Audrey Horkoff says her committee can take credit for high-speed internet and training for farmers making it into Saskatchewan’s recent provincial budget.
Horkoff, co-chair of the Action Committee on the Rural Economy, said the committee set out in October to look at areas like the rural service sector, resources and agriculture.
“We tried to cover aspects of everything that happens in a rural community, and all the things that influence that community.”
In January, it made six preliminary recommendations to government that included an adjustment-transition rural development fund. It was aimed at smaller on-farm diversification enterprises that could assist with generational transfers and rural development.
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The group also called on federal and provincial governments to increase funding for universal, affordable access to high-speed internet and cell phone coverage.
Last week’s budget pledged funding for those two areas, Horkoff said. The government is continuing work on other ACRE recommendations, she added, including increased capital funding and improved guidelines for rural development projects.
The 45-member committee, drawn from rural communities, producer groups and businesses, is reviewing submissions on ways to sustain rural Saskatchewan. It will present its final report to Saskatchewan Agriculture by next March.
Its goals are to review opportunities to provide sustainability in rural Saskatchewan and to reduce a dependency on the export market of raw product, Horkoff said.
“We’re looking at value-added and industry and whatever it takes to keep our communities up and running.”
She said the committee is distinct from the new secretariat on rural revitalization, but is pleased the two groups complement one another.
“It’s an opportunity for everyone to work together.”
