Introduction: Reporting on Rural
Patrick Brouder, Joelena Leader and Emalee Vandermale
Since its inception in 1989, the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF) has evolved from a regional focus on Ontario’s agricultural areas to become the leading voice on rural development across Canada. Today, CRRF embraces a more inclusive view of rural development across all of Canada’s provinces and territories. Its mission remains steadfast: to contribute to the revitalization and sustainability of rural Canada through collaborative research and to be the national leader in mobilization of knowledge on the latest rural development policy and perspectives from across the country.
CRRF has three main areas of activity: a monthly newsletter shared with all members and our wider networks across Canada; an annual conference held in collaboration with a local host partner somewhere in rural Canada; and the interannual State of Rural Canada report which has been produced five times over the last decade. Previous iterations of the State of Rural Canada report have done a deep dive on themes that were of particular relevance at that point in time. For example, the second State of Rural Canada report focused on rural data issues and the fourth report focused on the impacts of COVID-19. All four previous State of Rural Canada reports have captured innovative snapshots of the rural development picture in Canada, and the discussions therein still resonate today even as we move forward in new directions with rural development policy and planning across the country.
This fifth edition of the State of Rural Canada report marks a significant milestone in our ongoing work. It is our most comprehensive and inclusive effort to date, purposefully expanding our geographical reach and thematic scope to encompass the diverse realities of rural and northern communities across the nation. As highlighted in the title the focus is on inclusive and sustainable futures for rural and northern communities and what follows is a set of thirteen regional chapters representing the ten provinces and three territories of Canada. As a not-for-profit organization, CRRF relies on the in-kind contributions of the regional experts who author the chapters. Thanks to the efforts of over 30 contributors this fifth edition of the State of Rural Canada report adds significant value to the national discourse around sustainable rural and northern development. Rural Canada is well represented on the pages that follow.
As we present this expansive view of rural Canada, our goal is not only to inform but to inspire action. The following chapters offer a wealth of insights, success stories, and forward-looking perspectives that can serve as valuable resources for policymakers, researchers, community leaders, and anyone invested in the future of rural and northern Canada. As we move from this broad national perspective to more localized insights, the following regional chapters provide a closer look at how specific rural and northern communities are addressing both opportunities and challenges.
Regional Insights
As rural regions across Canada navigate the complexities of modernization and demographic shifts, unique stories of resilience and innovation emerge from every province and territory. Rural communities are addressing challenges and seizing opportunities in diverse ways, from revitalizing local economies to fostering cultural heritage and sustainable development. In the report that follows, you will read the varied experiences of rural Canada, highlighting key initiatives and strategies that are transforming these regions.
Yukon‘s northern landscape is characterized by rapid population growth and the challenges of climate change. The territory is seeing increasing pressure on housing and services in remote areas, while also grappling with the impacts of melting permafrost and changing ecosystems. Yukon’s approach to these challenges involves close partnerships with First Nations, often leading to innovative solutions in housing and renewable energy. By incorporating traditional knowledge into climate adaptation strategies innovative solutions for rural development challenges emerge. Yukon’s story shows the potential for rural and remote northern areas to be at the forefront of climate adaptation and sustainable development.
Northwest Territories (NWT) has a growing not-for-profit sector which is playing a crucial role in addressing social issues and driving economic development. Local organizations are filling gaps in service delivery and contributing significantly to the territorial economy. The NWT’s experience showcases how community-based solutions can effectively address complex challenges in remote areas. The territory is also grappling with the ongoing impacts of colonialism, with not-for-profits leading efforts in cultural revitalization and reconciliation. NWT’s experience offers insights into alternative models of social and economic development in remote northern contexts.
Nunavut‘s development of community wellness hubs, grounded in Inuit-led structures and philosophies, represents a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery. This approach demonstrates how traditional knowledge can be applied to address contemporary health challenges effectively. Nunavut’s predominantly young Inuit population is driving innovative approaches to community development, blending traditional practices with modern technologies. The territory’s experience highlights the importance of culturally appropriate services and the potential for Indigenous-led initiatives to transform northern healthcare. Nunavut’s model provides valuable lessons for other regions seeking to develop culturally responsive and community-centered approaches to rural, remote and northern wellness.
British Columbia (BC) is on a journey towards knowledge-based, inclusive economies and emphasizing the critical role of reconciliation in rural development. The province is actively working to integrate Indigenous perspectives and rights into its economic strategies, recognizing the importance of traditional knowledge in sustainable resource management. BC’s rural communities are also at the forefront of addressing climate change impacts, developing innovative approaches to adaptation and mitigation. The push for digitalization is creating new opportunities for remote work and entrepreneurship in rural areas. BC’s experience demonstrates that embracing diversity and Indigenous partnerships leads to more resilient and sustainable rural communities.
Alberta‘s story is one of navigating political and economic diversities and facing the challenge of renewable energy transitions. Rural communities, often dependent on traditional resource industries, are grappling with the implications of this shift. The province is seeing increased tensions between urban and rural areas, reflecting diverse perspectives on economic and social issues. Emerging opportunities in renewable energy and agricultural innovation are indicators of paths forward. Alberta’s experience highlights the need for inclusive dialogue and collaborative approaches to manage just economic transitions. Inclusive discussions are crucial for managing economic transitions in diverse rural settings. Alberta’s journey offers important lessons on the complexities of rural development in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
Saskatchewan has developed innovative graduate programming, designed by and for northerners, to address long-standing educational gaps in the region. This initiative offers flexible and culturally appropriate tertiary education. By building local capacity, this program is empowering northern residents to address their own challenges and pursue economic opportunities. The approach also helps to stem the outmigration of youth by providing relevant educational options closer to home. Education adapted to local contexts is a powerful tool for rural development. Saskatchewan’s model demonstrates the potential of tailored educational initiatives to drive positive change in rural and remote communities.
