News for Rural Communities

1. Governments helping fruit sector seek new opportunities

   The governments of Canada and Ontario are helping 128 apple, tender fruit, and table grape producers grow more popular and hardy varieties of produce. The Growing Future Opportunities Initiative, with funding through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), is supporting these projects through a $4.4 million investment.

2. Changes to AgriStability program saving Alberta farmers time and money

   Farmers are vital to Alberta's economy, providing essential food resources and driving rural prosperity, yet they often face burdensome paperwork and high accounting fees that hinder their productivity. Governments are making changes to the AgriStability program to address these challenges.

3. Governments strengthening mental health services for international agricultural workers

   The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing nearly $1.8 million over 2 years to provide international agricultural workers (IAWs) in Ontario with enhanced access to mental health supports in Spanish, Tagalog, French and English.

4. Big changes underway for multi-use Cape Breton facility

   Government of Canada support for upgrades to Canada Games Complex will increase usage, attract premiere events

5. Transit investments in Cape Breton Regional Municipality

   Transit Cape Breton will have new buses on the road after an investment of more than $2.3 million from the federal government.

6. Government of Canada announces funding to improve the sustainability and competitiveness of Canadian cereals

   Cereal crops are a staple of Canada’s agricultural sector.

7. Minister MacAulay announces research funding for an innovative, sustainable poultry sector

   Today, the Honorable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, toured the University of Guelph's research facilities to meet with researchers and learn about their innovative work in support of a sustainable poultry sector.

8. Terry Duguid to announce investments to the Canadian cereals sector

   Terry Duguid to announce investments to the Canadian cereals sector

9. Saddle up for more great tourism experiences in Nova Scotia

   ACOA supports successful events and strategic tourism plans in Truro and Amherst

10. Backgrounder: Saddle up for more great tourism experiences in Nova Scotia

    Tourism boosts local economies, highlights unique attractions, and celebrates the region's rich culture.

11. Governments investing to improve Ontario farmland

    The governments of Canada and Ontario have awarded over $12.2 million in support to 213 projects designed to help farmers make their agricultural lands more healthy and resilient.

12. Tourism gets a boost in Colchester and Cumberland Counties

    Tourism gets a boost in Colchester and Cumberland Counties

13. Governments investing in initiatives to attract and retain agri-food labour

    The governments of Canada and Ontario are creating the Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative to attract and retain Ontario agri-food workers. Funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), this $4 million investment will strengthen Ontario’s agri-food workforce for years to come.

14. Government of Canada announces funding to improve animal health and welfare

    Government of Canada announces funding to improve animal health and welfare

15. Funding available to support documentary heritage organizations

    The call for proposals for the Documentary Heritage Communities Program 2025–2026 is now open

16. Government of Canada announces funding to advance sustainable farming practices in the organic sector

    Investing in organic farming research is essential for advancing sustainable practices, addressing the sector’s unique challenges, and supporting the continued growth and competitiveness of Canadian organic products.

17. Minister MacAulay announces investment to improve the long-term sustainability of Eastern Canadian oilseeds

    Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced up to $4,348,090 over 5 years to the Eastern Canada Oilseed Development Alliance (ECODA) through the AgriScience Program – Projects Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

18. Westville creating entrepreneurial opportunities as part of ongoing downtown revitalization project

    Government of Canada supports efforts to spur new start-ups

19. MP Blois to announce investments to support the organic sector

    Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants and Chair of the House of Commons Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee, will be in Port Williams, Nova Scotia to announce federal investments on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, to support sustainable practices in the Canadian organic sector.

20. Minister MacAulay to announce investments to improve the long-term sustainability of Eastern Canadian oilseeds industry

    The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, will announce investments to support the long-term security and sustainability of the Eastern Canadian oilseed industry. He will be joined by Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque.

21. Investing in public transportation in the Annapolis Valley

    Residents in Annapolis and western Kings counties will have increased access to a bookable transportation service after an investment of more than $270,000 from the federal and provincial governments.

22. Backgrounder: Federal government invests in transportation infrastructure for communities in rural Saskatchewan

    The federal government is investing $4,480,416 through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF) and the Active Transportation Fund (ATF) to support seven projects across Saskatchewan.

23. Federal government invests in transportation infrastructure for communities in rural Saskatchewan

    The federal government is investing more than $4.4 million in transportation infrastructure projects across rural Saskatchewan.

24. Ontario Investing to Attract and Retain International Agri-Food Workers

    The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1.5 million over four years to create a more welcoming environment for international agri-food workers (IAWs) who work in Ontario's $51 billion agri-food sector and provide them with stronger supports during their stay here.

25. More opportunities to stay and play in Ingonish

    Support for four Cape Breton businesses enhances year-round visitor experience

26. Backgrounder: More opportunities to stay and play in Ingonish

    Support for four Cape Breton businesses enhances year-round visitor experience

27. Investing in public transportation in the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s

    Residents in the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s will have access to a new transportation service following an investment of $234,548 from the federal and provincial governments.

