Rural Canada is fundamental to the country’s future—not just as the source of our food, energy and resources, but as a driver of economic growth, resilience, and national prosperity. Rural municipalities are stepping up to meet the moment, but they’re doing so within a system that no longer reflects today’s realities—aging infrastructure, inadequate connectivity, rising public safety pressures, and a fiscal framework that was never designed for the responsibilities rural governments now carry.
This report, launched in May 2025, lays out a visionary but practical path forward for rural communities. It is grounded in the lived experience and deep local knowledge of rural municipal leaders from across the country and offers tools to deliver on their true potential.
This report identifies five interconnected priorities that require strong partnerships between all orders of government:
- Digital connectivity
Reliable high-speed internet and cellular service are no longer a luxury but a necessity. They are critical for remote work, education, healthcare and modernizing key industries like agriculture. We advocate for updated strategies and increased funding to ensure every rural community is connected.
- Infrastructure and transportation
From roads and bridges to public transit, robust infrastructure is the backbone of rural prosperity. We call for dedicated federal programs and investments to address the significant infrastructure gaps in rural areas, fostering economic development, improving access to services and enhancing safety.
- Housing and homelessness
Ensuring access to affordable housing and addressing homelessness are fundamental to the well-being of rural residents. We recommend boosting municipal housing efforts and investing in comprehensive plans to build more housing and support vulnerable populations.
- Community safety
Safe communities are thriving communities. Our recommendations focus on strengthening policing, reforming the bail system, and providing better access to mental health services to ensure rural residents feel secure.
- Climate resilience
Rural communities are on the front lines of climate change. We support local adaptation and disaster mitigation, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, and building capacity to protect against the impacts of a changing climate.