Manitoba is witnessing a significant transformation in resource management in its north with growing emphasis on co-management models and Indigenous ownership. This shift represents a crucial step towards reconciling economic development with Indigenous rights and knowledge, thus creating more equitable and sustainable approaches to resource extraction. By centring Indigenous sovereignty and cultural preservation, inclusive economic models promote both development and cultural preservation. Manitoba’s north offers insights for other regions balancing resource development with Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship.
Ontario‘s northern regions, despite facing significant infrastructure deficits, are leading important conversations about responsible resource development and technological advancement. These communities are grappling with the challenge of balancing economic growth and technological integration with environmental stewardship and Indigenous rights. The push for improved connectivity and transportation infrastructure is opening new possibilities for remote work and digital entrepreneurship. Ontario’s experience underscores the potential for rural areas to be at the forefront of sustainable innovation, even in the face of longstanding challenges.
Quebec‘s exploration of living heritage as a tool for inclusion offers a unique perspective on rural development. Communities are finding innovative ways to bridge generational divides and create new economic opportunities. This approach recognizes the importance of preserving local knowledge, languages, and practices in the face of modernization and outmigration. Quebec’s focus on cultural heritage is strengthening social cohesion. Cultural heritage is an asset in rural economic and social development. Quebec’s experience highlights the potential of leveraging cultural resources for sustainable rural revitalization.
Newfoundland and Labrador is shifting towards localized food systems in a multifaceted strategy to address food security in remote areas while also strengthening community connectivity and rural sustainability. By revitalizing local food production and distribution networks, the province is creating new economic opportunities and reducing dependence on external supply chains. This shift is also helping to preserve traditional food cultures and practices, sustaining the region’s unique identity. Newfoundland and Labrador’s experience demonstrates how focusing on food systems can have wide-ranging positive impacts on rural communities.
New Brunswick‘s “local-first” approach to economic development is a powerful example of community resilience in the face of significant challenges. As the province grapples with municipal restructuring and increasing climate-related risks, local communities are taking the lead in crafting solutions. By prioritizing local initiatives, New Brunswick is fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among rural residents. Bottom-up strategies can effectively address complex rural challenges. New Brunswick’s experience highlights the potential of decentralized, community-driven approaches to rural development and climate adaptation.
Nova Scotia‘s local food hubs are at the forefront of a movement to recenter and revitalize local economic systems. By modernizing and centralizing local food production and distribution, these hubs are creating sustainable economic models that benefit both producers and consumers to achieve food security, strengthen community ties, and promote environmental sustainability. Nova Scotia’s experience shows traditional agricultural practices can be adapted to meet contemporary needs and market demands. This strategy offers an economic blueprint for other rural regions looking to leverage their agricultural heritage.
Prince Edward Island is experiencing a rural renaissance driven by population growth, particularly from immigration. This influx is bringing new vitality to rural communities, spurring the creation of innovative businesses and enhancing community wellbeing. Immigrants are not only filling labor gaps but also introducing diverse perspectives and skills that are reshaping rural economies. This demographic shift is calling on communities to integrate newcomers while preserving their unique island culture. The chapter shows that embracing diversity can rejuvenate rural economies and their social fabric.
These diverse narratives from across rural and northern Canada collectively paint a picture that shows regions are not merely adapting to change but actively shaping the future. The wisdom embedded in local communities, often overlooked in broader policy discussions, emerges as a crucial resource for sustainable development. As we look to the future, it is clear the path forward for rural Canada must be one of inclusivity and collaboration. The challenges of climate change, demographic shifts, and economic transitions cannot be addressed through one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, they require approaches that are as diverse as the communities they serve, grounded in local knowledge and supported by broader policy frameworks.
How to use this report?
While each chapter offers a unique regional perspective, several themes emerge across the report. If you are interested in a specific province or territory, you can take a deep dive into the chapter on that region. There you will find a more detailed overview of the region including the prevailing rural realities of the place. This is followed by a case study highlighting local success stories before a brief look to the future is shared with the reader. Within the chapters you will find important themes to consider including Indigenous perspectives on rural development, and the concomitant rural reconciliation needed, through to the ongoing pressures on housing and healthcare, which have become more pronounced in recent years. Familiar topics are also covered in the chapters, from region specific demographics to pressing rural economy questions, particularly in the energy and resource-based sectors. By reading across chapters, you’ll gain a nuanced understanding of how these issues manifest differently across the country, as well as the innovative approaches being employed to address them.
We invite you to engage deeply with this report. Whether you focus on specific regional chapters or explore the cross-cutting themes, the fifth State of Rural Canada report is designed to inform, inspire, and prompt collective rural action. However you choose to use this report, the State of Rural Canada is intended to be a living document. We encourage you to read the chapters closely, use these insights in your work, and take the lessons learned forward into your discussions and networks on rural development. Finally, remember always, with the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation you have a home where you can engage in these discussions and join in collective actions that will help to create more inclusive and sustainable futures for us all.