/fn00928e.html
FedNor's NOEDF is intended to strengthen Northern Ontario communities by supporting projects
that address local needs and priorities and result in long term benefits including job creation,
economic diversification, and enhanced business competitiveness. Activities must demonstrate
significant direct or indirect impact on the enhancement of local business; demonstrate evidence
of support from the private sector, community organizations, municipalities, and/or the provincial
government; and must be a key component to the successful implementation of a community's
overall strategic economic development plan.
Ontario Community Futures Program: http://www.ontcfdc.com
The Ontario Community Futures Program supports community economic development by
assisting Northern Ontario and rural communities to develop and diversify their economies
through the development and implementation of strategic community economic development
plans with other partners.
Softwood Industry and Community Economic Adjustment Initiative (SICEAI): http://www.ic.gc.ca/cmb/welcomeic.nsf/0/85256a220056c2a485256c94004dad36?OpenDocument
SICEAI provides adjustment assistance to eligible communities affected by the imposition of
tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber exports to the U.S. Support will be made to projects in
forestry-dependent communities which are experiencing long-term employment declines linked
to tariffs imposed on Canadian softwood lumber. This funding will be targeted at several broadly-defined areas of eligibility including: Innovative and value added forestry initiatives; community
capacity building; diversifying local economies; and infrastructure that encourages economic
growth.
FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/home-accueil_e.htm
Oceans Act Programs and Canada's Oceans Strategy implementation: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/canwaters-eauxcan/oceans/index_e.asp
In January 1997, Canada enacted a law, the Oceans Act, that established a new and innovative
approach to manage its oceans in the 21st century. Canada's Ocean Strategy was released on
July 12, 2002 and Fisheries and Oceans Canada has an important role to play in its
implementation. The Oceans Strategy will provide policy direction, assist in building
partnerships, and pursue a number of key activities, which include:
- integrating science and traditional ecological knowledge to increase our understanding of marine
ecosystems;
- reducing marine pollution;
- developing a strategy for a national network of Marine Protected Areas;
- using Integrated Management to resolve conflicts and manage human activities in ocean areas
where multiple interests are involved;
- promoting stewardship and public awareness; and
- promoting international collaboration to protect globally shared fisheries and ocean resources.
HUMAN RESOURCES AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CANADA (HRSDC) http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/
Office of Learning Technologies (OLT) Community Learning Networks (CLN) Initiative: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/hip/lld/olt/01_index.shtml
OLT supports pilot projects that demonstrate innovative and sustainable uses of existing network
technologies to enhance learning and skills development opportunities in Canadian communities.
These approaches help individuals to prepare for and keep employment and to participate in a
culture of lifelong learning. As of March 2004, there were 113 Community Learning Networks
(CLNs) in place in communities across Canada of which 38% involve people living in northern,
rural and other non-metropolitan areas.
INDIAN AND NORTHERN AFFAIRS CANADA http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca
Community Economic Development Program (CEDP): http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/ecd/ps/cedp_e.html
The CEDP is designed to provide long-term employment and business development opportunities
to First Nations and Inuit by giving them the means to effectively manage skill development
programs, economic institutions and business enterprises. This is achieved by forging
partnerships among Aboriginal peoples, various levels of government and the private sector.
INDUSTRY CANADA- ABORIGINAL BUSINESS CANADA
Aboriginal Business Development Program: http://www.abc-eac.ic.gc.ca
- Aboriginal Business Development
To increase the number of viable businesses in Canada that are owned and controlled by
Aboriginal Canadians, improve access to business opportunities, increase self-reliance
and provide a supportive business environment for Aboriginal Canadians in all areas of
Canada.
- Aboriginal Business Capital Corporations
To establish, expand and diversify self-sustaining Aboriginal-owned and -controlled
capital corporations that provide developmental capital in Canada and that are
functionally complementary to the mainstream financial sector.
- Access to Capital
To enhance the capacity of Aboriginal financial and business development organizations
to provide financial services, business information and developmental support services.
INDUSTRY CANADA http://www.ic.gc.ca/
Broadband for Rural and Northern Development (BRAND) program: www.broadband.gc.ca
Industry Canada's BRAND Pilot Program is the first step toward achieving the Government's goal
of ensuring that all Canadian communities have access to affordable broadband services by 2005.
Industry Canada is providing funding to assist communities in developing and implementing
business plans for broadband connectivity, thereby providing an incentive for private sector
deployment. Over the next three years, the Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot
Program will help to increase the number of communities with broadband access.
Canada Business Service Centres (CBSCs): http://www.cbsc.org/english/
The Canada Business Service Centres are your gateway to government information for business.
