The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, launched an online consultation that ran from December 15, 2025, to February 20, 2026, to inform the development of a Rural Development Action Plan (RDAP). Feedback received will inform federal policies and programs that support the needs and opportunities of people living in rural Canada; shape new tools that help government include rural perspectives in decision making; and help build a strong, more resilient future for rural, remote and northern communities across Canada.
The online consultation was complemented by in-person engagements across every province and territory, which brought together rural leaders, Indigenous partners, municipalities, businesses, community organizations and other stakeholders. The roundtables were conducted by the Secretary of State and Parliamentary Secretary Pauline Rochefort, who heard directly about the priorities, challenges and opportunities facing rural communities.
Engagement overview and consultation response
The consultation was designed to provide an open, accessible opportunity for individuals and organizations to share their views, experiences and perspectives. Three open-ended questions were asked:
- How can existing federal initiatives be improved to better address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by your rural community?
- What federal, provincial, territorial or regional programs have been notably successful in promoting rural development within your region?
- What kinds of policy changes or initiatives would make the greatest difference to the long-term sustainability of your region, and how can we measure their success? What nation-building projects could contribute to this sustainability?
Respondents were also given the opportunity to provide any other comments or suggestions on issues that they felt were not captured by these questions.
A total of 2,841 participants, including individuals, businesses, municipalities, Indigenous organizations and non-profits, took part in the online consultation. Over two thirds of respondents participated as individuals, with almost one third participating on behalf of an organization. Nearly half of those participating on behalf of an organization were representing a non-government organization, almost a quarter were representing a municipal government, and the remainder were businesses and industry associations.
Overall findings
Five major themes emerged across all three questions answered by respondents.
- Design programs for rural realities: Participants called for more place-based approaches-programs designed, delivered and measured in ways that reflect rural contexts. They emphasized that federal programs should be tailored to reflect the needs of rural communities rather than relying on urban models, and they called for early, meaningful and ongoing engagement with rural and Indigenous communities that is culturally grounded. This includes thinking through a rural lens from the start on program planning and design, measuring success in stability and sustainability, and ensuring co-design and respect for Indigenous rights and expertise.
- Keep benefits rooted locally: Many emphasized that local communities need to see the benefits from the economic value that they contribute stay in the community-including wealth, capacity, infrastructure, the workforce and decision making-rather than seeing them flow outward through centralized systems or models that do not fit rural needs. They noted that community-owned initiatives and local models help ensure investments support long-term local prosperity and indicated that procurement policy and funding should prioritize keeping jobs and decisions close to home.
- Recognize rural Canada's role in national prosperity: Responses underscored that rural Canada contributes significantly to the country's prosperity and resilience, including through food, energy, labour, culture, resource development and national security. Participants noted that rural success should be recognized as central to the country's national interests and that investments in rural housing, infrastructure, broadband Internet and services are strategic nation-building priorities. They also highlighted that transportation infrastructure, energy sources, water access, climate-resilient assets and food sovereignty supports are contributors to economic growth and sustainable workforce development.
- Facilitate access to federal support: Participants pointed out opportunities to better align federal tools and simplify delivery so people and organizations in rural and remote areas can navigate supports more easily. They noted that reducing administrative burden, improving communication and providing stable, multi-year funding are essential for increasing participation and lasting impact, especially for small communities and organizations.
- Invest in local capacity and measure long-term outcomes: Respondents highlighted the need to build community capacity and measure success by what communities can retain and sustain over time, not only short-term outputs. They emphasized the importance of predictable and ongoing support for local organizations and workforce development and of digital connectivity to ensure rural communities remain resilient, are able to adapt to change in the future and can fully participate in the Canadian economy.
