The Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF) (Francais: Fondation Canadienne pour la Revitalisation Rurale) was established in 1989 to contribute to the revitalization and sustainability of rural Canada through collaborative research for rural leaders in the community, private sector, and in all levels of government. CRRF works to create credible insights and to improve our understanding of issues and opportunities that are of common interest to rural residents across Canada. Knowledge and better understanding are the fundamental pillars for the welfare of rural communities and environments.
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CRRF is an organization with members from across Canada, with diverse international links, representing rural leaders, rural organizations, development practitioners, government policy makers, researchers, students, and other stakeholders interested in the future of rural Canada. CRRF explores a diversity of issues, including rural health and social provision, local and regional economies, local government and community governance, education, organization development, environmental management and stewardship, and many others facets of life and livelihood in rural Canada. Each year CRRF co-hosts a national conference to share lessons learned, research findings, and discuss key rural issues. In addition to the national conference, CRRF hosts and participates in workshops, forums, and symposia to advance rural issues in Canada.
Originally known as the Agricultural and Rural Restructuring Group (ARRG), CRRF is a national nonprofit society chartered in the Province of Alberta and a federally registered charity.
CRRF assembles creative minds from rural communities, governments, universities and businesses to enable rural populations to succeed with these challenges. Specifically CRRF addresses:
Governance
CRRF is governed by an elected board of directors. Current directors include: Ryan Gibson - President (Saskatchewan), William Ashton Treasurer (Manitoba), Heather Hall - Secretary (Newfoundland and Labrador), Robert Annis - Past President (British Columbia), Matthew Brett (Québec), Lars Hallstrom (Alberta), Al Lauzon (Ontario), Terri MacDonald (British Columbia), Sean Markey (British Columbia), Laura Ryser (British Columbia), and Chris Southcott (Ontario).
The State of Rural Canada
In September 2015, the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation launched The State of Rural Canada book. The edited book was the first comprehensive review of provincial and territorial rural policies.