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The province of Ontario will celebrate rural leaders through the new Rural Ontario Leader Awards.

The awards are meant to recognize those who are helping to improve the quality of life and economic development of rural Ontario. The Rural Ontario Leader Awards will highlight the achievements of rural residents, communities, regions, and businesses who demonstrate leadership in building a stronger rural Ontario.

The awards will also help to raise the awareness of rural Ontario's ability to foster a competitive and innovative business environment, and help recognize the contribution of rural Ontario to the provincial economy.

"Rural communities are an essential part of our cultural and economic fabric and our government is committed to ensuring they remain vibrant places where our children can learn, grow, work and play," said Kathryn McGarry, MPP for Cambridge, in a news release.

The Rural Ontario Institute is pleased that the province will celebrate the work being done by leaders in rural communities. “Rural Ontario is full of people, businesses and organizations committed to keeping their communities dynamic places to live,” says ROI CEO, Rob Black. “These awards will be a great way to showcase the positive changes taking place in rural Ontario.”

The program will run every two years with one award being provided in the following categories: Individual Award (25 years of age and older); Individual - Youth (24 years of age and younger); Community (Municipality or Indigenous community); Business; Not-for-profit/non-government organization. Applications should show how the applicant has met one or more of the following outcomes: Training and Skills Development; Entrepreneurship and Local Employment; Strong Social infrastructure; Civic Engagement.

Rural residents, communities, businesses and organizations are eligible to apply for an award, and can self-nominate through the application process. An application can also be submitted on behalf of an individual or group.

Applications should be submitted on or before October 11, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, to be eligible.

For more info, please see:

• Rural Ontario Leaders Program Guide
• Rural Ontario Leaders Awards Application 

If you have questions about the Rural Ontario Leaders Awards program, please contact the Agricultural information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300, or at ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca, or visit the website at: ontario.ca/ruralleaders.