edac on the hill member report 2015
TRANSCRIPT
EDAC on the Hill2015 REPORT
Why go to Parliament Hill?
Every day, EDAC members are deeply engaged in strengthening
our economy and creating opportunities for Canadians and their
communities.
EDAC is committed to communicating the role and impact of
its members from coast to coast to coast.
Informing federal policy-makers is a strategic priority for EDAC. By
connecting economic development practitioners with federal policy-
makers we can help to create a more effective operating
environment for members and the communities they serve.
President’s Testimonial
“EDAC has continued to place an emphasis on communicating the importance of
economic development, from coast to coast to coast. As a result of ‘EDAC On the
Hill’ efforts, the voice of our profession has grown stronger and our impact is better
understood.
The most recent series of meetings and events saw a significant increase in the
awareness of your role in securing Canada’s economic future. We have been
pleased to see an incredible number of new opportunities for partnerships and
collaboration across many federal ministries and national NGOs. We look forward
to building on this success in 2016.”
- John Watson, Ec.D., President EDAC Board of Directors from Comox, BC
On the Hill benefits you
Communicating the role and impact of Canada’s economic
developers builds recognition for the work of EDAC members, from
coast to coast to coast, and strengthens the case for public
investment in our profession and its work.
Connecting with federal government and non-government partners
creates opportunities for collaboration, new insights, and new
initiatives.
Dialogue with federal government and non-government partners
helps to inform the policy-making process, and brings the voice of
our members to discussions and decision-making.
Message to policy makers:
• EDAC is a useful partner in creating economic opportunities, in all regions of Canada
• EDAC has evolved to take on a more prominent national role and voice
• EDAC is seeking insights on government policies, priorities, and emerging initiatives
• EDAC is seeking opportunities for engagement and collaboration
• Canadian Federation of
Independent Business
• Industry Canada
• Business Development Bank
• DFATD
• Canadian Association of
Petroleum Producers (CAPP)
• Canadian North Economic
Development Agency (CanNor)
• Policy Advisor, Caucus Liaison
& Issues Management
• Skills Training, Employment & Social
Development
• Aboriginal Affairs & Northern
Development
• Western Economic Diversification
• Northern Ontario Caucus, Mining
• Science & Technology, IC
• Liberal Critic, Science & Tech.,
PSE, FedDev Northern ON
• Liberal Critic Aboriginal Affairs,
Chair-Liberal Women’s Caucus
• Official Opposition Critic for
Industry
2015 Engagement
Follow up
Once the meetings have ended, the work really begins. Meetings
with federal departments, agencies, and NGOs result in many
follow-up items.
EDAC intends to pursue more discussions following up on these
potential areas for engagement with interested parties:
• engagement in EDAC
conferences and workshops
• training and education
• investment attraction
• knowledge mobilization
• development of policy options
• funding programs
• business development
• sharing of information
Board Testimonials“EDAC on the Hill engages and educates federal politicians, senior staff and
national organizations on the important role economic development professionals
play in building Canada's economy. This program connects the federal policy
makers with our network of economic development practitioners across the
country. ”
- Aileen Murray, Ec.D.(F), EDAC Board Member from Chatham, ON
“Events like EDAC on The Hill ensure that key influencers and policy-makers have
an opportunity to consider the role and contribution of economic development in
their decision-making process. I had the opportunity to see first-hand how this
type of interface allows senior bureaucrats and elected officials to ask questions,
discuss priorities and forge new partnerships."
- Margot Begin-Gillis, Ec.D.(F), EDAC Board Member, from Truro, NS
Future role for Members
We hope to engage EDAC members more directly during future
‘EDAC On the Hill’ advocacy days. Watch for:
• Surveys to involve the perspective and insights of members
when planning EDAC’s meeting priorities, and,
• Connecting a professional development element to the Day on
the Hill
Your feedback and suggestions are appreciated. Please help us
to build on this success.