Budget 2025 encouraging course correction — rural, regional lens can and must be applied now
At a time when the world, and Canadians, need more of what Canada’s regions offer, Budget 2025 brings hope for a reboot of the Canadian economy. While we know results won’t be felt for some time, these strategic investments have the potential to create real opportunities for rural Canada. Encouraging signs include:
Maintaining essential air connectivity in rural and remote communities;
Investment in critical minerals sovereignty;
Broad investment in infrastructure;
A commitment to working supply chains;
Investments in natural resource programs focused on market and product;
Updated to federal procurement approaches;
Incentives for biofuels production;
Securing, expanding and restoring market access for ag and other sectors;
Enhancements around capital cost allowances;
Strengthened government operations and regional incentives and touch points;
And more.
As the heavy work begins, an immediate priority should be the systematic application of a rural, regional lens at the outset.
Inclusive criteria; little room for unintended consequences
As we know, all Canadians rely on rural Canada outputs — from food to energy and building materials. What will matter most now is how these commitments are operationalized. For example, solutions must meaningfully reflect rural needs and realities, and government criteria must not shut out rural Canada in any way. If anything, a high priority must be placed on Canada’s rural communities and regions, the foundation of Canada’s riches.
Finally, all the decisions we take must be assessed for potential unintended consequences and informed by the many lessons of the past.