Written as a national policy paper for the Rural Secretariat, this paper provides a succinct and clear overview of several rural trends, challenges, strategies, and policy options for increasing the sustainability of rural communities in Canada. While framed by the focus on sustainable livelihoods, its reach—conceptually and with reference to practice—is relevant to several of the key research interests of the BALTA Social Economy Research Alliance. This paper is an excellent framework and discussion from which to critically reflect on and integrate the learning thus far and prepare for the rich contributions in sections four and five