WELLINGTON, PEI – Nov. 3, 2011 – Co-operators and representatives of organizations and communities are invited to attend a free lunch-and-learn focusing on assistance programs provided by the Rural and Co-operatives Secretariat (RCS) on Wednesday, Nov. 23, from 12-1 p.m. at the Rural Action Centre in Wellington.

Regional advisor Robert Maddix will first of all explain the role of the Secretariat. “The RCS aims to improve the quality of life in rural communities so these regions can compete in the global economy,” he says. “Our service is delivered by about 90 employees and is a part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. I’m the only RCS employee on PEI.”

The RCS’s role is to implement the Canadian Rural Partnership (CRP). The objective of the CRP is to provide communities and rural regions the information, the tools and the services they require to adapt to rural and sectorial changes and to reinforce regions’ competitiveness by highlighting their diversity and their unexplored potential.

The RCS works with key federal departments and agencies, including natural resource departments, the voluntary sector and non-government organizations, to develop initiatives that support the development of innovative and competitive communities.

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

The first assistance programs administered by the RCS is the “Community Development Program, Building Rural and Northern Partnerships” program to support projects that help stakeholders to find efficient solutions while sharing information and best practices with other communities. The program also supports the preparation of collaboration activities that bring together a wide variety of communities and partners.

Secondly, the “Co-operative Development Initiative” (CDI) helps Canadian establish new co-operatives and to pilot innovative applications of the co-operative model. The CDI is managed by the Canadian Co-operative Association and the Conseil canadien de la coopération et de la mutualité through a partnership with the Government of Canada.

All those wishing to attend this lunch-and-learn are urged to register no later than Nov. 21 at noontime by communicating with Jeannine Arsenault at (902) 854-2328, Ext. 228, or by email at Jeannine@sdbaipe.com. Lunch will be provided without cost.

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For more information:
Jeannine Arsenault
Client services officer
Rural Action Centre in Wellington
(902) 854-2328, Ext. 228