Legislative Assembly of Ontario Unanimously Passes MPP Denault’s Motion Calling for the Designation of Rural Ontario Week

April 10, 2026

Designation will provide an opportunity for public awareness on how Rural Ontario contributes to the Province of Ontario. – News April 10, 2026

Queens Park – On March 31, 2026, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario debated the
motion, put forward by MPP Billy Denault. The motion read “That, in the opinion of this
House, the Government of Ontario should recognize the vitality and importance of rural
Ontario by designating the third week of September of every year as Rural Ontario
Week.” The debate around all parties present indicated unanimous support of the
motion.

“Not many may fully recognize the substantial contributions rural Ontarian communities
make towards our province’s thriving economy. These communities drive key sectors
such as manufacturing, natural resources, forestry, tourism, and agriculture industries
that are essential not only to our economic success but to our way of life. In 2024 alone,
rural Ontario contributed over $116.5 billion to Ontario’s gross domestic product. That is
not a small figure; it is a clear and undeniable reflection of the strength, resilience and
importance of rural communities across this province,” said MPP Billy Denault.

“It’s important that we in Ontario have an opportunity to recognize and celebrate rural
Ontario, and that’s exactly what’s going to be accomplished during Rural Ontario Week.,
said Hon. MPP Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs.

“I’m honoured to support the MPP for Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke’s motion to declare
the third week of September Rural Ontario Week. Like so many rural ridings throughout
this province, Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston’s diverse landscape is pivotal in driving
innovation and resourcefulness, preserving the essence of community and cultivating a
profound respect of our connection to the rivers, the lakes and the fields that define our
region,” said MPP John Jordan.

“I was pleased to support and speak on my colleague’s motion that will recognize the
third full week of September as Rural Ontario Week. Every community in our province is
important to Ontario’s identity, and rural communities deserve recognition and celebration for their special role in shaping our provincial identity, culture, heritage and
economy,” said Hon. MPP Laurie Scott.

Ontario is the first province to recognize the importance of its rural regions and their
contribution to the fabric of the province by formally designating an annual period of
celebration.

“It’s a chance for us to share with the world, the people, places and innovations that
occur in the Ottawa Valley. I am proud to be a product of Rural Ontario; there isn’t any
other place I would rather call home.” Said MPP Denault.

Quick Facts:
– Ontario’s rural communities are an integral part of the social, economic and
cultural fabric of this province. Contributing over $116.5 billion to the Province of
Ontario in Gross Domestic Product in 2024.
– In 2024, the Government of Ontario created the Ministry of Rural Affairs as part
of our government’s mandate to address the needs of rural Ontario by supporting
and helping build rural communities that are sustainable, resilient, trusted,
innovative, and thriving.
– Last year the Government of Ontario announced Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s
Rural Economic Development Strategy, to support rural communities in our
province.
– Additionally, The Government of Ontario has doubled funding for the Rural
Ontario Development (ROD) Program to $20 million over 2 years.
– By recognizing the 3rd full week of September every year as Rural Ontario Week,
the Government of Ontario is continuing to spotlight the positive impact rural
Ontario has on the province.

Additional Resources
Rural Ontario Development Program | ontario.ca
Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy | ontario.ca

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Media
For additional information, please contact:

Krystal Moreau, Constituency Assistant
Office of Billy Denault, MPP
613-735-6627
krystal.moreau@pc.ola.org