The Government of Canada is making a special effort to reach Canadians in rural and remote areas.

Through direct distribution, the Internet and federal points of public access, information about federal programs and services is being made accessible to citizens in rural and remote areas of the country.

• The Community Information Database (CID) is a Web-based resource intended to provide communities and governments with consistent, reliable and accessible information on economic and demographic factors at the community level.



• Rural Canadians' Guide to Programs and Services is a guide of Government of Canada programs and services, put together especially for Canadians living in rural and remote communities. In addition to a short description of each program and service, there is also a point of contact where Canadians can go for information by telephone, fax, Internet, or e-mail. This guide is available to the public in a variety of formats.



• Regional newsletters are published on an annual basis, featuring success stories, initiatives, tools, and programs and services that the Government of Canada is providing in each region to improve the quality of life of citizens living in rural and remote communities. Newsletters are available in pdf format for the following regions: Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Yukon.



• The Rural Exhibits Program has visited more than 270 venues in communities across Canada between 1998 and 2008. It travels to fairs, conferences, trade shows and other events. Rural Exhibits distributes publications from various government departments and promotes access to the Government of Canada on-line.



• The Canadian Rural Information Service responds to the information needs of rural and remote Canadians by providing pathfinders and referrals to information resources, customized information and bibliographic searches, and a Web site of rural development resources. These services are provided by phone (1 888 757-8725), e-mail and toll-free fax number (1 800 884-9899) to information, programs and services of particular interest to rural Canadians.



• Research reports and Rural and Small Town Canada Bulletins provide in-depth information and analysis on rural issues and subjects of interest such as population change, immigration, internet use, transportation, employment, economic diversification, health, poverty, income and much more.



• Rural Profiles examine population, economic, social and health-services indicators in each province and territory. They describe the differences that exist, not only between rural and urban areas, but between four different types of rural areas.



• The Community Decision-Making Toolkit provides examples of tools and processes to assist communities in making feasible and acceptable decisions. It contains specific tools and community stories that document what others have done, and good ideas that could be used or adapted by communities.

For further information on the Information Outreach program, please call 1 888 781-2222, consult our rural Web site at www.rural.gc.ca or contact the Regional Advisor, Rural Secretariat, in your region.