Budget 2025 encouraging course correction — rural, regional lens can and must be applied now
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The Rural Prosperity Group has been busy engaging with government this month. We have been having great meetings with policy makers who have indicated their commitment to rural Canada.
Following the 2025 federal budget release, we made the following statement:
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
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.
Read our take on strengthening Canada’s position: The importance of applying a rural lens to CUSMA
We were also happy to participate in the federal government’s CUSMA review. We noted that as Canada seeks to strengthen its position within North America, the Government of Canada should apply a rural lens to its review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, in particular in the SME and Competitiveness chapters of CUSMA.
Indeed, Canadians — no matter where they live — expect their government to recognize and leverage the significant strengths and opportunities of Canada’s rural areas and regions when engaging with key trading partners. They also expect that any potential threats to rural success and livelihoods be carefully mitigated. At a time when the world needs rural Canada more than ever — for food, energy, machinery, and other essential resources — this is a time to act decisively and responsibly to secure its future.
Read the full submission here.