Rural and Northern

Rural, remote and northern Canada helps fuel our national economy and define our national character. But the towns and villages in these areas face an uncertain future due to financial and other issues resulting from small population sizes, long distances and harsh climates.

The natural resources, energy, agricultural products and raw materials extracted from rural, remote and northern areas make up 50 per cent of Canada's exports. These industries drive corporate profits, pay billions of dollars in taxes every year and create spin-off jobs and new growth in Canada's urban regions.

However, with shrinking property tax bases and rapidly aging infrastructure, rural, remote and northern communities struggle to provide the basic services and facilities they need to attract and retain residents and businesses. Climate change threatens to compound the problem, as the costs of adapting roads, bridges, and public buildings to rising temperatures could more than double the North's estimated $400-million infrastructure deficit.

Our Position

For the most part, federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments have their own visions and strategies for rural, remote and northern development. What's needed is:

• A national strategy that integrates the relevant policies and programs of all orders of government.
• A rural champion in the federal Cabinet to ensure policies and programs represent rural interests across all federal departments.
• Federal infrastructure and housing programs that dedicate funding for rural, remote and northern communities.
• A federal commitment to help the North become a global leader in adapting to climate change.

The Latest

In its June 2011 Budget, the Government of Canada said it would work with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), provinces, territories and other partners, to develop a new long-term infrastructure plan. Through its Rural Forum and Northern and Remote Forum, FCM is working to make sure that the new plan responds directly to these communities' needs.

FCM is also taking action to protect and expand federal investments in other areas that are critical to rural and northern communities, including housing and front-line policing.

How We Do Our Work

With the support of FCM staff, our standing committee is dedicating time and attention to ensure progress is made in this area.