Canadian CED Network

The 2022 Manitoba Budget was released on March 7, 2023.

CCEDNet Manitoba made recommendations in advance of this year’s budget focused on four key themes through a Provincial Budget Submission, presentation at a budget consultation meeting, and in direct meetings with Ministers.

CCEDNet Manitoba members set the public policy mandate of the Network through the annual Policy Summit process. This serves as the basis for recommendations to government on: 

  • An Inclusive & Sustainable Economy through Community Economic Development
  • Addressing the Labour Shortage with Meaningful Employment
  • Housing Affordability & Energy Efficiency
  • Investing In Our Communities

The priorities of the provincial government in Budget 2023 related to affordability, health care, policing, and tax cuts. While the budget moved the needle on some important priorities of members in the Network, it did not fully deliver on strategic CED recommendations that would contribute to an inclusive & sustainable economy, meaningful employment, affordable housing, truly safer & healthier communities for everybody, and climate action. 

CCEDNet and the Network’s members will continue to collaborate together to encourage implementation of our holistic, inclusive, and comprehensive vision and recommendations for Community Economic Development in Manitoba. 

Snapshot of some meetings with elected officials. (Left): Member org West Broadway Community Organization ED Kelly Frazer and CCEDNet MB Network Manager Michael Barkman meet with Minister of Municipal Relations Andrew Smith. (Right): Michael Barkman meets with Minister of Families Rochelle Squires

Check out some information, analysis, and statements by other networks within CCEDNet Manitoba about Budget 2023, organized within Network priorities for Budget 2023.

All Manitoba Budget 2022 documents can be found here.

An Inclusive & Sustainable Economy through Community Economic Development

  • No funding announced for comprehensive development support for social enterprises, cooperatives, or community-based organizations leading inclusive economic development and recovery work
  • The government’s Procurement Modernization approach is focused on consolidating contracts. There is no indication of interest in including intentional generation of social, economic, or environmental outcomes in procurement spending beyond the purchase itself. 
  • Campaign 2000 – Manitoba’s report provides an analysis of the Family Affordability Package, showing that Manitoba still has the highest child poverty rate among provinces. 
  • Checkout what CCEDNet members and others are saying here:
    • Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – Manitoba analysis of tax changes made in the bduget and who they most benefit
    • The Climate Action Team’s Budget 2023 response highlights spending for climate action, but most of the expenditures are largely for environmental management, leaving little by the way of energy transition. Read Climate Action Team’s analysis and recommendations here.

Addressing the Labour Shortage with Meaningful Employment

  • Budget 2022 endowed money to create the Journey to Independence Fund, with about $1 million in annual revenue invested in organizations supporting individuals receiving EIA to transition into meaningful employment. Budget 2023 maintained this fund, as well as the EIA Transformation Fund that delivers similar outcomes. 
  • The Community Supports Program was announced, providing one-time grants to promote and improve access to community supports and services for EIA clients with current or historical involvement with the justice system. More info and links to register here.
  • Proposals from the Network of expanding the First Jobs 4 Youth program or establishing a fee-waiver system for birth certificates were not included in Budget 2022.

Housing Affordability & Energy Efficiency

  • Previously announced $50 million investment in the province’s homelessness strategy. Read analysis of the strategy from Make Poverty History Manitoba here and Right to Housing here and here, as well as CCEDNet member Manitoba Non-Profit Housing Association here. 
  • Commitments to energy efficiency through Building Code Adoption and Implementation are still needed. Check out Sustainable Building Manitoba’s research and campaign for this energy efficiency need.

Investing In Our Communities

  • CCEDNet member Abilities Manitoba and their member organizations had an important victory after a long campaign for improved front line wages for Community Living disABILITY Services. The budget outlines more than $81 million to the service providers of Community Living disABILITY Services and Children’s disABILITY Services to raise the average funded wage rate to $19 per hour. This represents a 19% increase to the overall budget.
  • Continued support for the Family Violence Prevention Program Funding Model, supporting the operation of 10 family violence shelters across the province
  • The Community Economic Development Fund remains with an investment of $15 million
  • Continuing the Indigenous Reconciliation Initiatives Fund to support Indigenous-focused initiatives with $5 million allocated.
  • Budget 2023 maintains funding support to the Building Sustainable Communities Program. The Budget does not address the concerns or challenges faced by non-profit or community-based organizations in accessing funds or supporting community development programs, particularly staffing.  
  • The Community Enterprise Development Tax Credit, scheduled to expire on December 31, 2011, was made permanent last year. The tax credit provides individuals and corporations who acquire equity capital in community-based enterprises in Manitoba with up to 45% tax credit. There are many opportunities to strengthen and promote the use of this tax credit to support CED enterprises in Manitoba.
  • Recommendations from the Network to renew the Building Sustainable Communities Program with multi-year, predictable funding were not implemented, as well as otehr funding and financing recommendations to strengthen support for community nonprofits

So what next?

Get involved in your Network’s collaborative work for the 2023 Manitoba Election. Elections are an important time to push for our collective vision for inclusive, sustainable, and equitable communities directing their own futures – and your Network needs you! Coalitions within the Network will be running issues-based campaigns and you can get involved. 

Contact to get involved in election advocacy.

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Update (March 22, 2023): Today’s Community Leadership Program (CLP) intro session is fully booked. If you wanted to attend but couldn’t get a spot, don’t despair — we’re now offering another intro session on March 28!

Sign up today for a CLP intro session, 2-day training, or 6-day intensive!

All programs are designed to help non-profit, community-based, and social purpose leaders, managers and organizations navigate challenge, change and opportunity successfully. This unique learning environment is intentionally designed to respond to your experience. You can expect to refine and build your leadership skills and apply what you’ve learned in new, meaningful and purposeful ways. You’ll gain tools to help strengthen your teams and encourage problem solving and creativity, so that you can collectively navigate and effectively respond to change, innovation and the current priorities of your work environment.

