EDMONTON – The day after a sweep by the Progressive Conservative party in the byelections Premier Jim Prentice rolled out his Rural Economic Development Action Plan.
The government said the plan has five key elements which will link existing resources and organizations, increase infrastructure capacity, and grow Alberta’s economy.
“I hear loud and clear from Albertans how important it is for government, industry and communities to work collaboratively to ensure continued growth for our rural economy,” said Prentice. “This plan sets out immediate, concrete actions and provides a long-term strategic outline to help meet rural Alberta’s unique economic needs.”
The government is doubling funding for the Agriculture Opportunity Fund, which will now give the program a $3.5 million budget. The additional money is coming from the Agriculture and Food Innovation Endowment.
The province is also doubling the individual loan limit to $1 million, which it says will provide cattle feeders and new entrants with more flexibility and access to capital.
The plan has been released after the government’s Rural Economic Development Task Force held consultations with stakeholders in eight rural communities earlier this year.
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