January 18, 2016
Province Releases Discussion Document on Guiding Rural Economic Development
– – –Big Results Achieved Through Collaboration: Minister Kostyshyn
Key stakeholders will be discussing relevant factors that will lead to development of a new rural economic development strategy, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
“We recognize that bigger and better results can be achieved if everyone works together toward a shared vision for rural Manitoba,” said Minister Kostyshyn. “Key organizations from across the province have come together to collaborate, with the goal of making rural Manitoba a place where innovation, business and communities thrive.”
The minister said the discussion document is being presented to stakeholders to guide future conversations on rural economic development. After soliciting feedback, the Rural Economic Development Strategy Steering Committee will draft a final plan outlining key areas which will foster growth in the province, the minister noted.
The steering committee was appointed by Minister Kostyshyn in September 2015 and included representation from various sectors including business and entrepreneurship, Indigenous community economic development, education and all levels of government.
“The committee is pleased the report reflects what we heard in our consultations with stakeholders,” said Joe Masi, co-chair, Rural Economic Development Strategy Steering Committee. “We look forward to receiving further feedback from those organizations involved with rural economic development in Manitoba.”
The discussion document incorporates input from a wide range of stakeholders including the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and the Economic Developers Association of Manitoba.
Thirty-seven per cent of Manitoba’s population, more than 475,000 people, live in rural Manitoba. There are currently more than 12,000 businesses in rural Manitoba. Thirty-five per cent of Manitoba’s total gross domestic product is generated outside of Winnipeg, contributing more than $16 billion to the provincial economy.
The province is contributing up to $75,000 to the rural economic development strategy project, the minister said.
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