On October 3, 2016, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) awarded Dr. Gibson and his colleagues a one-year Connections Grant. The Connections Grant will facilitate the Building Vibrant Rural Futures conference, support engagement of community and students in rural policy discussions, and support knowledge mobilization among researchers, policy makers, and local/regional development actors.

The Building Vibrant Rural Futures conference will take place in Guelph from October 12-15, 2016. The conference will bring together over 150 delegates from across Canada, United States, Mexico, and Europe. Conference delegates will discuss how rural areas can build vibrant rural futures. Further information about the Building Vibrant Rural Futures conference can be found at www.guelph2016.crrf.ca.

Further information on the Building Vibrant Rural Futures initiative can be found at www.ruraldev.ca/building-vibrant-rural-futures/.