Ottawa-The government’s Building Canada Stronger Act has the right focus on creating a stronger, more resilient and competitive economy, says the Rural Prosperity Group (RPG).

Rural communities are essential to Canada's prosperity. mining, fisheries and manufacturing, rural industries produce the resources and products that Canadians and the world depend on RPG said.

“The world needs rural Canada. And as Canada looks to strengthen its economic sovereignty, it needs rural Canada more than ever.”

Realizing the Act’s full potential will require ensuring rural communities are partners in Canada's economic growth.

One of the most promising elements in the government’s bill Bill is its focus on making Canada a more attractive place to invest and build.

“The proposed one-year timeline for federal project reviews and decisions, once applications are complete, could provide greater certainty for businesses and investors. Improved coordination across federal departments could also reduce unnecessary duplication and delays.”

For rural communities, where major investments in natural resources, energy and infrastructure can create jobs and sustain local economies, these improvements matter.

The legislation's focus on strengthening national trade corridors is equally encouraging.

Canada's supply chains begin in rural communities. Whether moving grain from farms, minerals from northern mines or forest products to international markets, reliable transportation infrastructure is fundamental to rural prosperity.

“However, stronger national trade corridors must also mean stronger rural connections. Rural roads, bridges, regional rail networks and other infrastructure are essential to getting Canadian products to market.”

Ensuring rural businesses can access these networks affordably and competitively will be critical to realizing the legislation's economic ambitions, RPG said.

“A streamlined regulatory process may benefit major project proponents while remaining difficult for smaller rural businesses to navigate. Accelerated development may create economic opportunities while placing additional pressure on local housing, infrastructure and municipal services.”

A rural lens is a practical way to identify potential barriers, recognize opportunities and ensure that national policy decisions work for rural Canadians and should be applied to all government programs, RPG said.

“It means asking whether rural businesses can participate in new opportunities, whether municipalities have the capacity to support growth and whether economic benefits will be felt in the communities helping generate them.”

A rural lens should be embedding a rural lens into their implementation and working directly with rural leaders, businesses, municipalities and Indigenous communities.

Rural Canada is ready to build, innovate and grow. Its industries, entrepreneurs and communities are central to Canada's economic future.