SAC Research

There are similarities between Scotland and Quebec, in terms of national identity, spread of their rural population, and the challenges they face, particularly in the remoter parts of Quebec. There are also differences, such as the severity of the climate (still almost 2 metres of snow in the south of Quebec last week!), and the existence of the “First Nation” or Inuit People who are an important part of rural Quebec’s life.

Sarah’s task was to present an overview of policies in Europe relating to rural service provision. She outlined the thinking in Europe that vital local services are essential in maintaining the life in rural communities – without them, communities face a cycle of decline which is hard to reverse. She then outlined some European policy measures and then focused specifically on Finland and Scotland.  Finland is recognised as being the European leader in integrated rural development, and we have much to learn from the processes they have put in place during the past 20 years. There are also great similarities in climate, population density and presence of indigenous populations in both Finland and Quebec.

In turning to Scotland, Sarah pointed out the energies and initiative of people on the ground in finding solutions to rural service provision (e.g. broadband, youth care, and healthy living), and then led on to present the National Performance Framework of the Scottish Government (where 2 of the 15 Outcomes are about improving service delivery) and the partnership with the 32 Local Authorities in addressing these service Outcomes. The key messages which Sarah left with the 300 participants were: (i) the need to move from “spending” to “investment” (i.e. lengthen the timeframe, and shift focus towards longer-term outcomes); (ii) find ways to integrate the energies, ideas and initiatives of individuals

Some 300 people attended the conference from all parts of the Province, representing Government Ministries, policy analysts, the Farmers’ Union, Forestry and Transport organisations, those working in rural employment and training.  In addition, there were the mayors from many of the rural communities and municipalities, and those running projects including community health initiatives, social enterprises providing community services, and land management services.

The OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) is in the process of preparing a Policy Review for Quebec during 2009/10. This is the same process as happened in Scotland, resulting in their publication on Scotland’s Rural Policy early in 2008. Sarah has been invited to the OECD Quebec Conference in October 2009, again as a European expert in rural development, with a further opportunity to work with, and learn again from, the innovative work of Solidarité Rurale du Quebec.

If you want to see Sarah’s presentations, and/or find out more about the work of Solidarité Rurale du Quebec, please feel free to contact her directly.