Canadian CED Network

Manitoba Budget 2012 – A Missed Opportunity for Meaningful Investment in our Communities

Click here to learn how the 2012 Manitoba Budget relates to our member-adopted Policy Resolutions.

On April 17th, community organizations gathered at the Manitoba Legislature to hear the provincial government unveil its 2012 budget. CCEDNet staff and members were on hand to comment on the Province’s plans to support community initiatives that address the root causes of poverty, crime, and community decline.

The communities, organizations and individuals working to address these issues have demonstrated the benefits of innovative and preventative measures. What’s needed is more investment in: affordable housing units and Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) rental allowance rates; subsidized child care spaces; opportunities for education and training; jobs for people with barriers to employment; culturally appropriate, adequate, and accessible supports for those dealing with addictions and mental health challenges; and community-based initiatives that work with people and neighbourhoods in a way that builds capacity and hope, while creating meaningful opportunities for those who need them most. (For more information on these strategies, read The View From Here and Bill C-10: The Truth About Consequences). What we found last Tuesday was half-measures and frozen budgets. Manitoba Budget 2012 does not cut spending in key community initiatives – a choice that makes a muted commitment amidst pressure to reduce the deficit. However, it does little to increase support for these important actions, beyond incremental investments in child care. This year’s Budget outlines 21 indicators of poverty reduction and social inclusion, however they are not accompanied by targets and timelines. Furthermore, the Budget does not commit any new funds to help lift Manitobans out of poverty.

It appears that the relentless chorus calling for tax cuts has weakened the government’s resolve to invest in Manitobans’ well-being. NDP-initiated tax cuts since 1999 will result in $1.2 billion of lost revenue this year alone, which would have entirely offset this year’s projected deficit of $1.12 billion.

When we look at the areas driving government spending, it becomes clear that current investment choices are shortsighted and not cost effective. Manitoba Budget 2012 demonstrates that the Province will continue to spend on the expensive results of poverty, crime and poor health, rather than on the cheaper, more effective solutions addressing their root causes. For example, there is a 2.5% decrease in the Housing and Community Development budget while the Justice budget is going up by 8.1%. Freezing or cutting preventative, community-based initiatives will only balloon the resulting costs – an outcome that serves no one.

We know that $1 invested in food skills training and nutrition awareness results in $10.64 in healthcare savings. We also know that homelessness costs society nearly $100,000 per person meaning that it is cheaper to house people than leave them on the streets. Incarceration costs up to $130,000 per year while preventative programs cost much less. If we seek to contain rising costs of healthcare and crime, reactive solutions to poverty are misguided.

We all need to be more conscious of these realities when considering political and policy positions. The media also has to play its role in providing this context so Manitobans better understand the long-term consequences of short-term thinking related to government policy, investments, and taxation.

In the end, this analysis highlights the need for a deficit reduction approach that is not about spending less, but rather spending smarter. Not just for our collective well-being, but also for more effective government, a more sustainable fiscal future, and healthier, safer and happier communities.

How the Budget stacks up to CCEDNet-Manitoba’s member-adopted Policy Resolutions:

  • Housing: Importantly, and to their credit in the face of this intense pressure to drastically cut spending, the government’s existing commitment to build 300 new social housing units per year remains, although there is no new investment in housing, leaving the result far short of what is needed. There was no mention of co-operative housing.
  • Community-led Initiatives: Support for Neighbourhoods Alive! And the Winnipeg Regeneration Strategy has been renewed, but not increased. There was a modest increase in the Co-operative Development budget.
  • Social Enterprise: The Budget did not include mention of support for social enterprises or procurement policies that would recognize the high investment return for society that social enterprises have on reducing poverty by creating good jobs for people with barriers to employment. However, the Neighbourhoods Alive! Tax Credit for social enterprise development was renewed.
  • Poverty reduction: The government will not increase EIA rates and will not be extending the EIA training timeline. Although the Budget includes strategies to address poverty reduction and social inclusion, there are no new actions, funding or timelines for achieving results.

