Input to Budget 2025 consultations — The promise of rural Canada for growth and prosperity for all

It is an extraordinary time in our country’s history and one that further highlights the critical importance of rural communities to Canada’s economic growth and the prosperity of Canadians from coast to coast. Since our launch last September, we have witnessed the resilience and ingenuity of rural communities, which is being tested through the trade uncertainty our country is currently facing. While all sectors of our economy are affected, rural Canada and the rural way of life are more affected than anyone. 

There is ample such evidence but as a recent State of Rural Canada 2024 report by the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation highlights, rural, remote and northern communities face population decline, climate risks, aging infrastructure and limited services to transportation, education, health care and more. Yet, these communities are the jewels of our nation, integral to the well-being of our entire country. 

The rural opportunity for all

Economic growth and prosperity, especially in light of trade threats from the U.S. and elsewhere during this tumultuous time, lie in unlocking rural Canada’s potential. 

We are fortunate: Canada has no greater competitive advantage than its natural resources, including agriculture, mining, energy, and forestry — all found in rural Canada — as well as innovative sectors like telecommunications, digital technologies and farming delivering essential services to these communities. Any increase in tariffs or trade restrictions will certainly result in reduced market access, lower prices for Canadian products and job losses in rural industries and the local and urban communities they serve. This will directly impact farm incomes, disrupt supply chains across every sector nationally and hurt small businesses that rely on exports to sustain their operations.

That’s why, in Budget 2025, we’re asking for commitments that ensure no future regulations or policy initiatives that harm rural Canada, even inadvertently, will be implemented; and that any existing policies and regulations be urgently reviewed through a rural lens so that they truly support the rural way of life and create real opportunities. 

This is a zero-cost commitment that will ensure Canada remains strong and our economy thrives.

As the government looks to address housing, labour and employment challenges as well as rising crime and drug addiction issues facing our country, it must appreciate the economic and social benefits of the rural way of life. Empowering rural prosperity is key to making our economy strong. It is incumbent upon all of us to bridge urban and rural voices to ensure our country remains the best in the world in the face of ongoing threats and challenges.