With the release of the Fall Economic Statement this week, I was thrilled to see the finalized definition of rural for the purposes of the Canada Carbon Rebate Rural Supplement. The supplement is worth an extra 20% - up to $360 each year - for rural households.

For months, I have worked to address the concerns from communities like Neebing, O’Connor Township, and Kakabeka Falls, whose residents had rightly questioned why they were excluded from the rural rebate despite living in clearly rural areas. I am happy that all of these communities now qualify for the additional rebate money. My office has led the creation of the new definition, which is now based on population density rather than the Statistics Canada CMA boundaries, I believe that this definition is fairer for rural communities. I would also like to recognize the strong support from rural MPs across the country who helped us get this change across the line.

This is a win for rural communities across the country, and I am proud of the role my office played in making this happen. Together, we are achieving real progress for rural Canadians.