28. Governments Investing to Increase Workforce Diversity in Agriculture

    The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1.5 million in the new Agricultural Workforce Equity and Diversity Initiative (AWEDI) to help minority groups start and build businesses in the agri-food sector.

29. Canada and France reach agreement in Atlantic halibut negotiations

    Atlantic halibut is found in waters from east of Newfoundland to the northeastern United States. Most of the stock is found in Canadian fisheries waters, with a small percentage of the stock also found within the French Maritime Zone off the coast of St. Pierre and Miquelon

30. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Lower Sackville

    Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Darrell Samson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for Sackville–Preston–Chezzetcook, the Honourable Steve Craig, MLA for Sackville–Cobequid, His Worship Mike Savage, Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality, Brenden Blotnicky of the Trans Canada Trail, and Matthew Spicer of the Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association.

31. British Columbia farmers get help building more resilient, sustainable practices

    Farmers and ranchers are receiving additional assistance to prepare for, adapt to and lessen the impacts of climate change so they can better protect their farms and livestock and continue growing food for people in British Columbia.

32. Governments Strengthening the Sustainability and Productivity of Ontario Farms

    The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing an additional $9 million in the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to help farmers enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of their farms.

33. Manitoba Celebrates 10 years of Farm and Food Awareness Week with Support to Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba

    The governments of Canada and Manitoba are encouraging all Manitobans to learn more about the important role that agriculture producers play in ensuring that our agri-food system remains diverse, safe and sustainable by attending at least one of the many events around the province celebrating the 10th annual Farm and Food Awareness Week, September 16th-20th, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.

34. New funding to support potato growers

    New Brunswick potato producers who endured extraordinary costs resulting from excessive moisture during last year's growing season will have access to financial assistance starting this November.

35. Government of Canada to announce funding for Ski Ben Eoin

    Government of Canada to announce funding for Ski Ben Eoin

36. Zero-emission rideshare program coming to Renfrew County

    A combined investment of over $500,000 from the federal government and the Renfrew County townships of Bonnechere Valley, North Algona Wilberforce, and Whitewater Region, is funding the purchase of three zero-emission vehicles and six charging stations for an on-demand rideshare program.

37. Minister MacAulay announces new members of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council

    Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced the members of the third cohort of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council (CAYC). Nine new faces and 13 returning youth from the second cohort will make up the new Council, all serving terms of 18 months.

38. Statement from Minister MacAulay on China’s anti-dumping investigation

    Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, issued the following statement in response to China’s anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola seed exports:

39. Governments Investing in Innovation to Strengthen Ontario's Agri-Food Sector

    The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing an additional $3.5 million in the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) to support the development and adoption of new technologies for farmers, food processors and agri-businesses that will enhance their competitiveness and growth.

40. Minister MacAulay announces launch of new School Food Infrastructure Fund and renewed Local Food Infrastructure Fund to improve food security in Canada

    All Canadians, particularly young Canadians, deserve to have access to nutritious food.

41. Unama’ki artists creating connections, business growth

    When local artisans have the resources they need to develop their craft and grow thriving businesses, they boost local economies and help build awareness, understanding and appreciation of our nation’s many cultures and heritages.

42. Minister MacAulay to announce investments to help provide more nutritious, local food to Canadians

    The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, will announce investments to support school food infrastructure and to improve food security for Canadians of all ages.

43. Minister MacAulay announces the re-appointment of Geneviève Parent to the Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal

    Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced the re-appointment of Geneviève Parent as a member of the Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal for a three-year term, starting August 31, 2024. This will be her third consecutive term.

44. Governments Partnering to Boost Innovation in the Agri-Food Industry

    The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $22.6 million, through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), to expand production capacity and boost energy efficiency in the agriculture and food sector.

45. Digby planning to elevate regional tourism experiences

    Government support encourages multi-year plan focused on sector growth, season extension.

46. Investing in Zero-Emission Public Transit in Sarnia

    Sarnia Transit will purchase three zero-emission buses and install three new charging stations after a combined investment of almost $6M from the Government of Canada and the City of Sarnia.

47. Indigenous ecotourism project retraces traditional canoe routes between Bear River and Kejimkujik

    Bear River First Nation off-grid lodge and geodome to offer authentic Indigenous tourism experience

48. Government of Canada to announce support for Indigenous ecotourism

    The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, will announce funding for an ecotourism project retracting traditional canoe routes between Bear River and Kejimkujik.

49. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Nuxalk Nation, and Ingenium collaborate to create new Snootli Creek Hatchery Welcome Centre marking the completion of a $20 million hatchery rebuild

    On August 22, 2024, the new Welcome Centre at Snootli Creek Hatchery will officially open.

50. Compete, grow, sing, explore on Nova Scotia’s South Shore

    Compete, grow, sing, explore on Nova Scotia’s South Shore