The CBSCs provide a wide range of information on government services, programs and
regulations and are there to answer your questions about starting a new business or improving an
existing one.
Community Access Program (CAP): http://cap.ic.gc.ca/
The Community Access Program provides Canadians with affordable access to the Internet, as a
means of ensuring that Canadians benefit from the global, knowledge-based economy and the
opportunity to use its technologies, and specifically to establish universal public access sites in
urban and rural communities across Canada. CAP sites provide a stable, accessible and
supportive location for distance education, e-learning, e-teaching, searching for work, and skills
development and training.
SchoolNet: www.schoolnet.ca
SchoolNet facilitates the Internet connectivity of all schools, including First Nations schools and
libraries. By encouraging the use of the Internet in a learning environment, SchoolNet ensures
that the tremendous potential of information and communication technologies is harnessed for
the benefit of all Canadian learners, enabling them to compete effectively in the new global,
knowledge-based economy.
Infrastructure Canada Program (ICP): http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/icp/index_e.shtml?menu3
The Infrastructure Canada Program objective is to enhance infrastructure in Canada's urban and
rural communities and to improve quality of life through investments that protect the
environment and support long-term community and economic growth. It will assist in the
development of long-term strategic initiatives related to infrastructure and to facilitate planning
and development of infrastructure that will produce long-term benefits. ICP is cost-shared
between federal and provincial governments and the project proponent with an equitable balance
of funding between urban and rural communities.
Canadian Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF): http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/ip-pi/csif-fcis/index_e.shtml
The Canadian Strategic Infrastructure Fund is a ten-year program that targets strategic, large-scale
projects of federal and regional importance in areas that are vital to sustaining growth and
enhancing the quality of life of Canadians. Eligible categories under the CSIF are: highway and
rail infrastructure; local transportation infrastructure; tourism or urban development
infrastructure; water or sewage infrastructure; and broadband.
Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF): http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/ip-pi/mrif-fimr/index_e.shtml
The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund provides a balanced response to local infrastructure
needs in urban and rural Canada, and will ensure that all Canadians, whether they live in large,
small or remote communities, will share in the benefits of infrastructure investments. The MRIF
will improve and increase the stock of core public infrastructure in areas such as water,
wastewater, cultural, recreation, and those very things that make our communities vibrant and
productive places to live and work and raise families.
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE http://canada.justice.gc.ca/
Family Violence Initiative (Justice Component): http://www.justice.gc.ca/en/ps/pb/familyv.html
The program is intended to promote awareness of family violence issues and the development of
resource tools related to family violence in communities across Canada, including hard to reach
communities such as rural communities.
Victims of Crime Initiative (VCI): http://www.justice.gc.ca/en/ps/pb/fsvictims.html
The victims of crime Initiative is the Department of Justice response to the needs of victims in
Canada. The Initiative works closely with the provinces and territories to improve the experience
of the victim:
- ensuring that victims of crime and their families are aware of their role in the criminal justice
system and services and assistance available to support them;
- enhancing the Department of Justice's capacity to develop policy, legislation and other initiatives
which take into consideration the perspective of victims;
- increasing the awareness of criminal justice personnel, allied professionals and the public about
the needs of victims of crime, legislative provisions designed to protect them and services
available to support them; and
- developing and disseminating information about effective approaches both within Canada and
internationally to respond to the needs of victims of crime.
Co-Championing the Canadian Rural Partnership in Alberta:
For the first part of the fiscal year 2003/2004 an employee with the National Crime Prevention
Center represented the Department of Justice as the federal co-chair of Rural Team Alberta. In
that role, he participated in a Rural Team Canada meeting in Quebec, an Edmonton town-hall
with the Deputy Premier of Alberta and the national Rural Secretariat, and presented to the
Alberta Federal Council. He co-chaired 10 RTAB meetings plus a two-day strategic planning
retreat.
NATIONAL DEFENCE http://www.forces.gc.ca/
Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program (CFAEP): http://www.recruiting.forces.ca/engraph/enrollment/index_e.aspx?id=13
CFAEP is a special recruiting program offering full-time Regular Force training and employment
opportunities to qualified Aboriginal peoples. This program offers Aboriginal candidates the
opportunity to explore all aspects of a transition to military life before making an informed
decision about joining. This program helps develop motivation, discipline, self-worth, leadership
skills, and teamwork in the participants.
Primary Reserve: http://www.recruiting.forces.ca/engraph/reserve/index_e.aspx
Reserve Force units are located in hundreds of communities across Canada, with a total strength
of about 22,000 personnel. The Reserve Force contributes among other things to community
capacity building and community development and has 300 units across Canada.
Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC): http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=551
With approximately 4,500 personnel, the CIC are responsible for the supervision, administration
and training of approx. 54,000 cadets located in approximately 1,115 corps and squadrons across
Canada.
Canadian Rangers (CR): http://www.rangers.forces.gc.ca/
CR are active community members who have a positive influence on their peers and are often
held up as role models for the youth in the community. Since 1996, Canadian Rangers have acted
as mentors and educators for more than 2,500 young people involved in the Junior Canadian
Ranger Programme. There are approximately 4500 Canadian Rangers in 164 Ranger patrols.
These patrols are organized in five Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups reflecting the geographic
makeup of Canada.
Junior Canadian Rangers (JCR): http://www.rangers.forces.gc.ca/pubs/jcr/intro_e.asp
Community support is the cornerstone of the JCR program. There are 95 Junior Canadian Ranger
Patrols in far northern and remote communities across Canada and approximately 2,700 JCR.
Participants, leaders, and resources for the program come from the area, and local practices and
customs are the focus of all training and activities. How much the program's structured activities
benefit the community is directly related to the amount of support and effort the community
invests in it.
Canadian Cadet program: http://www.cadets.ca/intro.asp
The Cadet Program is a community-based youth program that offers interesting and challenging
activities, teaches valuable life skills and provides opportunities to travel across Canada and
around the world. There are approximately 54,000 cadets spread out in 1,133 Cadet Corps and
Squadrons.
Bold Eagle Program: http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/39cbg_hq/bold_eagle.htm
BOLD EAGLE is a unique summer training and employment program that combines military
training and First Nations cultural awareness. BOLD EAGLE training fosters the development of
valuable skills: self-confidence, self-discipline, teamwork and physical fitness. For the last 14
years, Bold Eagle has contributed significantly to building and improving relations between the
Army and those communities that have participated, and has had a significant impact in the lives
of the individuals who participate.
NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/inter/index.html
Northern Resource Development Initiative: http://ess.nrcan.gc.ca/2002_2006/nrd/index_e.php
In partnership with the provincial and territorial geological surveys and other federal
departments, the Northern Resource Development Program delivers an improved, expanded
geoscience knowledge base to stimulate new private sector investment in mineral and energy
development to create additional opportunities for northerners. The program also supports
northern capacity building in terms of increased understanding of geoscience for decision-making
and increased employment opportunities provided by exploration firms.
First Nations Forestry Program: http://www.fnfp.gc.ca/english/index.shtml
The First Nations Forestry Program assists First Nations to manage their forest resources and
positions them to participate in local and regional forest development opportunities. The program
supports projects that assist sustainable forest management, knowledge and technology transfer,
work experience, forest protection, and forest-based business planning at the community level.
Approved projects receive on average between $20,000 - $30,000 in funding per year.
Sustainable Communities Initiative (SCI): http://ess.nrcan.gc.ca/2002_2006/sci/index_e.php
The Sustainable Communities Initiative builds capacity in rural, coastal, Aboriginal and northern
communities that wish to take control of their future, by providing them with modern mapping
technologies to make informed decisions for sustainable development. SCI provides this enabling
capacity by helping communities learn, implement and use Geographic Information Systems
(G.I.S.) to make decisions about their economic, environmental and social development. By using
this information to share knowledge, assess opportunities, evaluate options, and gauge tradeoffs,
remote communities can make better and faster decisions.
STATISTICS CANADA
http://www.statcan.ca/
"Rural and Small Town Canada Analysis Bulletins": http://www.statcan.ca:8096/bsolc/english/bsolc?catno=21-006-X&CHROPG=1
Twenty-nine "Rural and Small Town Canada Analysis Bulletins" are available at the Statistics
Canada website, eight of which were published in 2003-2004. Earlier bulletins documented the
rural-urban socio- economic deficit. More recent bulletins have portrayed the diversity of rural
Canada.
"Agriculture and Rural Working Papers":
Twenty-five rural-related "Agriculture and Rural Working Papers" are available at the Statistics
Canada website at www.statcan.ca/cgi-bin/downpub/listpub.cgi?catno=21-601-MIE rural-related
"Agriculture and Rural Working Papers". Three papers were published in 2003-2004. The
working papers provide a detailed analysis with more provincial details in order to benchmark the
rural policy debate.
Community Profiles: http://www.statcan.ca:8096/bsolc/english/bsolc?catno=93F0053XIE
Information for all Canadian communities (cities, towns, villages, Indian reserves and Indian
settlements, etc.) for counties or their equivalents and for metropolitan areas, as well as data for
health regions. A mapping feature is also provided.