Find more information about each program, including registration links, below:

Leading Through Change: An Introduction to CCEDNet’s Community Leadership Program | Zoom event

  • To discuss the complex changes we are all experiencing in our leadership roles
  • To examine and reflect on the qualities of an effective change leader
  • To explore the importance of adapting one’s leadership style to different situations – a self-assessment will help you will better understand your preferred leadership style(s) and ideas for positive changes
  • To understand and discuss concrete ways to foster your own resiliency to ensure you are poised to be a great leader

For whom: This course is for those wanting an introduction to the 2-day and 6-day Community Leadership Programs and/or those who are looking to inspire and deepen their leadership practice. 

Cost: Free

When:

Limited Capacity: Please register early as space is limited, each session will be capped to ensure each participant has an engaging and impactful experience.  If the sessions are booked, please contact Adriana Zylinski to be placed on the waiting list.  

Important Registration Note: This session will not be recorded.  Due to limited capacity, we expect registration indicates your confirmed attendance. Thank you in advance.

Register for Intro Session on March 28, 2023

Navigating Change for Leaders Training: 2-day | Zoom event

If you are leading any change elements in your organization, and need to implement major changes – this is the course for you.  Organizational change is not easy.  Oftentimes it has challenges and is incumbent on strategic, thoughtful leadership. How you navigate change and support others to move through it is critical.  Arrive with a change issue in hand, apply leading change management principles, approaches and frameworks and leave with an action plan that will energize and best support your teams and stakeholders so together your vision for change can be achieved.  

Learning Objectives:

Module 1 (7 hours):

Understand organizational change through the change curve and Bridges Transition Model; analyze the change in more detail to better inform your problem solving and response(s), develop the script and skills to participate in a change conversation based on principles of effective communication; explore the essential skills of a change leader, assess your own strengths and weaknesses and commit to an action(s) or strategy/ies to improve your capacity to lead through change.

Module 2 (7 hours):

Examine how to most effectively navigate uncertainty and ambivalence; embed resilience within your team(s) and your own leadership style; explore the context of the change to leverage strengths and opportunities and mitigate limitations, and threats; begin to map out an action plan that helps you and your stakeholders to intentionally and strategically navigate change; reflect on the posture you want to embody as a change leader

For whom: For those supporting employees through change or overseeing organizational change and looking to build a proactive response and plan through the transition.  

Prerequisite: Due to the applied nature of this course you will be required to commit to approximately 1 hour of self reflection in advance of the first module and approximately 2 hours of self-reflection in advance of the second module.

When:

  • 9am – 4pm ET on May 30 and June 9 2023

Course fee: 

  • $539 for CCEDNet members 
  • $679 for Non-members

Limited Capacity: Please note that the course will be capped at 20 learners to ensure each participant has a high quality, engaging and impactful experience.

Register for 2-day Navigating Change for Leaders Training

Spring Leadership Intensive: 6-day | Zoom event

Experience this highly recommended Leadership Intensive! Join a community of brave, innovative and determined leaders from across Canada to examine self-leadership, leading and understanding others, and leading within an organization through 6 sessions of supported and embodied learning.

Learning Objectives:

Module 1 (14 hours): Leading and Understanding Myself

Becoming a more self-aware and confident leader, build on current skills and experience to gain greater clarity and insight into your leadership style and strengths so you can serve yourself, others and your organizations even better.

Module 2 (14 hours): Leading and Understanding Others

Enhance and build key senior leadership skills to engage and lead people so you can all contribute and thrive professionally, meet the challenge of navigating an organization and increase your impact.

Module 3 (14 hours): Leading within my Organization

Be more prepared for the opportunities and challenges that being a leader presents, build essential skills of a change leader, learn to develop teams and build team resilience, learn to lead through change and expertly communicate through courageous conversations.

For whom: The course is carefully designed to be impactful for leaders at all stages, 

When: 9am – 4pm ET on Tuesdays (biweekly) from April 11 – June 20 2023 (6 days)

Registration opens:  Monday, March 13th! (Be the first to know — sign up for a personalized notification)

Limited Capacity: Please note that the course will be capped at 20 learners to ensure each participant has a high quality, engaging and impactful experience.

Accreditation: This program offers the opportunity to achieve an internationally recognized accreditation, a 10 credit SCQF Level 9 qualification in Leadership, accredited by Glasgow Caledonian University. A certificate will be awarded upon completion of the program.

Course Fee:

  • $1250 for CCEDNet members ($250 savings)
  • $1500 for Non-members

Register for 6-day Spring Leadership Intensive

Important Note on Program Accessibility

Increasing ease of access for people of every identity and ability is our priority. Closed captioning will be available. But, if there is a barrier preventing you from fully joining us for these sessions, we want to help! Additional accessibility accommodations may be made available by contacting Adriana Zylinski.

Your Facilitator: Suzanne Gibson

Suzanne Gibson

Our Leadership programs, facilitated by Suzanne Gibson, will offer anyone who leads a team the chance to take a well-supported deep dive into leadership practices, skills, and tools.

Suzanne Gibson “awakens the potential” of your organization to achieve its mandate and vision. Over the past 25 years, Suzanne has:

  • inspired new and established organizations to “dream big,” unite around an idea and turn those dreams into reality
  • uncovered creative solutions to complex social and organization problems
  • mobilized diverse groups into strong teams
  • facilitated and supported leaders, staff and volunteers to achieve their personal and collective potential
  • applied her entrepreneurial flair to start up innovative new ventures
  • equipped organizations to secure much-needed knowledge, skills and resources.

Suzanne will help you draw out the very best from your staff and stakeholders as you help create a better world.


Not a CCEDNet member? Join CCEDNet or contact Adriana at .

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Check out the Manitoba region newsletter for March here.

Get the newsletter in your inbox! Subscribe and click Manitoba CED Bulletins

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You’re invited to take part in CCEDNet’s Annual General Meeting (AGM!) Please save the following date.

June 8, 2023
10am Pacific, 11am Mountain, 12pm Central, 1pm Eastern, 2pm Atlantic, 2:30pm Newfoundland

This year’s AGM repeats the success of the last eight years by being entirely virtual and bilingual. Members are able to make motions, vote and comment in English or French, all from the comfort of their computer.

For additional background information, you can consult CCEDNet’s by-laws.

AGM Documents

Meeting documents will be posted here as they become available.

AGM Resolutions

The call for resolutions is now closed.

