Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, Minister Neil LeClair today announced the next steps in the formation of the Rural Development Strategy that include workshops with small business entrepreneurs, tourism and the primary resource industries.
The Minister’s statement comes upon the completion of the most recent round of consultations that were held in Mill River, Montague, Crapaud and Wellington. The consultations included over 40 presentations from community groups, business people and community activists in an effort to contribute their vision to the strategy to renew rural Prince Edward Island. Over 200 people attended the four sessions.
“The response of Islanders to the consultation process – beginning with the Renewing Rural PEI Conference in April, the online survey and the public consultations – has been tremendous,” said Minister LeClair. “It is clear that Islanders who live in rural areas are committed to tackling the challenges facing their communities and to working with Government to develop some long-term solutions. Government is equally committed to ensuring that the rural areas of Prince Edward Island receive the supports required to maintain strong communities for generations to come.”
An online survey that seeks input on the priorities of Islanders can be found on the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development website www.gov.pe.ca/fard/.
Since being posted in late June, it has been completed by over 400 Islanders. Members of the public are encouraged to visit the website and to complete the survey. Hard copies can also be downloaded and mailed to the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development or dropped off at any Access PEI location.
The next step in the consultation process will begin immediately, including a series of workshops on the following topics: 1) entrepreneurship and business development, 2) tourism, 3) energy, 4) agriculture and forestry, 5) fisheries and aquaculture and 6) environment. A broad cross-section of leaders from within each sector will be invited to topic-specific sessions to share experiences, review input from the earlier consultations, examine draft strategies and help forge integrated strategies for their sectors.
A draft Rural Development Strategy will be presented to the public for input in early fall and a final document will be presented during the fall sitting of the Legislature.