Closing the gap in a generation: Health equity through action on the social determinants of health
August 28, 2008 – These “social determinants of health” have been the focus of a
three-year investigation by an eminent group of policy makers,
academics, former heads of state and former ministers of health.
Together, they comprise the World Health Organization’s Commission on
the Social Determinants of Health. Today, the Commission presents its
findings to the WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan.
“(The) toxic combination of bad policies, economics, and politics is,
in large measure responsible for the fact that a majority of people in
the world do not enjoy the good health that is biologically possible,”
the Commissioners write in Closing the Gap in a Generation: Health Equity through Action on the Social Determinants of Health. “Social injustice is killing people on a grand scale.”
“Health inequity really is a matter of life and death,” said Dr Chan
today while welcoming the Report and congratulating the Commission.
“But health systems will not naturally
gravitate towards equity. Unprecedented leadership is needed that
compels all actors, including those beyond the health sector, to
examine their impact on health. Primary health care, which integrates
health in all of government’s policies, is the best framework for doing
so.”
Sir Michael Marmot, Commission Chair said: “Central
to the Commission’s recommendations is creating the conditions for
people to be empowered, to have freedom to lead flourishing lives.
Nowhere is lack of empowerment more obvious than in the plight of women
in many parts of the world. Health suffers as a result. Following our
recommendations would dramatically improve the health and life chances
of billions of people.”
Senate Report on Rural Poverty & Poverty, Housing and Homelessness
Rural Poverty: Recommendations include renewing the Social Economy Initiative, endorsing the Co-op Housing strategy, CDI renewal, targets for rural poverty reduction, rural broadband initiatives and CAP funding, a study on guaranteed annual income, housing initiatives, literacy funding renewals, support for CFDCs and expanding micro-credit options, support for new and expanding credit unions, and much more. Read the report here>>
Poverty, Housing and Homelessness: Recommendations on Income Support Systems, Facilitating a Transition from Social Assistance to Self-Sufficiency and Making Work Pay, Poverty Beyond Money, Housing, Machinery (Government Infrastructure) and more. Read the report here>>
On behalf of the Canadian CED Network, Coast Capital Savings and the Vancity Community Foundation it is with great pleasure that we introduce the recipients of the 2008 Bursaries for the SFU Certificate Program for CED Professionals.
All of the applicants have our sincere thanks and respect for the work they do, re-localizing and democratizing BC’s economy, one community at a time.
The 2008 Bursary Award Winners are:
RICHMOND
• Brian Campbell, at the Richmond Food Security Task Force, will be developing social enterprises related to food sustainability and enhancing the viability of Richmond Pocket Markets. http://richmondfoodbank.org/
NANAIMO
• Jessica Chenery will be developing The First Feast (Food Enterprise and Skills Training) which will create economic opportunities for Aboriginal women in B.C. in small scale food production with the Aboriginal Agricultural Education Society of British Columbia
VICTORIA
• Rosalyn Cua will be developing a multi-media social enterprise for Anti-dote: Multiracial Girls and Women’s Network, where she is the incoming president. Anti-dote is committed to increasing the well-being of racialized and Indigenous women and girls. http://www.antidotenetwork.org/
VICTORIA
• Brian Hill, currently Executive Director at Victoria’s Child and Family Counseling Association is spearheading three exciting CED projects including an Office Co-operative for Non-profits, Affordable Youth Housing and Adult Community Living Services.
VANCOUVER
• Maggie Kasekende, will apply her studies to a new project with Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House called Building Welcoming and Inclusive Neighbourhoods , which focuses on how welcoming neighbourhoods can help newcomers and established immigrants to integrate to their new community.
ABBOTSFORD
• Kevin Koopmans, currently working with Community Futures South Fraser will support the newly launched Vibrant Abbotsford which has a mandate to reduce poverty through systematic change to community conditions. http://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/
NEW WESTMINSTER
Jaimie McEvoy is the project coordinator for the hospitality project which brings together local churches of different denominations for joint activities such as a clothing exchange, Family Place for children under six, community kitchen, and advocacy. Jaimie will assist the hospitality project to diversify their revenue stream by exploring social enterprises.