Board Nominations

This year, there are four vacancies to be filled. The call for nominations is now closed.
Register for the AGM!
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Sign up today for a CLP intro session, 2-day training, or 6-day intensive!

All programs are designed to help non-profit, community-based, and social purpose leaders, managers and organizations navigate challenge, change and opportunity successfully. This unique learning environment is intentionally designed to respond to your experience. You can expect to refine and build your leadership skills and apply what you’ve learned in new, meaningful and purposeful ways. You’ll gain tools to help strengthen your teams and encourage problem solving and creativity, so that you can collectively navigate and effectively respond to change, innovation and the current priorities of your work environment.

Find more information about each program, including registration links, below:

Leading Through Change: An Introduction to CCEDNet’s Community Leadership Program | Zoom event

  • To discuss the complex changes we are all experiencing in our leadership roles
  • To examine and reflect on the qualities of an effective change leader
  • To explore the importance of adapting one’s leadership style to different situations – a self-assessment will help you will better understand your preferred leadership style(s) and ideas for positive changes
  • To understand and discuss concrete ways to foster your own resiliency to ensure you are poised to be a great leader

For whom: This course is for those wanting an introduction to the 2-day and 6-day Community Leadership Programs and/or those who are looking to inspire and deepen their leadership practice. 

Cost: Free

When: Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 12:30PM – 3:00pm Eastern Time

Limited Capacity: Please register early as space is limited, each session will be capped to ensure each participant has an engaging and impactful experience.  If the sessions are booked, please contact Adriana Zylinski to be placed on the waiting list.  

Important Registration Note: This session will not be recorded.  Due to limited capacity, we expect registration indicates your confirmed attendance. Thank you in advance.

Register for Intro Session on March 22, 2023

Navigating Change for Leaders Training: 2-day | Zoom event

If you are leading any change elements in your organization, and need to implement major changes – this is the course for you.  Organizational change is not easy.  Oftentimes it has challenges and is incumbent on strategic, thoughtful leadership. How you navigate change and support others to move through it is critical.  Arrive with a change issue in hand, apply leading change management principles, approaches and frameworks and leave with an action plan that will energize and best support your teams and stakeholders so together your vision for change can be achieved.  

Learning Objectives:

Module 1 (7 hours):

Understand organizational change through the change curve and Bridges Transition Model; analyze the change in more detail to better inform your problem solving and response(s), develop the script and skills to participate in a change conversation based on principles of effective communication; explore the essential skills of a change leader, assess your own strengths and weaknesses and commit to an action(s) or strategy/ies to improve your capacity to lead through change.

Module 2 (7 hours):

Examine how to most effectively navigate uncertainty and ambivalence; embed resilience within your team(s) and your own leadership style; explore the context of the change to leverage strengths and opportunities and mitigate limitations, and threats; begin to map out an action plan that helps you and your stakeholders to intentionally and strategically navigate change; reflect on the posture you want to embody as a change leader

For whom: For those supporting employees through change or overseeing organizational change and looking to build a proactive response and plan through the transition.  

Prerequisite: Due to the applied nature of this course you will be required to commit to approximately 1 hour of self reflection in advance of the first module and approximately 2 hours of self-reflection in advance of the second module.

When:

  • 9am – 4pm ET on May 30 and June 9, 2023 (2 days)

Course fee: 

  • $539 for CCEDNet members 
  • $679 for Non-members

Limited Capacity: Please note that the course will be capped at 20 learners to ensure each participant has a high quality, engaging and impactful experience.

Register for 2-day Navigating Change for Leaders Training

Spring Leadership Intensive: 6-day | Zoom event

Experience this highly recommended Leadership Intensive! Join a community of brave, innovative and determined leaders from across Canada to examine self-leadership, leading and understanding others, and leading within an organization through 6 sessions of supported and embodied learning.

Learning Objectives:

Module 1 (14 hours): Leading and Understanding Myself

Becoming a more self-aware and confident leader, build on current skills and experience to gain greater clarity and insight into your leadership style and strengths so you can serve yourself, others and your organizations even better.

Module 2 (14 hours): Leading and Understanding Others

Enhance and build key senior leadership skills to engage and lead people so you can all contribute and thrive professionally, meet the challenge of navigating an organization and increase your impact.

Module 3 (14 hours): Leading within my Organization

Be more prepared for the opportunities and challenges that being a leader presents, build essential skills of a change leader, learn to develop teams and build team resilience, learn to lead through change and expertly communicate through courageous conversations.

For whom: The course is carefully designed to be impactful for leaders at all stages, 

When: 9am – 4pm ET on Tuesdays (biweekly) from April 11 – June 20 2023 (6 days)

Registration opens:  Monday, March 13th! (Be the first to know — sign up for a personalized notification)

Limited Capacity: Please note that the course will be capped at 20 learners to ensure each participant has a high quality, engaging and impactful experience.

Accreditation: This program offers the opportunity to achieve an internationally recognized accreditation, a 10 credit SCQF Level 9 qualification in Leadership, accredited by Glasgow Caledonian University. A certificate will be awarded upon completion of the program.

Course Fee:

  • $1250 for CCEDNet members ($250 savings)
  • $1500 for Non-members

Register for 6-day Spring Leadership Intensive

Important Note on Program Accessibility

Increasing ease of access for people of every identity and ability is our priority. Closed captioning will be available. But, if there is a barrier preventing you from fully joining us for these sessions, we want to help! Additional accessibility accommodations may be made available by contacting Adriana Zylinski.

Your Facilitator: Suzanne Gibson

Suzanne Gibson

Our Leadership programs, facilitated by Suzanne Gibson, will offer anyone who leads a team the chance to take a well-supported deep dive into leadership practices, skills, and tools.

Suzanne Gibson “awakens the potential” of your organization to achieve its mandate and vision. Over the past 25 years, Suzanne has:

  • inspired new and established organizations to “dream big,” unite around an idea and turn those dreams into reality
  • uncovered creative solutions to complex social and organization problems
  • mobilized diverse groups into strong teams
  • facilitated and supported leaders, staff and volunteers to achieve their personal and collective potential
  • applied her entrepreneurial flair to start up innovative new ventures
  • equipped organizations to secure much-needed knowledge, skills and resources.

Suzanne will help you draw out the very best from your staff and stakeholders as you help create a better world.


