New Draft Guidance Released for Rural Initiatives in British Columbia

The BC Public Service has released draft guidance to help ensure government policies, programs, and services are responsive to the needs of rural communities. This guidance introduces a consistent approach for assessing the impact of proposed measures on rural areas, considering factors like population size, remoteness, and access to transportation.

Key Changes and Initiatives:

• Rural Matrix: A new method for defining “rural” that combines population, remoteness, and place-based considerations, designed to provide analysts and decision-makers with a dynamic and evidence-based definition.
• Rural Impact Assessment: A tool to help identify potential impacts (positive, negative, or unintended) on rural areas during the development and update of policies and programs.
• Emphasis on Engagement: Strong encouragement for ministries to engage with rural communities, stakeholders, and First Nations to ensure policies reflect rural perspectives.
• Resource Hub:  Access to an evolving set of tools, resources, and data via an Intranet microsite, including the Rural Matrix, Rural Impact Assessment, data guides, and case studies.

This draft guidance aims to improve understanding of rural realities within the BC Public Service, enhance relationships with rural communities, and promote more inclusive approaches to policy and program design. The goal is to create policies and programs that are more inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of rural communities.

Please find the document here: Rural Initiative – Draft Guidance

The document was last updated on September 11, 2025. For further assistance or questions, please contact the Rural Initiatives Team at RuralPolicy@gov.bc.ca.