For more information, contact Kirsten Bernas, at , (204) 943-0547.

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On April 13, 2012 the Canadian Co-operative Association was informed by the Government of Canada about the termination of the Co-op Development Initiatives along with significant cuts to the Rural and Co-operatives Secretariat. This came as a surprise to the Canadian Community Economic Development Network and our member organizations including the Canadian Cooperative Association, the Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation, the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada, the Manitoba Co-operative Association, and co-operatives throughout the country. Cuts will have a significant impact on the development of new co-operative businesses, jobs, and services for communities throughout Canada.

In a year that the United Nations has declared the “International Year of Cooperatives” — which the federal government endorsed at the United Nations and has been a partner in supporting — the elimination of the only federal government program dedicated to co-op development is not only hard to understand, it is misguided and will result in a negative economic impact much greater than the short-term spending that is “saved.”

With over $330 billion in assets, about 9,000 co-operatives in Canada provide services to 18 million members. They are a significant part of our economy and our communities. At a time when job creation is needed for economic recovery and growth, why cut support to a sector that employs over 150,000 Canadians and continues to grow? In an era when economic decisions are increasingly made outside of the communities most impacted by them, and the accumulation of wealth in few pockets is contributing to a growing income gap in our country, what we precisely need is stronger leadership and investment in a business model that roots ownership locally and distributes wealth equitably.  Co-operatives also build democracy through their core principle of giving every member of a co-op an equal vote in the decisions of the business, including member representation on the co-op’s board of directors, providing the opportunity for more than 100,000 Canadians to participate in the governance of co-operative businesses in their communities.

Co-operatives are also businesses oriented to member service rather than maximization of profits. This means that, while being strong businesses, they will operate in circumstances that meet members and communities needs as long as feasible rather than closing its doors as soon as maximum profits are not realized and leaving communities without important jobs, services, and economies. For example, more than 1,000 communities in Canada have a financial co-operative as the only financial institution providing important services to the community.

Co-operatives are also more stable businesses for our communities and economies. A 2008 study in Quebec found that 62 per cent of new co-ops are still operating after five years, compared with 35 per cent for other new businesses. After 10 years, the figures are 44 per cent and 20 per cent respectively. Similar research in BC and Alberta recently found parallel results in their provinces.

But while the co-op sector is a huge part of our economy, co-operatives usually start with a collection of people looking to address a need in their community, or capture an opportunity, in a way that puts their needs and their local economy first. These initiatives are worth investment in the development, start-up, and growth phases because of the significant impact and returns that they generate over time. The Co-op Development Initiative provided precisely this type of strategic investment. Since the program’s inception in 2003, more than 300 new co-ops were created with support from the CDI program, and more than 1,600 groups received advice and assistance, which might yet lead to the creation of more co-ops.

In light of the significant negative impact that this $4 million “saving” will have on the Canadian economy and many communities, we urge the federal government to reverse their decision. Our communities and our economy are worth it.

For more information, contact Kirsten Bernas, at , (204) 943-0547.

 

Related Resources
 

“Agriculture Canada cutbacks contradict federal focus on jobs and innovation,” Canadian Co-operative Association press release, April 13, 2012.  

“Cancellation of Co-operative Development Funding will Impact Ontario Communities” Ontario Co-operative Association press release. 

“Dark Days for co-ops in Canada, Saskatchewan Co-operative Association leader says” in Reginal Leader Post, April 16, 2012.

“Canadian government cuts co-op development program, slashes Co-operatives Secretariat,” Cooperative News, April 13, 2012.

“Cancellation of CDI and Devastation at Co-ops Secretariat” CoopZone statement.