VANCOUVER
• Brian Postlewait, currently Executive Director at Mission Possible, an organization in the Downtown East Side of Vancouver, will be using this opportunity to help steer his organization to implement their new mandate which is to deliver meaningful work, safe and secure housing, and a supportive community to those experiencing homelessness, poverty and addiction. Brian will be exploring the development of a social enterprise to provide training opportunities. www.mission-possible.ca
SURREY
• Hans Rosenow, will assist the Phoenix Society develop a community centre that will provide opportunities for people recovering from addictions to build financial, physical, human, social and personal assets. www.phoenixsociety.com
VANCOUVER
• Amar S. Virk, with Building Opportunities for Business (BOB), will be supporting a development model that is inclusive of Downtown Eastside residents and coordinating a Social Purchasing Portal. BOB is a non-profit organization with the goal to support local business development and increase job opportunities for inner-city residents. www.buildingopportunities.org
We hope you will join us in congratulating the 2008 bursary recipients.
The SFU Certificate Program for CED Professionals has been training problem-solvers and change agents since 1999. Our students are managers of Community Futures Development Corporations, program officers of non-profits and neighbourhood associations, economic development officers of municipal and First Nation’s governments and individuals looking to specialize in CED. The eight two-day courses – all taught by experienced practitioners – put tools, knowledge, resources and networks immediately into the hands of our students. For more information about the program, click here
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is proposing to revise legislation (Income Tax Act) affecting charities. CCEDNet is studying this issue to gain a better understanding of how this might affect charities in Canada. CRA is accepting comments on this issue until August 31 and we encourage you to submit a response. CCEDNet is also drafting a response and we would love to hear your feedback. Please send your comments to Matthew Thompson at .
CRA’s intents around revising the Income Tax Act in regards to the fundraising activities of charitable organizations are unclear. The likely cause is the more recent discoveries and public inquiry into fraudulent charitable activities and the use of charitable funds to support terrorist groups. Certainly, charitable organizations can stand to benefit from better legislation and regulation that would help preserve public goodwill towards charities. However, changes to legislation could also potentially create extraneous barriers to the activities of Canadian charities.
A brief background on the legislation currently in effect
The Income Tax Act in Canada sets out the scheme whereby registered charities are exempt from tax on their income and entitled to issue official tax receipts for certain donations they receive. However, the Act does not define what is “charitable,” leaving this classification to the interpretation of the Court. The Court frequently uses what is called the Pemsel classification to determine whether an organization’s purpose and activities are charitable. The Pemsel classification is considered to refer to the preamble in the Statute of Elizabeth, which sets out examples of charitable purposes. Under this classification the purpose must be for “for the benefit of the community or of an appreciably important class of the community.” The activity of an organization is determined to be charitable in relation to how it furthers the organization’s purpose and not in relation to the character of the activity.
Some key issues
Some of the key issues being looked at, as outlined in the attached summary by the Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN), are:
• The new guidelines include a broad definition for fundraising activities that include what could be considered earned income activities (i.e. the sales of chocolate bars, a car wash service, etc.) that do not directly further the purpose of the charitable organization.
• CRA’s guideline proposal does recognize the limitations for smaller organizations or those organizations that may have a smaller constituency or appeal from which to draw donations but instead of accounting for these within their recommendations they have instead suggested that exceptions to their guideline will be made on a case-by-case basis. Effective legislation should clearly differentiate between large and small to medium charities by accounting for the different financial, administrative, donor relation, etc. costs and constraints of small and medium sized charities.
• CRA’s stance is that fundraising is not a charitable activity. Given that the vast majority of charities depend upon fundraising activities to fulfill their budget demands there may be need to redefine fundraising as a charitable activity – providing that raised funds are used to further an organization’s purpose (which at times might vary in terms of how much of the funds go towards covering the organization’s operating costs).
• The proposed ratios of fundraising cost/fundraising revenue in fiscal period are:
– Rarely acceptable: more than 70% (charity nets less than 30%)
– Generally not acceptable: 50% to 70% (charity nets 30% to 50%)
– Potentially not acceptable: 35% to 50% (charity nets 50 to 65%)
– Generally acceptable: 20% to 35% (charity nets 65% to 80%)
– Acceptable: less than 20% (charity nets more than 80%)
Also, for an interesting court case around this subject review Vancouver Society of Immigrant and Visible Minority Women v. M.N.R., [1999] 1 S.C.R. 10.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Director of Finance and Administration
Canadian CED Network
ABOUT THE CANADIAN CED NETWORK:
The Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet) is Canada’s leading association of community-based organizations promoting community economic development as an alternative economic development model that integrates social, economic and environmental goals. With several hundred members in all regions of the country, CCEDNet seeks to increase the scale and effectiveness of community economic development, helping organizations and individuals strengthen their communities and create solutions to local needs. More information is available at /en
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Director of Finance and Administration is one of CCEDNet’s senior staff, working in partnership with the Executive Director, the Director of Programs, the Regional Coordinators and the Communications Coordinator as part of the management team. Specifically, the Director of Finance and Administration is responsible for the overall financial management, reporting, implementation and coordination of the financial systems. Additionally, the Director of Finance and Administration is the coordinator of the human resource management functions of the organization, managing and evaluating staffing and compensation structures, employee benefits plans and policies, employee contracts, employee review procedures, and is responsible for the completeness and confidentiality of all personnel files.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: Overall Management of CCEDNet Financial Affairs
• Ensure CCEDNet accounts are maintained in Quickbooks
• Ensure appropriate financial policies and procedures are in place
• Ensure financial policies are adhered to and implemented
• Manage accounts payable and receivable, ensure that all transactions are coded to projects, or to administration
• Prepare monthly financial reports to the Board of Directors
• Provide project staff with financial materials (general ledgers) for timely reporting.