Not a CCEDNet member? Join CCEDNet or contact Adriana at .

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The Sustainable Finance Forum on Parliament Hill was a two-day event on November 2-3, 2022, and included eight sessions, over 60 speakers including CCEDNet members and partners, and more than 200 participants, including parliamentarians from across the political spectrum.

It was an opportunity for investment leaders and entrepreneurs across Canada:

  • to showcase the power of sustainable finance in addressing key challenges faced by Canadians,
  • to provide updates on significant milestones on the development of essential financial infrastructure,
  • to profile the creation of new financial tools and products,
  • to make parliamentarians aware of the challenges faced by practitioners, and
  • to identify opportunities for the Federal Government to further support the progress of sustainable finance in Canada.

This report represents a summary of the many sessions and discussions that were had at the Sustainable Finance Forum and outlines key recommendations for consideration by parliamentarians as they work together to build the economy that meets the challenges of today and prepares us for tomorrow, a sustainable economy, one that protects our people and our planet.

Contents

  • Mobilizing Capital to Fight Climate Change
  • Women’s Entrepreneurship
  • Energy Transition
  • Black Entrepreneurship
  • Mobilizing Capital to Build an Economy that Works for All Canadians
  • Indigenous Entrepreneurship & Reconciliation
  • Food Security
  • Affordable Housing

The Sustainable Finance Forum builds on the Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy, a roadmap to support innovative solutions that find new ways to help communities tackle their most complex and persistent social issues.

Sustainable Finance Forum Final ReportDownload
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Closed April 16

Does your initiative support regional social ecosystem building or intersectoral network building for CED?

CCEDNet is inviting project proposals to implement regional systems building projects, focused on supporting community organizations, social enterprises, and community economic development (CED). 

Picture multiple sectors that are interconnected so well that they form a social web of support and collaboration in a region. These are the kinds of networks we are aiming at. 

These types of projects are sometimes referred to as “social ecosystem” building, “network weaving,” or “social infrastructure” development. We are less concerned about the terminology you choose, and more interested in what you aim to do.

Amount & Rollout:

Projects can access a $5,000 to $80,000 grant to support their initiative. Proposals are accepted until April 16, midnight PDT. Applications will be reviewed by staff with additional input from members or partners. All funded portions of successful projects must be complete, including final reporting and invoicing by March 15, 2024. 

Projects in any Canadian province or territory outside of Manitoba or Alberta are eligible* 

Background:

We recognize that community economic development and related fields are organized at local or sectoral levels.

Community Economic Development is all about local action. Practitioners need supportive structures, policies and programs, networks, and information systems that are tuned to their local needs and opportunities. 

Provincial and local governments often have jurisdiction over important policies that affect our work. 

This is why as a national organization, CCEDNet has often had projects, coalitions, or hubs operating at these regional levels. 

What are social ecosystems? 

Social ecosystems is the concept that new functioning systems form within local social economies when networks, organizations, and actors connect and align their work. Parts of this ecosystem might include enterprises, capacity builders or developers, funders or finance groups, researchers, or government. In a healthy ecosystem, the individual parts are functioning well and all the parts are connected and coordinated in supportive ways.

With our Regional Initiative Program, we aim to strengthen social ecosystems of support for community economic development and the social economy by amplifying local efforts to build and foster such connections in intentional and inclusive ways. 

Projects could include (but are not limited to):

  • Environmental scans, asset/stakeholder mapping, opportunity identification, or other sector research and consultation to set regional priorities
  • Delivery of collaborative and region-wide projects or programs
  • Delivery of regional events, meetings, or networking opportunities
  • Convening of local communities of practices or learning hubs
  • Development of regional public policy priorities or awareness raising campaigns
  • Case studies or story development to showcase sector strength

Note: Any of these could either be supportive of existing initiatives or new initiatives

All Regional Initiatives should:

  • Be collaborative, with multiple partners working together or taking part
  • Centre the lived experience of the communities involved, particularly the leadership and perspectives of people who are Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, persons with disabilities, and rural or remote.
  • Include at least one CCEDNet member or groups interested in becoming CCEDNet members
  • Have a sound budget, which can include staff, contractors, event or meeting costs, travel, etc. They should also explore additional funding sources towards financial sustainability beyond the life of this project.
  • Be invested in knowledge sharing to support the ongoing strengthening of their relevant social ecosystem as a whole. 
  • Be willing to participate in a project-end convening of partners to share lessons learned, or participate in another generative way.
  • Finish with a report detailing progress and next steps for ecosystem development, the ongoing nature of the relationship with CCEDNet, and sustainability of the project. CCEDNet will provide a clear and brief reporting template, and applicants are welcome to provide either written or oral reporting. 

Note: we are happy to work with selected partners to try and find ways to ease reporting burden while aiming for information sharing that is generative and meaningful for all parties. This is particularly the case for applicants applying for funding below 10K. 

CCEDNet’s Values:

CCEDNet’s Values are: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Dignity, Self-Determination, Solidarity, Local Control. Our approach is intersectional, intersectoral, and collaborative.

Summarizing our new Theory of Change, we aim to: 

  1. Encourage community generated policy work, programs, and political actions. 
  2. Seek economic justice by centering communities as experts of their own experiences, particularly BIPOC communities and other folks historically excluded.
  3. Address ecological & climate crises in ways that enhance equity.
  4. Increase community change agents’ access to useful information, generative relationships and resources. 

While A-D are core to CCEDNet’s ongoing work, we know your projects and initiatives may not touch on all of the above. We include this summary to increase transparency in an effort to build relationships that align with our values more broadly. 

For more information refer to our official Theory of Change.

Example Projects: 

*Currently, there are established projects in Manitoba and Alberta as part of CCEDNet’s regional initiatives portfolio. We are therefore reserving funds to expand support to more regions. Follow the links below to view some of the projects underway: 

Power dynamics and accessibility:

As noted above, our values include inclusion, equity, and diversity. Many of our members work with historically excluded groups or communities facing poverty. We have recently been trying to make changes to increase clarity, transparency, and ease of applying, in hopes of reducing some of the power dynamic that exists in application and selection processes.

