Remote, rural and northern communities are necessary to build a strong Canada.

That was the message delivered last week by City of Thompson Councillor Kathy Valentino in her role as Federation of Canadian Municipalities 2nd Vice-President during the organization's Advocacy Days 2025.

Here, Valentino points out the value of these communities.

“Our rural communities make up just 15 percent of the population but we are managing 36 percent of the core infrastructure. We also support sectors that contribute nearly 200 billion dollars to this country’s economy.”

FCM is calling on the government to increase the Canada Community Building Fund and release a modernized national infrastructure plan.

In turn, they believe this will create diverse trade opportunities, strengthen  national defence and boost economic prosperity.