• Juanita Bacsu, Nuelle Novik, Shanthi Johnson, Marc Viger, Thomas McIntosh, Bonnie Jeffery, Nazeem Muhajarine, and Paul Hackett.
• Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada. juanita.bacsu@usask.ca.
• Can J Public Health. 2019 Dec 1; 110 (6): 752-755.

AbstractA number of organizations such as the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences have identified the growing need for a National Dementia Strategy in Canada to improve the quality of life for people with dementia. This commentary highlights the necessity of addressing stigma, social inclusion, and supports for people affected by dementia, specifically those living in rural and remote communities. Drawing on Saskatchewan-based examples, we discuss the importance of recognizing the unique needs of rural and remote communities in developing a National Dementia Strategy for Canada. We believe that a national strategy needs to be built from the ground up and not imposed from the top down. Only through the development of evidence-informed research and collaborative partnerships can we ensure that there is equitable access to services and supports for people with dementia in rural and remote communities.

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