If you have any accessibility needs please get in touch with Melissa to make arrangements. CCEDNet accepts accommodations requests during all parts of the application process.

Interested?

Fill out our application form using the apply now button below.

You will be required to upload a completed copy of our downloadable budget and timeline template.

Format: You will have the option to fill out a standard written form OR upload an audio/visual file to the application.

Option 1: The standard written application form will ask:

  • Some basic questions about your organization.
  • Who is included or served by you, as basic checkbox questions.
  • A brief 1 to 3 sentence description of your objective, in 160 words or less. 
  • A description of your project proposal, in 500 words or less.
  • How you expect this project to strengthen the system of support in your region, in 300 words or less.

Option 2: If you choose to apply by uploading an audio or video file, you must still answer all of the same questions listed in the form when you record your audio/visual. Files must be either an MP3 or MP4 format, sized 1 to 5 MB or less.

If you have any questions about the application or require accommodations please contact Melissa Sinfield at . We will try to respond in 4 business days.

____

Funding Source: This opportunity is supported by the federal Investment Readiness Program.

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Some people have imagined this set of social connections to be similar to how different parts of an environmental ecosystem rely on each other to flourish and grow. It is an increasingly common frame of reference.

Registration for our Leadership Taster Session begins today!

We’re delighted to share the next registration dates for the popular Open Enrollment 6-day Leadership Intensive, the Leadership Taster Sessions and the NEW 2-day Navigating Change for Leaders Training.

All programs are designed to help non-profit, community-based, and social purpose leaders, managers and organizations navigate challenge, change and opportunity successfully. This unique learning environment is intentionally designed to respond to your experience. You can expect to refine and build your leadership skills and apply what you’ve learned in new, meaningful and purposeful ways. You’ll gain tools to help strengthen your teams and encourage problem solving and creativity, so that you can collectively navigate and effectively respond to change, innovation and the current priorities of your work environment.

Find more information about each program:

Leading Through Change: An Introduction to CCEDNet’s Community Leadership Program | Zoom event

  • To discuss the complex changes we are all experiencing in our leadership roles
  • To examine and reflect on the qualities of an effective change leader
  • To explore the importance of adapting one’s leadership style to different situations – a self-assessment will help you will better understand your preferred leadership style(s) and ideas for positive changes
  • To understand and discuss concrete ways to foster your own resiliency to ensure you are poised to be a great leader

For whom: This course is for those wanting an introduction to the 2-day and 6-day Community Leadership Programs and/or those who are looking to inspire and deepen their leadership practice. 

Cost: Free

When: 2 Session Dates Available

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN (click on link below to register): 

Wednesday, March 8

10:00am – 12:30pm Eastern Time

or

Wednesday, March 22 

12:30PM – 3:00pm Eastern Time

Limited Capacity: Please register early as space is limited, each session will be capped to ensure each participant has an engaging and impactful experience.  If the sessions are booked, please contact Adriana Zylinski to be placed on the waiting list.  

Important Registration Note: These sessions will not be recorded.  Due to limited capacity, we expect registration indicates your confirmed attendance. Thank you in advance.

Navigating Change for Leaders Training: 2-day | Zoom event

If you are leading any change elements in your organization, and need to implement major changes – this is the course for you.  Organizational change is not easy.  Oftentimes it has challenges and is incumbent on strategic, thoughtful leadership. How you navigate change and support others to move through it is critical.  Arrive with a change issue in hand, apply leading change management principles, approaches and frameworks and leave with an action plan that will energize and best support your teams and stakeholders so together your vision for change can be achieved.  

Learning Objectives:

Module 1 (7 hours):

Understand organizational change through the change curve and Bridges Transition Model; analyze the change in more detail to better inform your problem solving and response(s), develop the script and skills to participate in a change conversation based on principles of effective communication; explore the essential skills of a change leader, assess your own strengths and weaknesses and commit to an action(s) or strategy/ies to improve your capacity to lead through change.

Module 2 (7 hours):

Examine how to most effectively navigate uncertainty and ambivalence; embed resilience within your team(s) and your own leadership style; explore the context of the change to leverage strengths and opportunities and mitigate limitations, and threats; begin to map out an action plan that helps you and your stakeholders to intentionally and strategically navigate change; reflect on the posture you want to embody as a change leader

For whom: For those supporting employees through change or overseeing organizational change and looking to build a proactive response and plan through the transition.  

Prerequisite: Due to the applied nature of this course you will be required to commit to approximately 1 hour of self reflection in advance of the first module and approximately 2 hours of self-reflection in advance of the second module.

When: 2 sessions available: 

  1. 9am – 4pm ET on Wednesdays (biweekly) from April 19 – May 3, 2023 (2 days)
  2. 9am – 4pm ET on Tuesdays (biweekly) from June 13 – June 27 2023 (2 days)

Course fee: 

  • $539 for CCEDNet members 
  • $679 for Non-members

Registration opens: Monday, March 13th! (Be the first to know — sign up for a personalized notification)

Limited Capacity: Please note that the course will be capped at 20 learners to ensure each participant has a high quality, engaging and impactful experience.

Spring Leadership Intensive: 6-day | Zoom event

Experience this highly recommended Leadership Intensive! Join a community of brave, innovative and determined leaders from across Canada to examine self-leadership, leading and understanding others, and leading within an organization through 6 sessions of supported and embodied learning.

Learning Objectives:

Module 1 (14 hours): Leading and Understanding Myself

Becoming a more self-aware and confident leader, build on current skills and experience to gain greater clarity and insight into your leadership style and strengths so you can serve yourself, others and your organizations even better.

Module 2 (14 hours): Leading and Understanding Others

Enhance and build key senior leadership skills to engage and lead people so you can all contribute and thrive professionally, meet the challenge of navigating an organization and increase your impact.

Module 3 (14 hours): Leading within my Organization

Be more prepared for the opportunities and challenges that being a leader presents, build essential skills of a change leader, learn to develop teams and build team resilience, learn to lead through change and expertly communicate through courageous conversations.

For whom: The course is carefully designed to be impactful for leaders at all stages, 

When: 9am – 4pm ET on Tuesdays (biweekly) from April 11 – June 20 2023 (6 days)

Registration opens:  Monday, March 13th! (Be the first to know — sign up for a personalized notification)

Limited Capacity: Please note that the course will be capped at 20 learners to ensure each participant has a high quality, engaging and impactful experience.

