Absence of strategic plan for rural P.E.I. alarms opposition

Island opposition leaders are questioning the government's commitment to rural P.E.I., saying that without a Rural Action Plan, it's impossible to set goals.

The last Rural Action Strategy was released in 2010, and set out 40 recommendations intended to enhance business development, strengthen primary sectors and invest in human resources and education.

That plan expired in January 2015. Now, the province says there won't be a new plan. Instead, rural interests will be incorporated into every department's portfolio.

Lack of plan signals lack of commitment to rural P.E.I.: Bevan-Baker

Green Party Leader and MLA for Kellys Cross-Cumberland Peter Bevan-Baker said this sends a message that rural P.E.I. is not a priority for this government.

"If there's no plan that signals to me that this government seems willing to allow rural P.E.I. to continue to deteriorate, and to me that's a really sad situation," said Bevan-Baker.

"I think it's clear we need a comprehensive vision for rural P.E.I., something government is committed to, something that is collaborative."

Bevan-Baker said rural Islanders have an intimate knowledge of what's required in their community, and should be involved in the discussion and the development of a comprehensive vision for rural P.E.I.

He said rural communities in other parts of Canada have found ways to thrive, and P.E.I. can do the same.

"People know how to create sustainable, robust, on-going prosperity in rural areas, " said Bevan-Baker. "There's just not a commitment or a willingness or a vision here on P.E.I. at the moment and I think that's a terrible shame."

Residents of rural P.E.I. being treated like 'second class citizens': Myers

Steven Myers, PC MLA for Georgetown-St. Peters, said without a plan in place and clear commitments to bolster rural P.E.I., residents of the Island's smaller communities are being treated like second class citizens.

"It's scary to think that each department is making it's own plan about how they are going to deal with rural interests," said Myers. "We have no leadership from the premier on how he's going to tie it all together to make one plan that's going to achieve any goals for rural P.E.I."

Myers said the school reviews taking place across P.E.I. highlight the province's lack of confidence in the Island's smaller towns and communities.

"You can't tell me what 2022 is going to look like population-wise unless you have no intention to fix the problems in rural P.E.I.," he said.

Province says government committed to rural Islanders

Rural economic development became part of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries earlier this year, something Bob Creed says aligns well with best supporting the Island's primary industries. Creed is the new director responsible for rural economic development.

"The current government approach to rural development involves each and every department that is delivering services to Islanders has a component of a rural lens." said Creed.

Creed says the province remains committed to investing in rural P.E.I., and doesn't need an official document to do so.

"Rather than putting effort into developing a booklet or a document, we're focused on actions," said Creed. "We're being challenged in this department to assist in every manner possible, and through our departmental responsibilities to help the economy grow and to help P.E.I. thrive."

Creed said, in the past year and a half since the expiry of the Rural Action Strategy, community development officers across the province have been involved in approximately 27 projects to help expand or create services that will increase the prosperity and sustainability of rural P.E.I.

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