STATUS OF WOMEN CANADA
http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/index_e.html
Women's Program (WP): http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/funding/wp/index_e.html
The WP supports action by women's organizations and other partners to improve rural women's
social, economic, legal and political situation in their communities. Further details on the
initiatives in each region can be obtained by contacting the SWC regional offices.
TRANSPORT CANADA
http://www.tc.gc.ca/
Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP): http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/airports/ACAP/menu.htm
The Program assists eligible applicants in financing capital projects related to safety, asset
protection, and operating cost reduction. Eligible applicants are:
- the owner of an eligible airport or its operator (if so designated by the owner and a long-term
contractual relationship is in place);
- airports required by regulation to provide Aircraft Emergency Intervention Services, and other
entities providing approved services at such airports, for eligible projects related to the provision
of these services.
Airport Divestiture Program: http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/airports/menu.htm
The Program was originally established in 1994 as a means to transfer public airports that are
classified under the National Airports Policy as Regional/Local and Small airports to local
ownership and control. The Program allows communities to benefit from the advantages of local
operation, including the flexibility to respond to changing needs and new business development
opportunities. The Program has been extended until March 31, 2005.
Airports Operations and Maintenance Subsidy Program: http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/airports/policy/nap/Remote.htm
Originally established in 1972, the objective of the Program is to cover the deficits relating to
operations and maintenance expenditures of municipal airports. With the transfer of most of these
airports having occurred since 1995, the only airports remaining in this Program are six of the
Remote Airports and three of the Regional/Local Airports identified in the National Airports
Policy.
Financial Support to Regional and Remote Passenger Rail Services:
The funding provided by this initiative keeps services available in regional and remote points.
The department contributes to the maintenance of existing regional and remote
federally-regulated passenger rail services in regional and remote points in Quebec, Ontario,
Manitoba, and British Columbia. Where there are no roads, the passenger rail service transports
groceries, building supplies, and household goods in the baggage car. The rail funding supports
economic activity in the communities by providing access for tourists to recreational activities
and commercial lodges as well as supporting local activities involving the lumber, fishing, and
mining sectors. These activities help support the long-term viability and the development of rural
and isolated communities.
Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program: http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/freight/FETI/FSDP/menu.htm
The Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program supports the demonstration and evaluation of
innovative tools, technologies, and best practices that have the potential to reduce the growth of
greenhouse gas emissions in Canada's freight transportation sector. Organizations with an interest
in goods movement may apply for funding of up to $250,000 or fifty percent of eligible project
expenses. Projects must demonstrate technologies or best practices with potential to reduce GHG
emissions in a practical and cost effective manner.
Labrador Coast Airstrips Restoration Program: http://www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/releases/atl/2004/04-a004e.htm
The objective of the Restoration Program is to restore the airstrips along the Labrador Coast to
ensure their operational capability is maintained at the level necessary to meet Transport
Canada's Airport Certification requirements. The Program contributes to the long-term
sustainability and development of the communities along the Labrador Coast, since the coastal
communities of Labrador are critically dependent on their airstrip for their survival and access to
the national transportation system on a year-round basis.
Moving On Sustainable Transportation Program: http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/most/menu.htm
The Program assists organizations such as environmental groups, community associations,
academic institutions, and business and professional associations that are conducting projects and
delivering concrete results in support of sustainable transportation. The Program seeks to
stimulate the development of innovative methods for decreasing the impact of transportation on
the environment, and also aims to provide Canadians with practical information and tools to
apply sustainable transportation thinking to their daily lives.
Operation of Regional/Local and Remote Public Ports and Public Port Facilities:
Transport Canada owns and operates a network of public ports and public port facilities that are
classified under the National Marine Policy either as Regional/Local ports or Remote ports.
Under the Port Divestiture Program, such ports will be operated and maintained until they are
transferred and furthermore remote ports are divested only where interest to acquire them has
been expressed. Transport Canada is committed to ensure these remote communities remain
accessible for part of the year by marine mode and maintain access to the national transportation
network.
Operation of Remote Airports:
Transport Canada finances the operations and maintenance expenditures of 7 (TC operated) of
the 13 airports designated as remote under the terms of the National Airports Policy across
Canada. The Program supports specific communities to remain accessible year-round and
maintain access to the national transportation network. Transport Canada also subsidizes the
operating deficits of the other 6 (non TC operated) airports designated as remote under the terms
of the National Airports Policy under the Airports Operations and Maintenance Subsidy Program.
