Canadians are living through uncertain times. Our country faces interconnected challenges including a new geopolitical world order, economic headwinds, climate change, technological disruptions, shifting demographics and deepening inequality.

Futureproofing Canada brings you conversations with the people who are thinking boldly about how to solve these challenges. Each biweekly episode features a frank, in-depth discussion between IRPP president and CEO Jennifer Ditchburn and the leaders who envision a Canada that’s confident and ready to seize opportunities.

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Candice Bergen, former Conservative MP and interim party leader, for a conversation about why Canada needs a stronger “rural lens” in policymaking.

Drawing on her upbringing in Manitoba, and her years in public service, Bergen shares why rural communities, despite contributing to much of Canada’s GDP, are often overlooked in national decision-making. She highlights persistent challenges such as unreliable broadband and cell service, declining rural transit, and limited access to healthcare and education.

Bergen also discusses the economic and social impacts of carbon taxes, EV mandates, and infrastructure gaps on rural Canadians, and calls for practical, region-specific solutions. With insights from her new Rural Prosperity Group, she makes the case for stronger engagement between urban and rural Canada to ensure policies support, not sideline, the communities that power so much of the country’s economy.