“Implications of the Federal Budget and The Rural and Cooperatives Secretariat” Blog post by the Rural Ontario Institute and letter to Minister Ritz

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Tuesday May 1, 2012
1:00pm Atlantic, 12:00 pm Eastern, 11:00 am Central, 10:00 am Mountain, 9:00 am Pacific

International Committee Webinar Session
Register TODAY and join us to learn about how Sustainable Tourism is supporting communities growing their economies while safeguarding the environment in Canada and internationally.

 

[Register here]

BACKGROUND

Tourism has a major impact on economies, cultures and the environment. It often destroys cultures, communities and natural habitat but it can be a vehicle to build communities while increasing pride in local culture, improving the local economy and helping to protect local habitat. This webinar will share examples of sustainable tourism development here and abroad. We will see how Indigenous communities in Canada help empower local communities by utilizing an Indigenous approach to tourism.

SPEAKERS:

International perspective: Michael Campbell of University of Manitoba will present on his prestigious Skål International award winning project that offers tourists a chance to spy mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Uganda. Working with Makerere University and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, they’ve established a master’s program in wildlife tourism and recreation management. Uganda now trains its own people to manage an industry that accounts for 50% of the country’s GDP.

Canadian perspective: Clinton Belcher, President and CEO of CES, will share his work with First Nation communities in Canada, particularly Quebec. From over 15 years of experience, CES has developed the Pando Terra™ Model, which creates an organic approach to sustainable tourism development. Stories of this model being used in Eeyou Istchee – the traditional territory of the James Bay Cree in Quebec – will be shared. This model empowers, encourages and supports the community and its members first, knowing that sustainable tourism development will follow.

Moderator: Jessica Braun, CES
A question and answer period will follow.

SESSION LOGISTICS:

  • Date: May 1, 2012
  • Webinar begins at 12:00 pm Eastern time, 9:00 am Pacific time
  • Participation is free
  • Register by April 29 to obtain connection information and additional resources.
  • This session is in English.

REGISTRATION:

[Register here] 

Please share this invitation with anyone you think would be interested.

For more information about the Canadian CED Network, please visit: http://www.ccednet-rcdec.ca/

For more information about the CCCEDNet International Committee and to view  previous webinars, please visit http://www.ccednet-rcdec.ca/en/our_work/international

The Canadian CED Network’s International Committee webinar series is made possible in partnership with Uniterra http://www.uniterra.ca
 

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Some governments around the world are experimenting with new financial instruments, notably ones that are most often in Canada called ‘social impact bonds’ (SiB).

Simply, a ‘social impact bond’ is a financial instrument that raises private capital, and links financial returns to the achievement of a social outcome. In a successful SiB model, these outcomes will create improvements in the system that create cost savings as well as social benefits, and so fund financial returns to the private capital.

While potentially creating new sources of investment for social interventions, Social Impact Bonds also represent new relationships, and shifting responsibilities, between non-profits, governments, and private investors. 

Here are some resources for community groups to better understand opportunities, limits and risks offered by Social Impact Bonds

Some CCEDNet members and leading CED thinkers have expressed concerns about the social impact bond model

  • Margie Mendell and Émilien Gruet have prepared a brief synthesis on the topic, summarizing how SiBs are being promoted, where they are already in place, and what some of the critiques are.
  • Social Impact Bonds – John Loxley, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
  • CCEDNet’s webinar on social impact bonds with Margie Mendell and Christian Novak

Other coverage and debate

Note:  Social impact bonds are not the same thing as community bonds.  The Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto offers an excellent explanation of how they used community bonds to raise $2 million for the purchase of a building, and how others can learn from their experience.  Read more >>

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At the International Forum on the Social and Solidarity Economy in Montréal last October, Québec’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy proposed the creation of a provincial-territorial Network of ministers responsible for the social economy, to facilitate information sharing on the implementation of public policies supporting the social economy. 
 
In February, he sent a letter to his provincial and territorial counterparts inviting them to an inaugural meeting of the Network in Québec City. 
 
