On September 12, Dr. Ryan Gibson presented to the Swedish Agency for Growth Policy Analysis in Stockholm. The workshop brought together researchers from England, Finland, Norway, and Canada to discuss how governments can ensure the perspectives of rural residents are incorporated before new policies and programs are created. The Swedish Agency for Growth Policy Analysis is mandated to strengthen Swedish competitiveness and to grow the Swedish economy through job creation and business growth. 

Dr. Gibson delivered a presentation focused on research conducted with Dr. Heather Hall (University of Waterloo) on the experience of the Canadian Rural Secretariat and the application of the rural lens. The Rural Secretariat was a federal initiative that ran in Canada from 1996-2013. During this time the Rural Secretariat provided a series of policy and program initiatives focused on rural and northern communities. 

Photo:  Dr. Gibson (second from left) and other participants of the Swedish Government on Canada's Rural Policy workshop.

Dr. Gibson is the Libro Professor of Regional Economic Development in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development.