QUESTION PERIOD — Innovation, Science and Economic Development
February 13, 2024
My question is for Senator Gold. Senator Gold, the Centre for Rural Economic Development is housed within Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Its purpose is to work with federal government departments to ensure the needs of rural Canadians are considered when developing policies and programs. The centre has several rural advisers that work with stakeholders and identify critical issues affecting economic growth within rural Canada. All territories and provinces in Western Canada and Ontario have rural advisers. However, there are zero rural advisers for Atlantic Canada and Quebec.
Senator Gold, I understand that Eastern Canadians feel left out of the Government of Canada’s rural policy development process. Can you explain why there are zero advisers from Eastern Canada?
Thank you for your question. Honourable senators, the Centre for Rural Economic Development is there to ensure that rural stakeholders and community leaders are properly consulted and properly supported when it comes to the activities of this government. It’s vital and it ensures that this government takes on and absorbs the realities for those who live in rural Canada. It helps the government craft better programs.
In response to your question, my understanding is that the former advisers for Atlantic Canada and Quebec have recently taken on different new positions and that the government is working quickly to engage new advisers to take on the important work with the Atlantic provinces and Quebec as soon as possible.
Thank you for that answer, Senator Gold. Will you be in a position to advise us when those appointments are made?
I will do my best to be on top of this file, Senator Quinn. I imagine that when they are filled, there will be announcements. Nevertheless, I’ll ask my office to keep an eye on it and report to the Senate.