Accreditation: This program offers the opportunity to achieve an internationally recognized accreditation, a 10 credit SCQF Level 9 qualification in Leadership, accredited by Glasgow Caledonian University. A certificate will be awarded upon completion of the program.

Course Fee:

  • $1250 for CCEDNet members ($250 savings)
  • $1500 for Non-members

Important Note on Program Accessibility

Increasing ease of access for people of every identity and ability is our priority. Closed captioning will be available. But, if there is a barrier preventing you from fully joining us for these sessions, we want to help! Additional accessibility accommodations may be made available by contacting Adriana Zylinski.

Your Facilitator: Suzanne Gibson

Suzanne Gibson

Our Leadership programs, facilitated by Suzanne Gibson, will offer anyone who leads a team the chance to take a well-supported deep dive into leadership practices, skills, and tools.

Suzanne Gibson “awakens the potential” of your organization to achieve its mandate and vision. Over the past 25 years, Suzanne has:

  • inspired new and established organizations to “dream big,” unite around an idea and turn those dreams into reality
  • uncovered creative solutions to complex social and organization problems
  • mobilized diverse groups into strong teams
  • facilitated and supported leaders, staff and volunteers to achieve their personal and collective potential
  • applied her entrepreneurial flair to start up innovative new ventures
  • equipped organizations to secure much-needed knowledge, skills and resources.

Suzanne will help you draw out the very best from your staff and stakeholders as you help create a better world.


Not a CCEDNet member? Join CCEDNet or contact Adriana at .

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BUILD Inc is a non-profit contractor and social enterprise that provides training programs for people who face barriers to employment. CreateAction is a CCEDNet run work experience program that provides paid work placements and career-relevant opportunities for young people involuntarily not in education, employment, or training (NEET) and/or underemployed who face systemic barriers to employment. The primary goals of CreateAction are to deliver meaningful employment; improve youth well-being; provide rich resources and pathways to employment post-placement; and support and develop skills in youths with barriers to employment.

CCEDNet would like to highlight Rafael Terrain, CreateAction youth, and Sean Hogan of BUILD Inc, a CCEDNet member and CreateAction supervisor, who participated in our fourth cohort of CreateAction. We asked them a few questions to better understand the success and impact of such an important social enterprise.

What does community economic development mean to you and to BUILD INC.?

Sean Hogan: I have a friend who sums up his job description as “maximizing shareholder value”. While much of Canada’s economic system is built on that concept, it can lead to an irresponsible and unsustainable approach to business. What is left out of the equation is the health of the community where the economic development is taking place. The approach that Community Economic Development takes considers both the economic opportunities, but also the community needs. To step back from shareholder value and consider stakeholder values changes the approach to any entrepreneurial endeavor. What does the community need? Will there be unintended consequences that need to be resolved? If we reduce our profit expectations somewhat, does that mean more opportunity for everyone? BUILD takes each of these questions very seriously, as we consider the health of our community a reflection of the health of our business.

BUILD Inc. is a model social enterprise and has inspired other social entrepreneurial development. How does the training program work, and what do you think makes it so successful? 

Rafael Terrain: BUILD Inc. helps train up people with barriers to employment to work in carpentry, and we work mostly doing repairs in social housing in Manitoba. I think it’s so successful because the program doesn’t judge people for their barriers but helps us through them and recognizes how much we can bring to the table when we are given that support. There’s so much potential out in the community that gets wasted I feel, but social enterprises like this helps people know we can offer something and gives us those opportunities

Sean Hogan: BUILD’s training program and social enterprise are two separate but intertwined business units under the BUILD umbrella, each with different approaches and revenue sources. The training program is a paid, six-week in-class experience that addresses gaps in education, hard-skills development, soft-skill shoring, and introduction to cultural teachings and support services. During the six-week intensive, trainees are given the tools to overcome the anxieties that threaten to drag them back to old habits and unhealthy behaviours, while equipping them to be successful and marketable in the competitive trades marketplace.

Once a trainee completes their time with BUILD’s training team, they graduate to on-the-job mentorship for three-to-four months, working with one of our many crews conducting interior renovation work for affordable housing throughout Winnipeg and Southern Manitoba. During their job-placement, trainees are introduced to real-life work stresses like deadlines, accountability, and work-pace, while still in a healthy and supportive environment. It is an excellent transition environment, moving them from the classroom, preparing them for the time when they leave BUILD and enter the workforce. BUILD can attribute its success to the innovative marriage of real-life work environments and an uncompromising commitment creating supportive opportunities. Also, one can not minimize the impact of the amount of courage that each and every trainee brings into our building. Ten years ago Elder Jules Lavalee held a ceremony for BUILD and gave us the name in Ojibwe “Songay Damowin”, which translated to English means “The House of Courage”. Trainees carry in with them an immense amount of bravery to face their pasts and make a better future every day that they walk through the BUILD doors. Our success is their success.

What would you like to share about your experience with CreateAction and BUILD Inc. What are some challenges you had, goals you set, and successes or insights you would like to share? 

Rafael Terrain: My experience with CreateAction at my placement at BUILD Inc. was life changing. There were a lot of challenges going into my first employment in 10 years, but it couldn’t have been a better place to go through that transition. BUILD Inc. staff were all so supportive through the ups and downs of getting used to that new life and they helped me out with more than just a pay cheque, but as a community of support. They care about us as people and show up for us daily. They helped me to get into a real place to live, they helped me with my taxes, getting used to finances, helped me furnish my place, and helped me out through mental health struggles. CreateAction was an awesome group of people to check in with while everyone was going through a similar transition, so I didn’t feel alone but knew there were normal challenges to go through when going to work in a new place. The staff at CreateAction were also awesome and I could celebrate all the awesome new changes in my life with them and they helped give awesome workshops on tips to get through as well.

How can CCEDNet members support the work BUILD INC. is doing?  

Sean Hogan: CCEDNet members can support the work BUILD is doing by remembering BUILD trainees when making HR policies and hiring. Also, provincially and federally, the collective voices of CCEDNet members are very powerful when reminding elected officials that workplace integration training programs like BUILD require revenue sources to provide the level of support and training required to work with multi-barriered individuals, preparing them for long-term, meaningful careers.  

