In Canada, women who live in rural, remote and northern communities can face many unique challenges. These challenges are interconnected, wide-ranging and touch on all aspects of women’s lives. For instance, the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women (Committee) heard that women living in rural, remote and northern communities may face particular challenges in accessing stable employment. Employment options are limited in rural, remote and northern communities and, without reliable, affordable access to high-speed Internet services, women may not be able to access all types of employment. As well, women who live in rural, remote and northern communities may find it more difficult to access services and supports when compared to women living in larger and urban centres. These challenges include lack of access to affordable transportation, housing and childcare, as well as lack of access to healthcare.

Women living in rural, remote and northern communities may also face unique challenges ensuring their safety and security, including when leaving violent relationships or protecting themselves from crime. When trying to leave violent relationships, women in rural, remote and northern areas can face challenges such as a lack of confidentiality in their community and difficulty accessing Internet services, transportation, shelters or adequate housing.

In this report, the Committee makes recommendations intended to improve the safety, security, well-being and economic security of women living in rural, remote and northern communities in Canada. The recommendations provide guidance to the Government of Canada on measures that could be implemented to improve women’s access to employment and to many social services.