Rural Canada is vital to enhancing Canada’s economic productivity, say Coalition co-chairs

Hon. Anne McLellan and Hon. Lisa Raitt met Dalhousie political science students in Halifax as part of the Coalition for a Better Future’s Campus Tour program. / COALITION FOR A BETTER FUTURE PHOTO

Small towns and rural communities play a vital role in Canada's future, but are often overlooked when it comes to public policy, say the Coalition for a Better Future co-chairs Hon. Lisa Raitt and Hon. Anne McLellan. They urge a change in the conversation as Canadian governments and leaders work to reshape and boost the national economy.

“Much of Canada’s wealth generation still comes from outside major cities,” said McLellan. “If rural and small-town businesses aren’t considered a priority for infrastructure like reliable broadband, this directly limits their ability to compete in global markets. Imagine trying to sell to the world when your connection keeps cutting out.”

During their October visit to Dalhousie University in Halifax as part of the Campus Tour series, the co-chairs said the Coalition is focused not just on economic growth, but ensuring it’s both sustainable and inclusive. 

“If rural and small-town businesses aren’t considered a priority for infrastructure like reliable broadband, this directly limits their ability to compete in global markets,” says Hon. Anne McLellan, co-chair, Coalition for a Better Future. / COALITION FOR A BETTER FUTURE PHOTO

“Sustainable growth” not only refers to protecting the environment but also ensuring long-term stability. Meanwhile, “inclusive growth” extends beyond gender and racial equity to encompass geographic inclusion, ensuring that communities outside major cities are not left behind.

Raitt said corporate and political decision-making often prioritizes urban needs, even though rural regions sustain key industries that frequently buffer Canada from global shocks. 

Alberta served as an example. A student asked about regional disenfranchisement based on geography and region, seeking the co-chairs’ perspectives on engaging the private sector.

In response, McLellan highlighted that Alberta’s economy has evolved far beyond oil and gas. “Technology is booming in Calgary, which is the fastest-growing tech hub in North America,” she said. “And these technologies aren’t just for tech companies; they’re applied across oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing. The province is a huge driver of wealth in this country, and its private sector is key to building inclusive, innovative growth nationwide.”

Supported by Shell Canada, the Campus Tour series brings the co-chairs to post-secondary institutions across the country to engage with students about how public policy is integral to fostering a stronger, inclusive and sustainable economy, emphasizing young people's role in defining the future. 

The event sparked a lively conversation about how public sector leaders, decision-makers, and the next generation of professionals can use data-driven insights for building a resilient economy that delivers shared prosperity in a rapidly changing world.

This story is from the Coalition for a Better Future and is reprinted with permission.