• Prepare year end audit materials and liaise with auditors
• Ensure cheque-writing and credit card policies are followed
• Ensure all monies are deposited correctly
• Assist Executive Director with preparation of annual budgets
• Brief Board on all of the above
• Ensure compliance with government regulations (CCRA, WCB, etc)
• Ensure member invoicing is completed in an accurate and timely basis
Participate in Management Team
• Lead long-term strategy development and tracking
• Assist project staff with budgeting, reporting and development of reasonable project budgets for proposals
• Oversee project tracking and coding of projects
Human Resource Management
• Ensure employee contracts and job descriptions are complete and current
• Evaluate the adequacy of existing human resource policies and procedures and recommend new ones to the Board, including the design of comprehensive compensation guidelines for all staff
Corporate & Charitable Donations
• Oversee development of corporate donor fundraising plan
• Help to identify potential corporate donors
• Report on progress
Supervision:
• Supervise the administrative team including the Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper
• Reports to the Executive Director
Communication:
• Communicates effectively with staff, elected Board and committee members and all levels of the organization
• Works closely with all staff
• Works closely with the Treasurer providing regular reports, statements and schedules as requested
QUALIFICATIONS: Education
• Accounting designation or a senior level CGA or CMA student. University degree in management or equivalent experience
Management
• 5-7 years financial management experience
• History working with non-profit organisations
Technical
• Proficient with computers, email, internet and QuickBooks
• Ability to learn new programs easily
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
Personal
• Positive attitude, problem solver, entrepreneurial, team player, willing to take responsibility, able to accomplish tasks and provide leadership under stress
WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Requires extensive computer use and teleconferencing with staff and members.
• May involve overtime work at peak periods.
• A competitive compensation package, including extended benefits, is available
• Twenty days vacation per year.
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Start Date: No later than October 3, 2008
Please submit your CV and a letter of application no later than August 22, 2008 by email to Bianca Mathieu Phone: 1-250-386-9980
*Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
This paper, prepared for the Canadian CED Network (CCEDNet), explores the state of CED/social economy activities in both Quebec and Manitoba and recent government policies in support of them. It seeks to separate out the similarities and differences between the two provinces and their underlying causes. It also suggests what might be unique about the two situations and, where this is thought not to be the case, what lessons others might usefully learn from them.
This publication is part of the Linking, Learning, Leveraging SSHRC-funded research project investigating the Social Economy. This project is comprised of multiple community partner organizations, academic researchers, and university students. See the Project Overview for more information.
Local Learning Events Coordinator, the Canadian CED Network
The Canadian CED Network is a values-based non profit organization committed to strengthening the social, economic, and environmental conditions of Canadian communities. We have several hundred members throughout Canada working at the grass roots level in rural, urban, Aboriginal and northern settings, and have offices in Victoria BC, Winnipeg MB, Toronto ON, and Charlottetown PEI. We offer an inclusive, learning environment for staff and members and seek to create opportunities for young people to develop their skills and leadership in building sustainable communities. For more information on the network please go to our website: www.ccednet-rcdec.ca
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT:
Start Date: August 2008 – June 2009
Please submit your CV and a letter of application no later than August 6, 2008 by Email to Brendan Reimer
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the Project Manager of SEED Winnipeg (Co-Host of the National CED Conference along with Ka Ni Kanichihk), the Local Learning Events Coordinator will be responsible for:
• Submitting funding applications and follow up to conference funders (corporations, foundations, credit unions, governments).
• Supporting the local organizing committee inclusive of urban, rural, francophone and Aboriginal organizations and CFDCs.
