The Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF) was established in 1989 to contribute to the revitalization and sustainability of rural Canada through collaborative research for rural leaders in the community, private sector, and in all levels of government. CRRF works to create credible insights and to improve our understanding of issues and opportunities that are of common interest to rural residents across Canada. Knowledge and better understanding are the fundamental pillars for the welfare of rural communities and environments.

CRRF is an organization comprised of members from across Canada, with diverse international links, representing rural leaders, rural organizations, development practitioners, government policy makers, researchers, students, and other stakeholders interested in the future of rural Canada. CRRF explores a diversity of issues, including rural health and social provision, local and regional economies, local government and community governance, education, organization development, environmental management and stewardship, and many others facets of life and livelihood in rural Canada. Each year CRRF co-hosts a national conference to share lessons learned, research findings, and discuss key rural issues. In addition to the national conference, CRRF hosts and participates in workshops, forums, and symposia to advance rural issues in Canada.

Originally known as the Agricultural and Rural Restructuring Group (ARRG), CRRF is a national nonprofit society chartered in the Province of Alberta (#5018396068) and a federally registered charity (892810763 RR0001).

Core Values of CRRF

• CRRF carries out its Mission without favour or prejudice by political interest.
• CRRF respects and serves inclusively the interests of all segments of rural society, within communities, between metro-adjacent and remote places, and across the forestry, fishing, mining, agriculture, energy, manufacturing and services sectors.
• CRRF is open, transparent and accountable.
• CRRF seeks to broaden the common ground between rural and urban Canadians.

30th Anniversary of CRRF

At the 2018 conference, the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF) kicked off its 30th anniversary. Since its formation in 1989, CRRF has led a number of important research and policy initiatives. A few resources celebrating the 30th anniversary are listed below.

• 30 Years of CRRF: What Have We Learned (Presentation by Bill Reimer) Animated version

The following video was prepared by Hannah Main.