An important FCM Report

At the end of May the Federation of Canadian Municipalities released their latest report on rural municipalities entitled, "Wake-Up Call: The National Vision and Voice We Need for Rural Canada." For those who are interested, the report can be read and printed from the following address:

http://www.fcm.ca//CMFiles/20090526_RuralReport_Final_EN1IWR-5262009-9425.pdf

The report provides a strong overview of the problems that currently affect rural Canada including declining populations and declining revenue - two concerns that are particularly relevant to rural Newfoundland and Labrador. Two of the reports recommendations are particularly important. First, it recommends that rural Canada have a champion at the federal cabinet table. This is essential if rural Canada is not to be lost in the shout or urban unrest. Second, the report recommends that rural policy not adopt a one-size fits all approach. This is simply a common-sense recommendation, but one that needed to be said. Canada is a huge country, and its rural areas are varied. We need a federal rural sustainability policy that is catered to our provinces needs.

Lets hope this report does not get lost in the political cycle.