Payments to the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) re: Hopper Cars:
Transport Canada makes a contribution payment to the Canadian Wheat Board which leases
hopper cars on behalf of the federal government for the transportation of grain in Western
Canada. In addition, the federal government owns a fleet of about 12,400 hopper cars that are
also used for moving western grain. These cars are provided to Canadian National Railways and
Canadian Pacific Railway free of ownership costs.
Port Divestiture Program (PDP): http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/ports/menu.htm
The Port Divestiture Program was established in 1996 to transfer public ports and public port
facilities, classified under the National Marine Policy as Regional/Local ports, to other federal
departments, provinces, municipalities or local interests. The PDP allows communities to benefit
from the advantages of local operation, including the flexibility to respond to changing needs and
new business development opportunities. The program is currently scheduled to end
March 31, 2006. The PDP is being facilitated by a $175 million Port Divestiture Fund, which is
used to provide assistance in bringing existing port property up to minimum safety or operating
standards or to make lump-sum payments to facilitate the takeover of a port.
Direction 2006: http://www.direction2006.com
The objective of Direction 2006 is to reduce the number of highway-railway crossing collisions
and trespassing incidents on railway property by 50% by year 2006, in partnership with other
governments, railways and their unions, police, and other safety organizations. The Program
develops tools and provides support in the delivery or development of activities. This is done
through workgroups in the areas of education, enforcement, engineering, research, resources,
communications and outreach.
Grade Crossing Improvement Program: http://www.tc.gc.ca/railway/gcip.htm
The objective of the Program is to improve the safety of existing grade crossings across Canada.
The Program contributes approximately $7.5M over the course of each year to improve safety of
80-100 rail crossings across Canada. The department finances up to 80% of the total cost of the
improvements, with the balance provided by the railways, municipalities or provinces.
Operation Lifesaver: http://www.operationlifesaver.ca/sec_top/en_Welcome.asp
Transport Canada participates in the Program administered by the Railway Association of
Canada. The objective of the Program is to reduce the number of incidents that result in fatalities,
injuries, and monetary losses for users of the rail infrastructure. The Program provides
educational material related to crossing safety and trespassing prevention. The message is
delivered in schools, and other public forums.
Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP): http://www.tc.gc.ca/SHIP/menu.htm
This Program has two components: a $500M highway construction component; and a $100M
national system integration component. The Program's objectives are to: support trade, tourism,
and investment in Canada; strengthen national unity by sustaining strategic infrastructure
investments in all regions of the country to respond to local needs; make the Canadian surface
transportation system more reliable, efficient, competitive, integrated, and sustainable; and
improve the quality of life of Canadians by promoting safer and more environmentally
sustainable transportation.
Subsidies to Ferry Services in Atlantic Canada and British Columbia:
Transport Canada provides annual subsidies to Marine Atlantic Inc. (a Crown corporation), two
private operators in Atlantic Canada (Northumberland Ferries Ltd. and CTMA Traversier Ltée.),
and BC Ferries. Ferry assets owned by Transport Canada include four vessels and seven sites
leased to and/or operated by private operators. These sites are located in Nova Scotia, New
Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and the Iles de la Madeleine in Quebec. Marine Atlantic Inc.
owns and operates four vessels and three terminals in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and
Labrador.
WESTERN ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION (WD)
http://www.wd.gc.ca/default_e.asp
WD was established in 1987 under the provision of the Western Economic Diversification Act.
WD works to strengthen Western Canada's economy and advance the interests of the West in
national economic policy. Programs and services support three strategic directions: Innovation,
Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Communities. WD supports the Western Canada Business
Service Network, which offers over 100 points of service across the West. The Business Service
Network database can assist you with locating the network offices nearest you.
Working with the Canadian Rural Partnership in Western Canada:
WD co-chairs the Rural Teams in three of the four Western provinces, with the aim of greater
information sharing between federal departments, the province and community stakeholders. WD
actively participated in Rural Team action planning, agenda setting and priority review, and
contributed to increase information sharing.
Western Economic Diversification Contribution Programs:
For further detail please see the Report on Plans and Priorities 2003-2004 available at
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/est-pre/20032004/pdf/wdo-e.pdf.
Western Economic Diversification contribution programs contribute towards:
- A strengthened western Canadian innovation system;
- A competitive and expanded business sector in Western Canada; and
- Increased economic activity that improves the competitiveness and the quality of life in western
Canadian communities.
Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment Initiative: http://www.wd.gc.ca/siceai/default_e.asp
The Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment Initiative is a national program to
support those forest-dependent communities across Canada that demonstrate a negative impact
on local employment since the introduction of the US countervailing duties on softwood lumber.
The program is being overseen in B.C. by a Ministerial Advisory Group which is chaired by the
Mayor of Prince George. The program will be delivered to impacted communities by WD.
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