The partnership of organizations that came together to organize the National Summit on a People-Centred Economy recently sent a letter to all the provincial ministers that received the invitation, encouraging them to accept. 
 
Working directly across provinces to leverage best practices is an encouraging approach to support the development of the social economy in Canada.
 
Consider writing to your provincial or territorial minister, encouraging them to accept this invitation and reinforcing the significance of the social economy in your province or territory.
 
Here are the letters that were sent:
 
The letters refer to an ‘introductory overview’, which was produced by the Canadian Social Economy Hub.
 
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The 2012 Alternative Federal Budget (AFB): A Budget for the Rest of Us, was launched today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

What makes the AFB different? It recognizes and proposes preliminary solutions to climate change and rampant inequality. The AFB addresses the underlying structural weaknesses in our economy and recommends building blocks that will repair and ensure the long-term prosperity of our economy. Lastly, the AFB proposes innovative public investment initiatives that will help us avoid “a lost decade of high unemployment, depressed incomes, and chronic insecurity. Many of these proposals include CED principles, and CCEDNet is a proud contributor to the AFB report.

This document demonstrates how sound fiscal and policy choices can create jobs, reduce poverty, turn Canada into an environmental leader and strengthen Canadian communities.

[Download the AFB]

More information:
Visit www.policyalternatives.ca/afb2012

For pdf copies of each chapter, contact Kirsten Bernas at

 

 

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The Spark service of the Canadian CED Network presents Spring 2012 Strengthening Non-Profits Workshops:

Workshops

Click for descriptions and facilitator bios

1. Cultivating a Healthy Work/Life Balance

2. Planning for Financial Sustainability

3. Fun Ways of Gathering Community Feedback

4. H.R. Basics: You got funding to hire someone – Now what?

5. Connecting with Social Media

 

Cost per workshop:

CCEDNet members: half-day $25

Non-Members: half-day $75 | Join CCEDNet

Questions? Please contact Sarah Leeson-Klym at 943-0547,

 

[ Register for Workshops ]

 

Workshop Descriptions

Cultivating a Healthy Work/Life Balance

March 14   |  1 – 4pm  |   United Way Learning Centre, 580 Main St

Working towards sustainable and just communities takes an incredible commitment and also often major challenges like funding shortages, large workloads and a practice that involves people who are facing the effects of poverty and social exclusion. Avoiding ‘burn-out’ and sustaining a healthy work-life balance is essential and takes both a balanced approach to practice and some helpful tools. This session will explore ‘ways of being and doing’ that infuse practice with life, making it not only sustainable for the practitioner, but a source of joy, and on-going learning. Then we’ll discuss the nuts and bolts of making the most of your time by getting a grip on your workspace and organizing your workflow.

Co-facilitator: Jan DeFehr, PhD

Jan’s clinical social work practice spans twenty years and takes place within a diversity of community contexts, including youth corrections, hospital, and community health counselling programs. Jan’s doctoral scholarship – undertaken together with 13 Collaborative practitioners from six different countries – focuses on the theme of ‘reciprocity and mutual influence’ in everyday collaborative practice. Currently employed as a counsellor at the University of Winnipeg, Jan writes for publication, promotes and practices indigenous social inquiry, and facilitates learning forums locally and internationally.

Co-facilitator: Lisa Lewis

As the owner of Beyond Excellence, Lisa has put her extensive business and management experience to work for her clients for more than fourteen years. Lisa helps her clients achieve their goals by implementing proven technologies and solid management programs. With these skills and her outstanding abilities as a presenter she has motivated and delivered value to small, medium and large businesses and is in demand as a consultant on a variety of projects.

[ Register ]

Planning for Financial Sustainability 

March 28   |   1 – 4pm   |    United Way Learning Centre, 580 Main St

Achieving your mission in the community depends on your ability to find the resources to carry out the activities that meet your goals over the long term, and yet securing the needed resources can be a great challenge. This workshop will provide practical tools that can help non-profits create long term sustainability plans, as well as develop strategies to get the required resources.