As you can see, BUILD Inc.’s vision of building prosperous communities, healthy families, and employed individuals through meaningful employment opportunities is what foregrounded the effectiveness of this youth placement. CCEDNet would like to offer gratitude to BUILD Inc for their membership in our organization and leadership in the social enterprise arena. CreateAction thanks you, Sean, for the wraparound system of care and labour that you exemplified throughout the placement experience. Rafael, we are proud of your growth and wish you all the best in your employment endeavours!

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The community economic development (CED) principles of solidarity, cooperativism, and mutual aid have been practiced by many Black communities around the world for thousands of years. And so Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the ways in which Black communities have shaped – and continue to shape – contemporary CED. 

However, this celebration is incomplete if we don’t also grapple with the foundational role that anti-Black racism has always played in propping up the Canadian economy,  and how this has affected CED and the social sector.

Slavery was practiced in the territories that would become Canada from around 1630 until its abolition in 1834. During this period, as Robyn Maynard writes, “white settler society profited from owning unfree Black (and Indigenous) people and their labour… while exposing them to physical and psychological brutality.”

The abolition of slavery did not put an end to the exploitation of Black people or the extraction of their wealth. As Maynard explains, “first slavery, then segregationist state policies regarding immigration, labour and education put [Black people] in a lower social and economic status than white Canadians.” 

State-sanctioned poverty was and is sustained by systemic racism in institutions such as healthcare, education, policing, housing, real estate, and finance. All of this serves to extract wealth and resources away from Black communities, so that those who are already privileged within our dominant economic model can continue to hoard power, wealth, and control. 

However, economic injustice is not a law of nature. Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard reminds us that “the system of capitalism that we’re in right now” – which requires racial hierarchy and domination in order to function – “is very new on a human scale.” When we take a longer view of history, we see that “solidarity economics” is actually humanity’s first and longest-lasting economic system. 

Dr. Caroline Shenaz Hossein and Megan Pearson explain that solidarity economics is based on cooperativism, equity, and social and economic democracy. They trace the roots of the solidarity economy back to Black and Indigenous communities around the world. Many practitioners locate CED within the global solidarity economy movement. In fact, Professor John Loxley credited Afro-Guyanese economist C.Y. Thomas with influencing the creation of the Neechi principles, a guiding force for the development of community economic development in Manitoba.

Sometimes, solidarity economics are a survival strategy – without sharing or mutual aid, for example, many oppressed communities will simply collapse. However, Gordon Nembhard says that sometimes these systems are also built “around a larger vision in mind for how they could really change society and bring prosperity” to everyone.  

These scholars all point to the potential within the solidarity economy to transform our dominant economic system from the ground up. But anti-Black racism remains an obstacle to achieving such transformation, not only within society at large, but also within our sector. Gordon Nembhard has written about racism in the co-op movement, and Hossein and Pearson explain that Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour are often excluded within the social sector – an exclusion that “upholds racial injustice, violence, exclusion, and trauma in Canada and elsewhere.”

We may not all be oppressed by anti-Black racism, but we all do suffer under an economy that treats people and the planet as disposable commodities. If anti-Black racism stands between us and economic transformation, we should all be striving for Black liberation, even if we are not Black. Our collective liberation requires Black freedom.

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Ben Losman

Ben manages communications for CCEDNet. He has also helped implement and manage projects such as CreateAction and Community Leadership Program.

Prior to joining CCEDNet, Ben did communications and programming for a number of social purpose organizations across the U.S., Canada, and India. His professional perspective is shaped by his studies in social justice education and his experiences in the world of anti-colonial activism and popular education.

Ben’s ideal community is built around the principles of Indigenous sovereignty, ecological justice, prison abolition, free and wonderful public transit, and abundant access to great local food.

Outside of work, Ben loves exploring the world with his kids, participating in movements for love and justice, and reading.

Ben Losman

CCEDNet and the federal Investment Readiness Program (IRP)

CCEDNet is the convener of program partners, co-building the social finance / social innovation ecosystem of support, including partners who raise awareness, develop expert services, consider how diverse demographics can get connected to this field, and the ‘readiness support partners’ who disburse Investment Readiness Program (IRP) funding to Social Purpose Organizations. Our role is to co-create and maintain a support system to connect the IRP partners as a network of expertise, grounded in equity, diversity, and inclusion – we convene them in meetings, work with WISIR on a principles-focused evaluation and systems map, with Startup Canada on digital infrastructure, and are delivering a small fund to bring additional partners on board who fill gaps in the ecosystem.  Most of this round’s IRP funding (IRP 2.0) is already flowing through the Readiness Support Partners to grassroots organization Social Purpose Organizations.  Now we are entering into a new phase of seeing how IRP funding has resulted in impacts, outcomes and enhancing the organizations doing work in their communities to get investment-ready.  

Last calls for applications:

National Association of Friendship Centres (Feb 13) & Chantier de l’economie sociale (Feb 9)

Don’t miss your chance to apply for IRP funding: the Readiness Support Partners who still currently have open calls for applications. National Association of Friendship Centres funds urban-based Indigenous Social Purpose Organizations and all NAFC-member Friendship Centres and Provincial / Territorial Associations are eligible to apply for the IRP, with a deadline of February 13th. Chantier de l’économie sociale funds Quebec-based Social Purpose Organizations – their deadline is officially February 9th (with the application form open to waitlisted projects until February 28th).

IRP success stories

Now that most of the IRP 2.0 funds have been disbursed, we are seeing the impact that this funding has had on organizations and communities. Check out some of the success stories such as the Spotlights on our IRP blog, the NAFC’s IRP-funded projects from their previous 2022 round of IRP 2.0 funding, and success stories from co-ops which have received funding from Cooperatives and Mutuals Canada.

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Susanna Redekop

Susanna Redekop is the Project Manager for the Sustainable Finance Forum on behalf of CCEDNet.  The Sustainable Finance Forum returns to the Shaw Centre in Ottawa on November 28th-29th 2024, bringing together thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators at Canada’s premier event on sustainable finance. 

