One workshop at the Metropolis conference in Vancouver demonstrated connections. SME owners provide business connections to pre-screened immigrants over a simple coffee.
Author: Greg Misener
Nearly a year after initiating the Rural Policy Learning Commons, a dozen leaders discussed achievements and progress. A sketch of a seven-year vision received positive support and the distributed authority model for financial management was further discussed.
John Biles, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, received the first excellence award from Metropolis during the 17th national conference in Vancouver. RDI organized 7 researchers to present their results of a local consultation on settlement services and partnerships in 29 communities in western Canada.
The 10th volume of the Journal of Rural and Community Development has been published online. Volume 10, No. 1 includes ten peer-reviewed articles and one case study ranging from the benefits of development for small farmers in Vietnam, to fostering rural youth in Ontario.
At the MAFRD booth, Rhonda Linde talks about transitions or succession from the parents to young farmers. In a MNP theatre, Mike Raines of the Western Producer, polls the room of about 80 people and 3 people say they have a plan for continuity.
Keynote speaker Dr. Bill Reimer introduces the new Rural Policy Learning Commons project to a dozen leaders of research centres across Canada. He called for more active exchanges among centres in Canada and with other OECD countries.
Developing a physical space in any rural community is a complex proposition. Brandon is stepping up to address challenges.
Dr Santon, a municipal government specialists, pointed out to over 200 mayors and government officials that a change in municipal boundaries requires a change in the function of municipal functions and revenues. This is the only coherent argument for local amalgamation.
Lidia Carvajal, institute coordinator, introduced the 2014 ICRPS in Toluca University. She challenged us to live the Mexico experience and equally important to reflect on this reality – both rural and urban, rich and poor.
A conference on Western Canadian Functional Food Ingredients: Strategies to Manage Costs & Enhance Products took place from June 11 – 12, 2014 at the Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals in Winnipeg. Dr. Gillian Richards from RDI presented an overview of the industry: “Manitoba’s food processing sector – two paths to 2020”.