Although the conference will not be held this year due to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, please feel free to read more about what the expectations for the conference were. Innovation • People • Action The year 2020 is a great time to look ahead and explore what change might look like in the year 2040. Read More ...
The Rural Development Institute wants to acknowledge the individuals and organizations that have been working towards evolutionary reform regarding challenges and opportunities faced within Canadian rural communities, and rural policy design. It is this curiosity and evolutionary mind-set that is inciting change to enhance the rural way of life. Please feel free to check out Read More ...
Funding for the future…
Immigration is a significant factor in the economic sustainability of Canada, as many immigrants tend to work in both urban and rural communities. However, the social isolation felt while attempting to integrate into rural communities has been noted as a possible disadvantage for many immigrating families. Recently there has been increased funding aimed to support early childhood health promotion programming to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families in Official Language Minority Communities (OLMC). Read more >>
Immigration and the Canadian economy…
Immigration has had a significant role ion the Canadian economy for decades, specifically with consideration to seasonal workers in rural communities. However, the travel restrictions that have been implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic have enhanced certain prejudices regarding immigrants in the future. The concerns that exist regarding the resurgence of coronavirus cases across Canada will influence what the Canadian workforce will look like in the future, and it is important to understand the role immigration has on the economy, for the communities, and for the migrating families. Read more on the Immigration Policies here!
Healthcare needs…
The lack of resources available to rural communities is not a new issue, however, it is becoming clearer with time that changes to the infrastructure in the field of medicine can be made in attempts to limit the disadvantages smaller communities face. This year the Canadian government is being forced to revaluate the policies and reform in place for the better due to the COVID-19 pandemic; along with these reforms, the lack of resources should be acknowledged. In this brief article authors Beverley Orser and Ruth Wilson note how the lacking access to anesthesia puts local communities at a disadvantage. Potential avenues of innovation regarding inclusivity must be acknowledged in order for changes to be made. Read more >>
A glimpse into the Tshiuetin line…
Documentary photographer Chloë Ellingson found recent inspiration in the Tshiuetin railway line of Quebec, and created a beautiful segment of images of Northern Indigenous communities. Many have stated that they have been able to recognize the railway as a symbol for reclamation and defiance. While connecting the Uashat Mak Mani-utenam, Kawawachikamach and Matimekush-Lac John communities, the railway represents more than a means of transportation. Read more >>
Funding for the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough…
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in financial assistance regarding individuals who have been laid off, small business owners who are struggling to persist through uncertain times, rural farming communities and townships overall. However, the unstable economic state has also brought to light the need to enhance outreach programs regarding drug concerns within smaller communities. As of June 16th, 2020, Maryam Monsef, the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, announced additional funding for the Elizabeth Fry Society; an organization that works to ensure that individuals who have experienced an overdose are connected with a network of community aftercare services following their discharge from the emergency room. Read more >> To learn more about the Elizabeth Fry Society of Manitoba, click here.
