Rural Secretariat

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**Rural Secretariat**

Francais:	Secrétariat Rural
Established:	1998
Minister:	Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Secretary of State:	Christian Paradis
Website:	http://www.rural.gc.ca

The Rural Secretariat is a focal point for the Government of Canada to work in partnership with Canadians in rural and remote areas to build strong, dynamic communities. Located in Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, it provides leadership and coordination for the Canadian Rural Partnership; facilitates liaison and creation of partnerships around rural issues and priorities; and promotes dialogue between rural stakeholders and the federal government.

Key activities of the Rural Secretariat include:

seeks input of rural Canadians through the Rural Dialogue so the federal government can better understand and respond to local and regional issues;
conducts an Information Outreach program to promote awareness of federal programs and services for rural Canadians;
promotes use of the "Rural Lens" to ensure that rural concerns are considered throughout the federal government;
conducts and supports research and analysis of economic and social issues affecting rural Canada;
coordinates a partnership approach on rural issues across the federal government, through the provincial and territorial Rural Teams;
provides one-stop access to information of particular interest to rural Canadians through the Canadian Rural Information Service.

The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is responsible for the Rural Secretariat.