(Ottawa, ON) The Canadian government is seeking citizen views on the future of three important government policies: Emergency Management, Rural Development, and Free Trade Agreements.
"To build a stronger, more resilient and self-sufficient country, not only must we anticipate opportunities, we must put in place strategies and actions to seize them. Managing national disasters and national security threats, removing barriers and expanding opportunities for our rural communities, and expanding our trade to global markets will strengthen our country," said Nipissing - Timiskaming MP Pauline Rochefort.
"We have lived experience here in Nipissing - Timiskaming with emergency management, rural development, and trade that can help shape the national response. I encourage all to participate in the surveys or consultations," she added.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Comment period closes February 28, 2026.
Emergency Management Online Survey Link
Following the second-worst wildfire season in Canadian history, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience Eleanor Olszewski has launched a national public engagement on the future of federal emergency management.
An online portal has also been opened so all Canadians and interested parties can participate by submitting written feedback.
We are seeking Canadians' views on how the federal role in emergency management should evolve in managing all forms of hazards, from natural disasters to national security threats. This will build on the significant investments in Budget 2025 that are strengthening protection for communities across the country.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Comment period closes February 6, 2026.
Rural Development Online Survey link
A nationwide survey is underway to collect input from rural communities to inform a forthcoming action plan for rural development.
The survey invites responses from a wide range of participants including residents of rural areas, local businesses and organizations, Indigenous communities and organizations, municipal governments, academics and researchers, and individuals connected to rural life and work. Respondents are asked to address questions regarding improvements to existing federal initiatives in rural contexts, identification of successful regional programs, and suggestions for policy changes or projects that could contribute to long-term sustainability and development.
The survey follows a series of roundtable discussions with stakeholders and partners across the country held over the past six months, with more engagements planned in the new year.
FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS - INDIA, UAE, THAILAND AND MERCOSUR
Comment period closes January 27, 2026.
Free Trade Agreements Online Survey Link
Diversifying trade and strengthening partnerships with reliable international markets is a focus of Canada's new government, as outlined in Budget 2025. As part of this work, our government has launched public consultations on upcoming free trade agreement negotiations.
These potential agreements will help achieve our goal of doubling exports to non-US markets over the next decade, helping to create good jobs, open new opportunities for Canadian business, and improve market access for Canadian goods and services in fast-growing economies around the world.