• Planning and coordinating local aspects of the conference program.
• Overseeing communications with presenters and participants.
• Marketing of the conference.
• Planning and managing the site visit component of the conference to highlight innovation of CED in Manitoba.
• Managing volunteer orientation and tasks at the conference.
• Planning and coordinating the Conference Showcase and Marketplace.
• Contributing to aspects of managing on-site logistics at the conference itself, including contracts and agreements with selected venue and accommodations.
• Contributing to management of pre-conference and on-site communications, including programs and registration materials, and participant packages.
• Completing required reports for local conference funders.
• Completing proceedings and evaluation reports for the conference.
• Managing these same activities for the 2008 Manitoba CED Gathering, reporting to the CCEDNet Regional Coordinator for this component.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Post-secondary education in a related field of study.
• Proven experience in writing funding proposals.
• Proven experience in marketing and networking for major learning events.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Excellent interpersonal communications skills.
• Excellent command of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to work independently, and to work effectively as part of a team.
• Experience working with community-based organizations.
• Experience managing large-scale events and conferences.
• Familiarity with CCEDNet and the issues current in community economic development and the challenges facing rural and urban communities in Canada.
• Established networks and contacts with CED organizations.
• Demonstrated good judgement.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
• Positive attitude.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Spoken and written French an asset.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Position based at SEED Winnipeg’s office in Winnipeg, MB.
• Requires extensive computer use and teleconferencing with participants.
• 35 hours per week, may involve overtime work at peak periods.
• Salary is $20 an hour, plus statutory benefits.
National Learning Events Coordinator, the Canadian CED Network
The Canadian CED Network is a values-based non profit organization committed to strengthening the social, economic, and environmental conditions of Canadian communities. We have several hundred members throughout Canada working at the grass roots level in rural, urban, Aboriginal and northern settings, and have offices in Victoria BC, Winnipeg MB, Toronto ON, and Charlottetown PEI. We offer an inclusive, learning environment for staff and members and seek to create opportunities for young people to develop their skills and leadership in building sustainable communities. For more information on the network please go to our website: www.ccednet-rcdec.ca
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT:
Start Date: August 2008 – July 2009
Please submit your CV and a letter of application no later than August 6, 2008 by Email to Brendan Reimer
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the Regional Coordinator of the Canadian CED Network, the National Learning Events Coordinator will be responsible for:
• Submitting funding applications and follow up to conference funders (corporations, foundations, credit unions, governments).
• Supporting the national organizing committee inclusive of urban, rural, francophone and Aboriginal organizations and CFDCs.
• Planning and coordinating national aspects of the conference program.
• Overseeing communications with presenters and participants, including travel subsidies.
• Marketing of the conference.
• Planning and managing the site visit component of the conference to highlight innovation of CED in Manitoba.
• Managing volunteer orientation and tasks at the conference.
• Planning and coordinating the Conference Showcase and Marketplace.
• Contributing to aspects of managing on-site logistics at the conference itself, including contracts and agreements with selected venue and accommodations.
• Contributing to management of pre-conference and on-site communications, including programs and registration materials, and participant packages.
• Completing required reports for local conference funders.
• Completing proceedings and evaluation reports for the conference.
• Support the Local Learning Events Coordinator in organizing and managing the Manitoba CED Gathering in the fall of 2008.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Post-secondary education in a related field of study.
• Proven experience in writing funding proposals.
• Proven experience in marketing and networking for major learning events.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Excellent interpersonal communications skills.
• Excellent command of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to work independently, and to work effectively as part of a team.
• Experience working with community-based organizations.
• Experience managing large-scale events and conferences.
• Familiarity with CCEDNet and the issues current in community economic development and the challenges facing rural and urban communities in Canada.
• Established networks and contacts with CED organizations.
• Demonstrated good judgement.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
• Positive attitude.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Spoken and written French an asset.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Position based at CCEDNet’s regional office in Winnipeg, MB.
• Requires extensive computer use and teleconferencing with participants.
• 35 hours per week, may involve overtime work at peak periods.
• Salary is $20 an hour, plus statutory benefits.
CONSUMERS CAN PICK THE BEST HOME-GROWN FOOD FRESH FROM FARMERS’ MARKETS, IN MANITOBA FIELDS: WOWCHUK
Whether a resident of Manitoba or are just stopping by to enjoy the best the province has to offer, choose fresh food at any of Manitoba’s farmers markets or U-Pick sites for a healthy treat everyone can enjoy, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Rosann Wowchuk said today.
