Harper Government Supports Canada's Rural Communities
April 30, 2014 – Rockland, Ontario – Department of Finance
Speaking at the Rural Economic Summit of Ontario on behalf of Minister of State (Finance) Kevin Sorenson, Pierre Lemieux, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell, today highlighted the importance of strong and vibrant rural communities in the Canadian economy. The Harper Government continues to put forward measures to support rural economies including investments for enhanced broadband and more trade and innovation for the agriculture industry.
For example, Economic Action Plan 2014 invested $305 million over five years to expand and enhance access to high-speed broadband networks to a target speed of 5 megabits per second for up to 280,000 Canadian households, which represents near universal access. Enhanced broadband helps small businesses operate and expand their ideas, sales and opportunities.
Mr. Lemieux also noted that the agriculture and agri-food sector in Canada accounts for over $100 billion in economic activity and provides jobs to over 2.1 million Canadians. The Harper Government continues to support agriculture in Canada through new trade agreements and the new Growing Forward 2 policy framework, which will provide more than $3 billion over five years for investments in innovation, competitiveness and market development.
Meagan Murdoch
Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Finance)
613-996-7861
Jack Aubry
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080