Facilitator: Brendan Reimer 

Brendan Reimer is the Regional Coordinator for the Canadian CED Network, a member of the Social Enterprise Council of Canada, and is on the Board of Directors for the Assiniboine Credit Union. Brendan has previously presented this course as a 4-part series as well as in the the Faculty of Business and Administration at the University of Winnipeg.

[ Register ]

Fun Ways of Gathering Community Feedback

April 12   |   1 – 4pm   |   United Way Learning Centre, 580 Main St

Engaging people for their perspectives helps enrich work towards inclusive, sustainable and equitable communities. The question is how to make this process fun and meaningful. Whether you’re looking for feedback for planning, evaluation or community engagement, bring your real-life examples, and learn about different approaches for getting the feedback you need.

Co-Facilitators:

Becky Raddatz: City of Winnipeg

Justin Lee: City of Winnipeg
Justin Lee is an urban planner who currently works for the City of Winnipeg’s Water and Waste Department. While at the City, he has worked on policy and public participation for the Garbage and Recycling Master Plan, the OurWinnipeg Initiative, and SpeakUpWinnipeg. Born in Winnipeg, Justin has a Master of City Planning from the University of Manitoba and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours from Queen’s University. He is a classically trained printmaker, an avid Lindy Hopper, a cyclist and a bread baker.

Judith Harris PhD: professor at the University of Winnipeg
Judith Harris is an Associate Professor in Urban and Inner City Studies at the University of Winnipeg, located on Selkirk Avenue. Judith has a PhD in Planning from the University of Waterloo and an MSc in Resource Economics from the University of Guelph. Her teaching focuses on community development, neighbourhood planning and research methods. Her work at the local level includes Community-University collaborations that have lead to the establishment of the Spence Neighbourhood Skills Bank and FrontStep Research Workers’ Co-op (Winnipeg’s first Multi-Stakeholder Co-operative) as well as on-going research on the experience of immigrant professionals, community gardening, barriers to post-secondary education for Aboriginal adults, and the economic anthropology of the inner city.

[ Register ]

H.R. Basics: You got funding to hire someone – now what?

April 24   |    1 – 4pm   |   United Way Learning Centre, 580 Main St

In all organizations it is important to attract, retain and develop your workforce. In this interactive workshop participants will explore some basic human resource systems such as creating a job description, identifying skills and competencies of the new position, advertising techniques as well as the hiring process including screening resumes, designing interview questions, conducting the interview, evaluation of candidate and making the offer of employment.

Facilitator: Tanya Cole, CHRP

Tanya is an experienced human resource executive with specialized knowledge in labour relations, collective bargaining, strategic human resource planning, and compensation and benefits. Currently she is the Assistant Director, Labour Relations Division, Treasury Board Secretariat for the Province of Manitoba. She has also been an instructor for the University of Winnipeg, the Human Resource Management Association of Manitoba, Red River College, the Government of Manitoba and private industry for several years.

[ Register ]

Connecting with Social Media

May 10  |   1 – 4pm   |    United Way Learning Centre, 580 Main St

Social media can be a great marketing and information tool, but it isn’t as simple as keeping a Facebook profile. While it’s often used in the business world, is it as effective for non-profits and social enterprise? Learn how and when to use social media for your organization, and explore whether the new media world is right for your work.

Facilitator: David Pensato

Specializing in “interactive brand and strategy,” David develops innovative approaches for integrating online with offline marketing. His involvement with a broad range of projects in recent years has included the City of Winnipeg’s ground-breaking initiative SpeakUpWinnipeg and the OurWinnipeg Plan, the rebranding of Resource Conservation Manitoba as Green Action Centre, branding and marketing/communications strategy for Peg City Car Co-op and also serving as a member of the steering committee for TEDxManitoba 2012.

