Chatting with the Rural Secretariat

Last week, we had a focus group session with Rural Secretariat (Bonavista-Clarenville) members.  There are nine Rural Secretariat Regional Councils in the province.  People were appointed to the councils from an open nomination process.  The mandate of the Rural Secretariat is to:

•  Promote the well-being of all regions of Newfoundland and Labrador through a comprehensive and coordinated approach to economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects of regional development.
• Act as the focal point for the provincial government to work with local and regional partners to build strong and dynamic regions and communities.
• Ensure that regional concerns are considered throughout the provincial government and promoted at the federal level.
• Carry out research and analysis of economic and social issues affecting all regions of Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Help communities and regions identify and take advantage of growth opportunities

 While not all members of the Rural Secretariat (Bonavista-Clarenville) were in attendance, we had a good session discussing the health, strengths and issues of our communities.  The people who sit around the table are very active in their communities and have good insight into the issues facing communities.