FCM welcomes liberal commitments to rural Canada (07/04/2011)

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) welcomes the Liberal Party´s commitments to rural Canada, in particular for its support for volunteer firefighters as well as its commitment to roll out rural broadband and its plan to increase access to medical services.

“The Liberal proposals to increase access to health care in rural communities, to improve internet connectivity and provide a tax break for Canada´s volunteer firefighters are much needed commitments to secure rural Canada´s future,” said Hans Cunningham, FCM President.

Rural, remote, and northern communities support industries that account for more than 50 per cent of Canada´s exports in areas such as energy, agribusiness and natural resources. These industries drive up corporate profits, create billions of dollars in tax revenue, and create spin-off jobs and new growth in Canada´s urban regions. Yet, on average, rural household incomes are $10,000 less than in other parts of the country and rural municipalities are struggling to provide basic services and community facilities that their residents desperately need.

Rural, remote and northern Canada is a key priority in FCM´s election platform, released Wednesday. FCM is calling on all parties to:

(1) support proposed measures in Budget 2011-12 to support volunteer firefighters;
(2) implement measures to improve access to medical services; and
(3) appoint a new minister of rural, remote, and northern affairs, to ensure the rural voice is heard in all corners of the federal government, and to coordinate rural programs and policies across all departments.