[ Register ]

The Spring 2012 Strengthening Non-Profits Workshops are hosted by the Spark service of the Canadian CED Network with support from the United Way of Winnipeg

 
    

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On February 27, CCEDNet sent the following letter to Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty calling for the federal government to renew the co-operative development initiative (CDI) in 2012, the international year of co-operatives. 

By facilitating the start-up and expansion of new co-operatives through project funding and advisory services, the CDI program makes an important contribution to Canada’s economic growth. Funding for this program amounts to approximately $4 million per year, a relatively small expenditure given the impact it has had on co-operative development.

The federal government can help create jobs, set up new locally-owned businesses, and revitalize our economy by announcing the renewal of the CDI as a legacy of the International Year of Co-operatives. While viewing this as a priority, the Canadian Community Economic Development Network also supports implementation of the Canadian Co-operative Association’s proposed Co-operative Investment Plan and co- operative development loan fund.

 

Read the full letter

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L’assemblée générale annuelle (A.G.A.) du Réseau canadien de DÉC aura lieu le 6 juin, 2012 en lien avec la conférence de DÉC de l’Ontario au Learning Enrichment Foundation à Toronto. 

 

MISES EN NOMINATION 2012

Les mises en nomination sont ouvertes pour trois postes au Conseil d’administration du RCDÉC. Toute membre du RCDÉC désirant investir ses énergies et visions dans le mouvement de DÉC du Canada est vivement encouragée à soumettre une candidature. Les mises en nomination doivent être soumises au plus tard le 6 avril 2012.

Cette année, nous acceptons donc les nominations pour trois postes d’administratrices et administrateurs, qui seront élus par l’ensemble des membres pour un mandat de trois ans.

Pour plus d’informations : Mises en nomination 2012

 

APPEL DE RÉSOLUTIONS 2012

Toutes les résolutions doivent être transmises à Stéphanie Cloutier par courriel au plus tard le 6 avril à 17 h (heure de l’Est). Les résolutions tardives seront conservées pour l’A.G.A. de l’année suivante.

Toutes les personnes ayant parrainé des résolutions seront contactées au plus tard le 27 avril. Ces personnes seront alors avisées que leur résolution sera présentée au cours de l’A.G.A., ou que leur résolution a été rejetée, car elle ne respectait pas les exigences requises.

Pour plus d’informations : Appel de résolutions 2012

 

 

 

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The Canadian CED Network’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is being held on June 6th, 2012 in conjunction with the Ontario regional CED conference at the Learning Enrichment Foundation in Toronto.

 

2012 CALL FOR BOARD NOMINATIONS

Nominations are currently being sought for three positions on CCEDNet’s Board of Directors. CCEDNet members with energy and a vision for the CED movement in Canada are encouraged to submit their candidacy. The deadline to receive nominations is April 6, 2012.

This year we are seeking nominations for three at-large directors who will be elected to a three-year term by the members.

For more information: 2012 Call for Nominations

 

2012 CALL FOR RESOLUTIONS

All resolutions must be submitted to Stéphanie Cloutier at no later than April 6, at 5:00 p.m. (EST). Late resolutions will be held over to the AGM in the following year.

All sponsors of resolutions will be contacted no later than April 27. At that time, sponsors will be notified that their resolution will be presented at the AGM or that the resolution has been rejected because it does not fulfill the requirements.

For more information: 2012 Call for Resolutions

 
  
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Click here to download the full report

Abstract:

In the summer of 2011, 118 social enterprises across Manitoba were surveyed in an effort to develop clear indicators of the sector’s size, market activities, and socio-economic impacts. Although the results are prelimary, this report builds a strong case for all stakeholders to value the distinct contributions of social enterprises and to work together in creating a supportive environment in which the sector can grow. 

This report builds on research that was conducted on the social enterprise sectors in British Columbia and Alberta. Similar projects are also underway in Ontario and Eastern Canada in an effort to measure and quanitfy the impacts of social enterprises across Canada.

