NOTE TO EDITORS:

Minister attends inaugural meeting of ministers responsible for rural development

Industry, Trade and Rural Development Minister Judy Foote is attending a two-day inaugural meeting in Alberta of federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for rural development. The April 14-15 meeting concludes today. Among the issues being discussed is the adoption of a National Rural Policy Framework (NRPF), which will share a collaborative approach to ensuring the long-term viability of rural communities throughout the country. The framework will look at supporting community capacity-building and finding solutions to the challenges facing our rural communities.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-4570.

2003 04 15                                        5:10 p.m.