The lack of granular data for rural Canada, including a commonly accepted definition of ‘rural’, has had broad implications for policies and programs which support rural communities. In response, the Rural Data initiatives Program of the Centre for Special Business Projects aims to fill these data gaps by providing granular, accessible, and timely information on social and economic issues for rural Canadians, including the development of novel and innovative approaches to build, analyze, and expand rural data. This presentation will introduce ongoing, new, and exploratory work of the Rural Data Initiative Program in its effort to meet the data needs of rural Canadians. Date: Tuesday, February 21st, 2023, 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm Eastern Time Presenter: Mahamat Hamit-Haggar, Ph.D., Chief, Business Analytics and Research, Centre for Special Business Projects, Statistics Canada Mahamat Hamit-Haggar is the Chief of the Business Analytics and Research Division, Centre for Special Business Projects, Statistics Canada. He oversees various statistical programs, including the Rural Data Initiative Program aimed to develop and deliver client-driven projects related to business, entrepreneurship, and other emerging topics for the Canadian economy. Downloads: Presentation slides (PDF) Recording: