Rural, northern and remote communities are central to the Canadian way of life. Our country depends on the farmers who grow our food, the industries that bring our natural resources to market and countless businesses headquartered in small communities in sectors from manufacturing to tourism.

When it comes to strengthening the infrastructure that supports local life and commerce, rural governments face unique challenges such as scale, geography, climate and demographics. Access to predictable investments in rural roads, bridges and in inter-city transportation options are crucial for these communities. We continue to secure and shape unprecedented federal investment tools to strengthen rural, northern and remote communities. And with support from our programs, local governments can increase their capacity to excel by strengthening their asset management practices, acting on climate priorities and more.

Our members also connect through our Rural Forum and Northern and Remote Forum to champion key priorities—from applying a rural lens to federal programs, to advocating for truly universal broadband Internet access in communities of all sizes. We're all working together to solve critical challenges in rural, northern and remote Canadian communities.


Featured news & resources

See featured resources, news, events and training related to Rural, northern and remote.
Resources
Webinar series: Collective

This webinar series will bring to you in-depth conversations and discussions designed to connect you to the latest thinking around some of the most pressing challenges in Canadian municipal life.

News
Municipal leaders connect for the future at the 2023 Sustainable Communities Conference

This news release is released in an active effort to present FCM’s Sustainable Communities Conference (Feb 7 – 10) by giving a glimpse into some of the interesting local, sustainability programming the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund has prepared for the conference

News
FCM announces the winners of the 2022 Sustainable Communities Awards

This news release and backgrounder are released in an active effort to build some momentum around the upcoming Sustainable Communities Conference (Feb 7 – 10) and to promote registration by giving a glimpse into some of there interesting local, sustainability projects the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund has funded and that stand out.

News
The Government of Canada and FCM support strengthened asset management in Quebec communities

FCM and the Government of Canada announce $1.2 million for 26 new initiatives in Quebec communities through the Municipal Asset Management Program.

News
The Government of Canada and FCM support strengthened asset management in Manitoba communities

FCM and the Government of Canada announce $224,011 for five new initiatives in Manitoba communities through the Municipal Asset Management Program.

News
The Government of Canada and FCM support strengthened asset management in Ontario communities

FCM and the Government of Canada announce $823,716 for 18 new initiatives in Ontario communities through the Municipal Asset Management Program.

SEE ALL NEWS & MEDIA
SEARCH ALL RESOURCES
30%
National GDP generated in non-metro areas
10M
Canadians living outside census metropolitan areas
2x
Rate of temperature increase in Canada’s North compared to southern regions
Related focus areas
Explore the topics we’re working on related to rural, northern and remote communities.

Broadband

Off
Broadband Internet access is essential in the modern age, yet too many rural Canadians live without it. We’re helping to bring reliable high-speed Internet to every community across Canada.

Climate and sustainability

Off
Scaling up local green innovation is the key to tackling climate change. We help communities become more sustainable and better prepared for extreme weather.

Infrastructure

Off
Local governments own approximately 60 percent of the public infrastructure that supports our economy and quality of life. Through advocacy and support, we help them build a stronger Canada.
© 2023 Federation of Canadian Municipalities