“Thanks to recent rains and warm weather, fresh produce is starting to arrive at Manitoba’s farmers’ markets throughout the province and the U-Pick operations have begun to open their gates,” said Wowchuk. “These locations are the perfect settings to showcase fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, jams and jellies, herbs and artisan items, promote our friendly communities and meet the people who produce some of the best food anywhere.”
The minister noted that buying local foods at farmers’ markets and U-Pick operations supports the provincial economy and many family businesses. It also encourages healthy food choices and gives consumers the opportunity to meet local producers who provide and process many of Manitoba’s home-grown quality products.
In support of farmers’ markets and U-Pick businesses, the province, in collaboration with the newly formed Farmers’ Markets Association of Manitoba Co-op, has produced the 2008 U-Pick Guide and the 2008 Farmers’ Market Guide. These brochures are available at all Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives GO offices and online at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/food/upick/markets.html.
Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet)
LOCATION: Victoria, B.C.
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: As soon as possible – March 2009
Please submit your CV and a letter of application no later than July 31, 2008 by email to Stacy Barter . Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Youth Programs Coordinator reports to the Manager of CED Youth Programs at CCEDNet’s office in Victoria B.C. and helps to support youth engagement and leadership in community economic development (CED). This dynamic position involves facilitation, development and implementation of a range of programs targeted to young people, including: • the BC Youth In Charge program funded by Service Canada working to strengthen youth engagement in the labour market and CED, involving 8 rural and 3 urban communities. • a national intern program for young graduates to gain career-relevant work experience with CED organizations. The program is funded by the Government of Canada, Service Canada, Career Focus Program. • a Community Development Service Learning project to provide civic engagement opportunities for youth with community organizations across Canada. • support to the Emerging Leaders Committee of CCEDNet, which focuses on engaging young CED practitioners.
The position is a key opportunity for a professional with some program development, facilitation and implementation experience. Contributing to a vibrant and growing area of work with youth and community partners, this position works to enhance youth leadership in community economic development across Canada.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Implement funded youth program activities of the Network, including:
Developing program work plans
Fulfilling all reporting requirements of funders
Implementing program activities, evaluations and records
Facilitating and coordinating program activities with youth leaders and partners
Communicating program results and activities to members and stakeholders
Posting up-to-date information on youth activities and opportunities
to CCEDNet’s website and newsletters
Acquiring new funding and resources for youth program activities that are priorities of the Network, including:
Identifying potential sources of funding
Developing positive relationships with potential and existing funders
Completing applications for funding including responses to proposal calls
Working with partners on joint funding proposals
Developing appropriate revenue-generating activities, products and services
Supporting member-led committees and working groups focused on youth engagement/leadership, including:
Coordinating the schedules for meetings
Liaising with chairs of committees on agendas and workplans
Developing and implementing workplans that are consistent with CCEDNet’s strategic plan and board direction
Facilitating and attending telephone and in-person meetings, workshops, and peer learning activities
Providing secretarial support including taking of minutes
Posting up-to-date information on committee activities to CCEDNet’s website and newsletters
Preparing briefing and other materials to further committee mandates
SUPERVISION: Reports to the Manager of CED Youth Programs.
COMMUNICATION: • Maintain effective working relationships with CCEDNet regional coordinators, management team, finance, administration, communication staff and all levels of CCEDNet’s organization • Work effectively and in collaboration with partners, stakeholders and youth participants.
QUALIFICATIONS: • A bachelor’s degree and/or relevant experience (three plus years) in community development, youth engagement/leadership, public administration, adult education, or a related discipline. • Experience in youth and community program development, facilitation and implementation. • Excellent facilitation skills and experience working with youth • Experience in administering funding agreements and reporting requirements. • Excellent command of written English. • Excellent interpersonal communications skills. • Excellent command of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel. • Ability to work independently, and to work effectively as part of a team. • Experience working with community-based organizations. • Knowledge of community economic development (CED) and the Canadian CED Network. • Experience with youth-driven and youth-led initiatives, and understanding of youth engagement principles • Demonstrated good judgement. • Ability to travel within Canada. • Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
Preference will be given to bilingual candidates.
WORKING CONDITIONS: • Position based at CCEDNet’s head office in Victoria, BC. • Requires extensive computer use and teleconferencing with participants. • May involve overtime work at peak periods. • Pay rate is up to $20/hr 35hrs/week, depending on experience, plus statutory benefits. • Fifteen days/year vacation entitlement
A copy of program information relevant to the position is available on the CCEDNet website at www.ccednet-rcdec.ca.