Continuing concerns for Broadband…
Within the span of three months, many professional lives and environments have shifted online, and it has become clear that many people in rural communities are at a significant disadvantage because of the limited resources they have. Over the last few months, a leading concern for rural communities has been the lack of Broadband accessibility, and while this issue is still a primary concern, it has identified many others issues overall. Rather than calling the need to enhance Internet and cellphone coverage across smaller Canadian communities, the large issue making way is the need to create a new system in which there is “guaranteed universal, affordable Internet access.” Read more >>
The call for firearms research: rural concerns…
The recent gun ban in Canada has stirred up many concerns regarding what is actually known about gun violence in our country, and how individuals lawfully acquiring these weapons have been affected by these jurisdictional revisions. The foundational argument is that the firearm accessibility is a significant component in violent acts occurring across the country, but there is a significant discrepancy in what we actually know about what firearms are being used in crimes in Canada, and how individuals conducting these crimes have navigating acquiring these weapons. A recent report noted that Stats Canada is calling the need to increase what is known about these incidents in Canada before implementing these types of restrictions, and iPOLITICS has made it clear that these restrictions are drastically affecting individuals across rural communities with regards to hunting. Read more >>
A new view on necessary rural organizations…
Currently there is a lot of support going out to rural communities and organizations so that they may make it through these turbulent times. However, it is becoming clear that many communities are in desperate need of financial support specifically for victims of domestic violence beyond the extent of the ongoing pandemic. Being forced to stay home in hopes to reduce the spread of the virus has forced many individuals to be reluctantly stuck at home alone, and a news segment released by CBC News has identified that rates of domestic violence are increasing exponentially. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that we as communities need to implement permanent change, and more consistent support for those in these vulnerable positions. Read more >>
Reconciliation in Rural Communities…
Tensions in St. Paul, Alberta have gotten to another level, and there are now many pressures within the community to make amends. Canada’s history has been turbulent to say the least, and there must be efforts taken in small communities to attempt proper reconciliation within the region. There is a lot to be said for the thoughts of the community members at this time, and a lot to be learned from positive steps forward. Read more >>
Recognition to who’s vulnerable…
#TakeOutToday
Local businesses have been described as the heart and soul of rural communities. Local entrepreneurs have dedicated years of their lives to create something of their own, and enhance community bonds in terms of supporting rural suppliers, creating families within the workforce, and provide for citizens within their hometowns. While these businesses are facing significantly distressing times, communities have been banning together to continually support these businesses by ordering take out, and advocating the support that’s needed. Read more >>
Sport engagements strengthening communities…
For the past few years the ViaSport organization has been working out of British Columbia to educate individuals on inclusive development, as well as facilitate programs of inclusivity through sporting events. Coming out of quarantine, it will become very clear that creating these environments free of discrimination is a fun, and achievable goal that can strengthen community bonds. It may be a wonderful to facilitate programs that can progress communities while engaging all members of society in a healthy way. Read more about the inclusive nature of ViaSport here!
Respectful distancing…
Inclusivity has countless applications for rural development, including the recognition and implementation of the needs of others. Individuals from urban communities are in fear for their safety regarding potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus; however, rural communities are pleading for people to avoid accessing cottages in rural communities in order to not overwhelm the limited rural resources and healthcare systems. Listen in to this Rural Spark Podcast here!
Communities & food security…
Now more than ever, there must be recognition to the workers in the agri-food industries and all that they do for Canadians.The Manitoba Chicken Producers organization works to ensure that demands for eggs and chickens are being met across the province. Recently, the organization has partnered up with Winnipeg Harvest to make sure that vulnerable families have access to food resources. Partnerships such as these show how easy it is to strengthen communities across Canada. Read more >>
Connectivity in rural communities…
The Internet is something that is easily taken for granted in this day and age. However, with the ongoing pandemic it has been made clear that not all communities have equitable access to this paramount resource. It is apparent that rural communities are at a disadvantage in terms of broad-band access, and this issue is in dire need of more recognition in order to shorten the “connectivity gap.” Read more >>
Persisting support for rural LGBTQ2 youth…
Although physical distancing has changed the modes of communication, it is not stopping the Gender and Sexuality Awareness (GSA) group. With specific acknowledgment to LGBTQ2 youth, the GSA is reaching out online through a multitude of social platforms to ensure supportive needs are being met for these individuals. Read more >>
CCDI influencing a brighter future…
The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) is an organization that focuses on raising awareness, and producing a variety of initiatives with partnerships across Canada regarding inclusivity. The CCDI has many platforms in order to share their progress in building inclusive work environments, free of prejudice and discrimination, and the strategies they have implemented in developing these workforces. Currently the CCDI is holding webinars discussing topics of inclusivity; the next upcoming webinar conference is a three part series discussing Cultural Competence, and will be held May 4th, 6th, and 8th between 10:30 am – 11:45 am. This conference was constructed to highlight how to form an inclusive work environment, and go into detail on its significance moving forward. To find out more on this conference to come click here!
