The Government of Canada has initiated a nationwide survey to collect input from rural communities to inform a forthcoming action plan for rural development. The consultation period is scheduled from December 15, 2025, to February 6, 2026. It follows a series of roundtable discussions with stakeholders and partners across the country held over the past six months, with more engagements planned in the new year.

The survey invites responses from a wide range of participants including residents of rural areas, local businesses and organizations, Indigenous communities and organizations, municipal governments, academics and researchers, and individuals connected to rural life and work. Respondents are asked to address questions regarding improvements to existing federal initiatives in rural contexts, identification of successful regional programs, and suggestions for policy changes or projects that could contribute to long-term sustainability and development.

This effort builds on the Government’s first rural economic development strategy published in June 2019 and its subsequent progress report released in August 2021. More than 4,000 rural communities across Canada account for over one-quarter of the national population and contribute more than 25 percent of gross domestic product, reflecting the economic significance of these regions.

The online survey and consultation materials are available through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s rural development portal on the Government of Canada website. Participants may also request to complete the survey by email. For full details and access to the survey, refer to the Government of Canada’s official consultation page: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/rural/en/help-shape-future-rural-canada-moving-strategy-action. ised-isde.canada.ca