OTTAWA – The federal government last week promised a new commitment to “the economic renewal of rural Canada” during the remainder of its term in office.
It said Ottawa will be proposing to the provinces a single food inspection service designed to end parallel federal and provincial systems.
It renewed a promise to enact new endangered species legislation that will put some limits on use of federally controlled territory that is home to threatened species.
And it promises a special emphasis on making internet access available to rural schools.
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The commitments were contained in the Feb. 27 Throne Speech opening the new session of Parliament. It was a document long on rhetoric and short on specifics.
“The government will address the problems facing rural Canadians in a way that is tailored to their needs,” Governor General Romeo LeBlanc read. “The government will move forward in the coming session to make sure that all Canadians benefit from economic prosperity.”
Agriculture minister Ralph Goodale said it is a promise that economic growth will be felt not just in the cities. “It is a matter of national equity.”
He said he didn’t know if the prime minister plans to beef up government departments or create an agency to oversee rural growth, but he promised better focus on rural Canada across the government.
“You will see various ministers and departments achieving a much higher level of focus and collaboration to make sure the spirit of the throne speech actually comes through in results for rural Canada,” he said Feb. 27.
Rebuilding required
Critics said that will mean nothing until the government puts resources into rebuilding a rural infrastructure.
“It’s a bone thrown but there is no meat on it,” said Reform agriculture spokesperson Elwin Hermanson.
“It’s a good statement that the federal government still cares about rural Canada but I haven’t seen anything specific,” agreed Canadian Federation of Agriculture president Jack Wilkinson. “But having that on the record opens some doors for us. We’ll use it for leverage, that’s for sure.”
Liberal MP Wayne Easter warned that other Liberal commitments in the throne speech could work against the commitment to rural Canada.
The government said it will turn over responsibility for mining and forestry to the provinces, and get out of the transportation business to the greatest extent possible.
Easter said these are the very things rural Canada’s economy needs and Ottawa should not be turning its back on them. Transportation infrastructure is key to the rural economy.