The Canadian CED Network (CCEDNet) is pleased to announce the recent extension of its CED Work Experience Program, CreateAction. This program is funded by Service Canada. Its purpose is to give out-of-school post-graduate youth, who have a career focus in CED, a relevant six-month work experience placement. We are recruiting up to 20 community-based CED organizations to host work experience participants from September 8, 2008 – February 20, 2009 inclusively. How does it work? Organizations apply to CCEDNet by downloading the host application form below and emailing it to or sending by fax to 250-386-9984. CCEDNet selects the host organizations. The host organizations hire the participants according to job-specific placements.
Examples of eligible work experience placements may include project management, participatory research, communications, social entrepreneurship, business planning, social marketing, CED financing and asset mapping.
Deadline for host organizations to submit an application to host an intern is Friday, August 1st at 4:00 pm PST.
For more information regarding this program and how your organization can apply to host a work experience participant, please:
The Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet), Canada’s leading voice for community economic development (CED), is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Toye as Executive Director, effective July 22, 2008. Mr. Toye succeeds Rupert Downing, who will be leaving the Network to move on to other areas of interest in the CED field.
Mr. Toye joins us after being involved with CCEDNet and the broader CED movement for many years. In his six (6) year tenure with the Network, he played a key role in administration, policy development and management which afforded him valuable insight into the strategic planning of the Network from its inception. As Program Director, he coordinated the Pan-Canadian Community Development Learning Network research project on social inclusion and community economic development. Under Mr.Toye’s leadership, CCEDNet’s National Conference became the premier CED learning event in Canada.
On welcoming Mr. Toye back to CCEDNet, Board of Directors’ President Natasha Jackson said: “It is with great enthusiasm that we announce Mr. Toye’s appointment as the new Executive Director. His proven record of excellence with our organization, coupled with his extensive experience in the broader CED movement will ensure a perfect fit. We are confident that Mr. Toye will continue to build on the legacy which resulted from Mr. Downing’s leadership.”
Mr. Toye’s interest in the field of CED began while studying social work with Eric Shragge at McGill University. Since then, he has gained extensive experience as a CED consultant, social entrepreneur, author, lecturer, researcher and most recently, as a Policy Analyst for the Library of Parliament.
The appointment of Mr.Toye concludes more than eight (8) months of comprehensive transition planning by CCEDNet’s succession planning committee which is composed of representatives from CCEDNet’s Board of Directors, senior staff and partners. After an extensive national recruitment campaign, the Board of Directors unanimously approved the recommendation provided by the succession planning committee.
On accepting the appointment, Mr. Toye said: “I believe in the Network because I believe in its members. I am convinced that an approach which strengthens the ability of communities to take charge of their own social, economic and environmental destiny is an essential component of sustainable social and economic policy.” Mr. Toye will be working from his office in Québec.
The Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet) is a national non-governmental charitable organization established to support the work of community organizations creating economic opportunities and enhancing social conditions in Canada. The membership of CCEDNet is made up of hundreds of community groups, municipalities, foundations, and practitioners from every region of the country. CCEDNet brings these groups together to share expertise, mobilize communities, and build a national focus on CED.
Community Economic Development (CED) is local action to create economic opportunities and better social conditions, particularly for those who are most disadvantaged. CCEDNet’s national office is located in Victoria, BC.
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Toye to our organization and thanking Mr. Downing for his years of leadership and guidance with the Network. If you have any questions or comments, please contact our Board President at or by phone at 1-877-202-2268.
The Winnipeg Taxi Co-op is an excellent opportunity through which to create economic opportunities for drivers through a worker-ownership model in which they will equitably participate in the leadership, decision making, and profits of the company. And as worker-owners, they will be able to ensure that working conditions and employment benefits will be improved to adequately meet their needs and those of their families. This is extremely important, as there is overwhelming evidence to suggest that drivers are not made fully aware of their employment rights and are, in fact, often intentionally exploited as a result of their social and economic insecurity.
This is an excellent opportunity for the Taxicab Board to make a significant difference in the lives of many people who otherwise face many barriers in our city by supporting the Taxi Co-op, and at the same time enhance the critical cab services that are so important to many of our communities by increasing the number of licenses issued.
To view the Manitoba CED Network support letter, click here!
The Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet), Canada’s leading voice for community economic development (CED), is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Toye as Executive Director, effective July 22, 2008. Mr. Toye succeeds Rupert Downing, who will be leaving the Network to move on to other areas of interest in the CED field.