The Canadian Community Economic Development Network is excited to announce our fifth invitation for organizational members to apply to employ youth through the CreateAction: Inclusive Social Innovation work experience program. Not already a member? Check out how you can join the network (including barrier-free options) by visiting CCEDNet’s membership page. (Note: you only need to become a member if selected; you don’t need to be a member to apply).

About CreateAction

The purpose of CreateAction is to provide employment and career-relevant learning opportunities to youth involuntarily not in education, employment or training (NEET) and/or underemployed -AND- facing barriers to employment. These placements will take place under the terms and conditions of a contribution agreement between the Canadian CED Network and Employment and Social Development Canada as part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy.

The Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet) and the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) are working in partnership to deliver the CreateAction program with funding by Employment and Social Development Canada and with evaluation support from the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation.

All work experience placements will support youth to further their career interests in community economic development, social innovation and/or off-reserve Indigenous service delivery infrastructure and provision of culturally enhanced programs and services to urban Indigenous residents.

This call for proposals is for placements taking place from May 1 to October 27, 2023 (26 weeks). The CreateAction program will provide youth with a wage of $21/hour for 37.5 hours/week. Employers may volunteer to increase their youth’s wages at their own expense. The deadline for submitting applications is February 26, 2023 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.

“The CreateAction program allowed us to create new positions temporarily to see how they fit into our organizational structure, and they both were very successful. We were able to build our capacity to keep these new positions permanently, and the youth in each placement were the perfect fit, so we offered the positions to them, and both accepted. Really grateful for the opportunity CreateAction has provided us to build our capacity.”

– Heidi Dixon, Operations Coordinator, First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre.

*Please note that only one placement will be granted per employer.

Employers will be selected according to the following criteria:

Organizational capacity to recruit youth facing barriers to employment

  • ability to recruit youth who are involuntarily not in employment, education, or training (NEET) and/or underemployed
  • demonstrated ability to recruit people who are Indigenous, Black, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, newcomers to Canada, and/or live with disability;

Organizational capacity to support youth facing barriers to employment

  • commitment to supporting and accommodating the needs of youth facing barriers to employment and a willingness to increase organizational capacity accordingly;
  • have a position available that aligns with the level of a youth facing barriers to employment, and be willing to adapt the position based on the skills/abilities of the engaged youth;
  • commitment and organizational capacity to assist youth with their daily work, providing coaching and career development support;

Organizational capacity to engage in a community of practice

  • commitment to participate in a peer support network of employers;
  • dedication to supporting the youth in leveraging the work experience into full-time employment or study; including youths’ short-term career goals post-placement
  • capacity to adequately support skills development for youth, with additional support from the CreateAction partners;
  • relevance of proposed work experience to community economic development, social innovation, and/or off-reserve Indigenous service delivery infrastructure and provision of culturally enhanced programs and services to urban Indigenous residents (visit NAFC’s website).

Priority will be given to organizations that provide social supports for adults or youth as part of their mandate (e.g. organizations serving or supporting newcomers, refugees, survivors of violence or people escaping abuse, formerly incarcerated people, and people experiencing/overcoming mental health challenges, substance use disorders, precarious housing, etc). We will also consider geographic diversity in our selection (e.g. rural, remote, northern, francophone communities outside of Quebec, and urban disadvantaged communities with recent immigrant populations).

Employers will:

  • actively seek out youth candidates from diverse backgrounds with barriers to employment;
  • hire a youth who is the best fit for the CreateAction program;
  • identify candidates by April 21, in order for work experience youth to start placements on May 1;
  • become a member of the Canadian CED Network after selection, if not already a member.

Build a culture of support and connection

  • offer a meaningful 26-week employment opportunity;
  • provide youth with an orientation to the employer;
  • develop, at the beginning of the placement, a Learning Plan to provide sufficient support services to enable youth to succeed at their placement;
  • provide sufficient resources and time to effectively supervise and mentor work experience youth;
  • provide, with support from the CreateAction program, career advice, regular feedback and guidance to youth and assist youth in laddering into further career-relevant employment or education at the end of the placement and post-placement;

Engage in a community of practice

  • participate in employer community practice including virtual sessions with the Canadian CED Network and other selected organizations;
  • set aside a minimum of:
    • six (6) hours per month for the youth to participate in peer learning activities, and
    • three (3) working days for the youth to participate in an in-person or online learning event.
  • contact the Canadian CED Network for support and guidance if ever there are issues that you or the youth are experiencing and whenever the youth might be absent from work;
  • work with the CreateAction program evaluators on youth and employer evaluation-related activities, such as activities involved with a midterm check-in and a final evaluation;

CreateAction partners (CCEDNet, NAFC and SRDC) will:

Provide a meaningful and enriching workplace experience

  • pay youth directly at a rate of $21/hour (though employers are welcome to top up the amount) and cover MERCs (mandatory employment-related costs);
  • provide, in concert with employers, tailored wraparound supports for youth including supporting the capacity of employers in their ability to provide social support for youth;
  • work with employers to offer mediation support or resolve disputes arising with work experience youth; including any decision to terminate the work experience placement as a last resort;
  • conduct baseline, end-of-placement, and 3-month follow-up surveys with youth and an end-of-placement survey for employers to monitor progress, track youth learning, and capture youth outcomes, career expectations and satisfaction.

Coordinate employer and youth communities of practices

  • provide a robust peer learning and peer mentoring work experience for youths’ ongoing professional development for the duration of the placement;
  • coordinate the youth community of practice that will include weekly drop-in video conference calls for youth to learn, share experiences, and network;
  • coordinate the employer community of practice that will include employer video conference calls for employers to share experiences and network

To participate in the CreateAction program, eligible youth must be:

  • involuntarily not in education, employment or training (NEET) and/or underemployed;
  • a youth experiencing barriers to employment;
  • between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of placement;
  • Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act;
  • legally entitled to work in Canada;
  • legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.

If you require an offline application, please contact Beatrice Anane-Bediakoh at the coordinates below. The deadline for submitting applications is February 26, 2023, at 11:59pm Pacific Time.

Youth interested in the program should apply directly to the employers.

For more information, please contact Beatrice Anane-Bediakoh, Program and Engagement Manager, at .

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