Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair is encouraging all interested citizens to forward their views on the proposed rural development strategy by September 30. Earlier this summer, the department posted a questionnaire on its website, and copies are also available at all Access PEI sites. More than 500 responses have been received to date.
“I am very gratified by the many invaluable comments and suggestions we have received from Islanders from one end of the province to the other,” said Minister LeClair. “It is vitally important that we hear from rural Islanders as we begin to finalize a draft report for presentation to the Legislative Assembly later this year.”
The Minister and his staff have been holding wide-ranging consultations with interested groups and individuals over the past several months. A series of public consultations was held in early July, and since that time, meetings have been held with representatives of primary industry and other rural organizations. Over 1000 people have been involved in the consultations to date.
“The consultation sessions are an important step in the public process,” said Minister LeClair. “Because of the integral role of rural communities in our province, I am encouraging all Islanders to contribute to this process and make their views known.”
Copies of the survey questionnaire are available at www.gov.pe.ca/go/renewingruralpei. The questionnaire can also be picked up and dropped off at any of the Access PEI sites.