The Future Skills Centre…
The Conference Board of Canada is an organization that focuses on addressing any and all inquiries into strengthening communities, and promoting a more sustainable future. The Future Skills Centre is one of the Conference Board of Canada’s initiatives. This program provides training and education for individuals in order to prepare them for the shifting of the workforce. Read more about the program here >>
Addressing Canadian Homelessness…
In 2018 the Canadian Rural and Remote Housing and Homelessness (CRRHH) Symposium was held. By bringing together a diverse group of people, thoughts on the significant concern of homelessness in rural and remote Canada were addressed. Offering a variety of workshops, panel sessions, and mobile tours, the symposium was deemed a huge success in educating individuals who have the power to make changes in rural communities. This conference was able to raise awareness on this unfortunate reality, and equip individuals with the skills to address these concerns across Canada. There was meant to be a second CRRHH conference held this May, however, due to the ongoing pandemic there may be a reluctant rescheduling of the events. For more information on these symposiums please check out the CRRHH webpage here!
Inclusivity & community sports…
“The Varsity got an opportunity to speak with Janelle Joseph, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education who performs research in critical studies of race and Indigeneity in sport. Joseph spoke about many barriers that racialized people face in their local communities, as well as what organizers can do better to address these concerns.” Read more >>
The Society of Rural Physicians…
Communities throughout rural Canada do not have the same access to healthcare resources as urban populations; this goes as well for physicians working in these rural clinics and facilities. The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) was founded in 1992 with hopes to support rural physicians in a variety of ways. The SRPC has held a multitude of conferences, programs and events that allow for health care workers across Canada to succeed in terms of education, advocacy in workers rights, and current research within the medical field. Though the 28th Annual Rural and Remote Medicine Course that was meant to be held in Ottawa this April has been canceled, the SRPC remains on top of their work. As of this April 15th the most recent issue of their peer reviewed journal – The Canadian Journal of Rural Medicine (CJRM) – has been published with hopes to continue working to strengthen relations among rural physicians. Check out the latest CJRM issue here!
Rural Spark: Caremongering across Canada…
Currently, communities across Canada are facing new challenges and are being forced to adapt to physical distancing regulations in hopes to combat the spread of COVID-19. With this in mind, Helen Murphy, a newspaper editor and entrepreneur who leads the Rural Spark podcast, has taken the time to explore into the positive responses within these communities. Through interviews with Jenny MacDonald of the Coady Institute in Nova Scotia, and Kayla Chafe of the South Winnipeg Family Information Resource Centre, Murphy inquires into how communities may come out of these times of stress stronger, and more connected than ever as a result of the caremongering social movement. Check out her podcast here!
Confederation of Tomorrow: 2019 Survey of Canadians…
The Environics Institute for Survey Research, in partnership with the Canada West Foundation, the Mowat Centre, the Centre D’Analyse Politique Constitution Fédéralisme (Montreal), the Institute for Research on Public Policy, and the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government at StFX University have recentlly conducted a national public opinion survey to give voice to Canadians on the future of the confederation. This research builds on previous research conducted over the past several decades, including Environics’ Focus Canada, and the “Portraits of Canada” studies conducted by the Centre for Research and Information in Canada (CRIC). This new survey will update selected key opinion indicators, as well as mark a fresh starting point in focusing on emerging issues facing the country’s future. This study is intended to establish a new benchmark – the first in a series that will explore Canadian public opinion on the confederation of tomorrow as the early 21st century unfolds. Learn more about the study >>
Is there an Urban-Rural Divide in Canada?
With Canada’s population increasingly concentrated in a small number of large, metropolitan areas, the question often arises: do the values, interests and concerns of citizens in cities differ from those of their counterparts living in smaller cities or towns across the country? Is there a specific metropolitan mindset or set of experiences that distinguishes those living in these major urban centres from other Canadians? To find answers, the 2019 Confederation of Tomorrow survey was used to compare public opinion across the country’s four largest metropolitan areas – Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton (combined), and Vancouver – with that of people living in the rest of their respective provinces, and that of the rest of the Canadian population as a whole. Read more >>