Throne Speech Continues Commitment to Rural Canadians
FEBRUARY 6, 2001 - 16:27 EST
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State (Rural
Development) (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern
Ontario), said the Government of Canada's commitment to rural
Canada resounded throughout the Speech from the Throne.
"From beginning to end, the speech declared the government's
commitment to the strengthening of rural Canada," said Mr.
Mitchell. "The government will promote innovation, growth and
development in all parts of our economy to ensure that Canadians
in rural and remote communities maintain and enhance their quality
of life and share in the benefits of a world-leading economy."
According to the speech, delivered by Governor General Adrienne
Clarkson to open the 37th Parliament of Canada: "Canadian
communities of all sizes - whether urban or rural, Aboriginal or
multicultural - face diverse challenges and have unique needs. The
Government of Canada will strive to ensure that, wherever
possible, its actions and programs are co-ordinated to help build
local solutions to local challenges."
"The Throne Speech reflects the application of the Rural Lens in
the development of policies, programs and other initiatives," Mr.
Mitchell said.
The government commitments outlined in the Speech from the Throne,
speak to the concerns identified in the Rural Dialogue and build
on the actions already begun through the Canadian Rural
Partnership, Mr. Mitchell noted.
Mr. Mitchell said the government will continue to pursue its goal
of making Canada the most connected country in the world. "The
Community Access Program and SchoolNet are critical to providing
rural, remote, Northern and Aboriginal communities with an on-ramp
to the information highway, to give all Canadians an equal
opportunity at prospering in the global knowledge-based economy,"
he said.
An electronic version of the Throne Speech can be viewed at:
sft-ddt.gc.ca
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Mr. Mitchell's Office
Steve Young
(613) 759-1087
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HUGE POTENTIAL FOR NHC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers, Lalit Jain |