Key findings that are presented in this report include:

  • The missions or mandates that responding social enterprises in Manitoba pursue
  • Market activites that these social enterprises are involved in to achieve their goals
  • The geographic location, organizational structure, and age of social enterprises
  • The number of Manitobans trained and/or employed by social enterprises and their average earnings
  • Number of people in Manitoba who benefit from the services of responding social enterprises
  • Financial indicators such as sources of revenue, expenses, and overall profitability

Click here to download a summary of key findings

If you would like to learn more about this research or the social enterprise sector in Manitoba, contact Brendan Reimer at or at 927-3203.

This project is a collaboration between the Canadian CED Network, Mount Royal University Simon Fraser University
               


This project was made possible by the support of…
            
 

With special thanks to all of the people who volunteered their time to complete our survey 

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In this issue:

CCEDNet News

CED News and Events

CCEDNet News

1. Holiday Wishes

The Board and staff of the Canadian CED Network extend our best wishes to you, your family and colleagues throughout the holiday season. We look forward to continuing to work together for sustainable and inclusive communities in 2012.

2. Strategic Planning – Your Input is Important!

With our current strategic plan coming to a close, CCEDNet’s Board has undertaken a new strategic planning process for 2012-2014. Over the coming months, we will be asking for members’ feedback on key issues with short on-line surveys. We promise to make these surveys quick and easy. Your input is vital to guiding CCEDNet’s future. Watch your email in-box for more information!

3. It’s Membership Renewal Time

Year end is also time for CCEDNet membership renewal. Current members will receive their renewal notices in the mail in the coming weeks. A strong and diverse membership is CCEDNet’s greatest strength, so please take a moment to renew your membership when you receive your notice.

If you are not a member and would like to join, contact us at

4. Share the New Policy Priorities for CED in Canada

Last month, CCEDNet members received a copy of new policy priorities, which were also mailed to all 308 MPs. CCEDNet’s Policy Council is encouraging members to share this document within their own organization, and to use it in communications with officials at all three levels of government. Let us know what you think of this new presentation, and who you share it with by emailing Kirsten at

5. Award Winning Members!

Anyone familiar with CCEDNet knows how innovative and dynamic our members are. A number of members have recently won awards for their fine work.

BUILD in Winnipeg won the $50,000 Scotiabank EcoLiving 2011 Business Leadership Award for a business providing eco-friendly products or services to the residential sector.

Nancy Hartling, from Support to Single Parents in Moncton, NB won the Governor General’s Persons Award for her outstanding contributions to advance equality for women in Canada.

Caroline Arcand of Groupe Convex in Eastern Ontario won one of the Trico Charitable Foundation’s 2011 Social Enterprize Awards. Potluck Café and Mission Possible from Vancouver were also winners. You can see a video of all the Social Enterprize winners on our YouTube Channel

Do you have an award or honour to celebrate? Let us know!

6. Beyond Communications

“Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice.” – Nelson Mandela

Filled with meaningful art and quotes from Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Ghandi and the Dalai Lama, Calgary CCEDNet member Momentum’s latest annual report ‘Beyond’ is a powerful example of how we can effectively communicate the impacts and value of a CED approach in communities. Have a look.

We love learning about what you do! Please send us copies of your annual reports and other communications materials via snail mail or email.

7. Final CSEHub Webinars and E-books

The final webinar sessions were held by the Canadian Social Economy Hub at the end of November. The sessions on Community-University Partnerships, Public Policy, and a Thematic Analysis of social economy research can be viewed on the website of the Canadian Social Economy Hub. Three e-books on these topics will be published in the coming weeks – watch for more information on the website and in future newsletters.

8. Fair Trade and CED: What’s the Link?

CCEDNet’s International Committee is offering a series of webinars on themes that connect CED initiatives in Southern countries with Canada. Resources and recordings of past sessions on Fair Trade and CED, community forestry, microcredit, the co-construction of public policy and FIESS 2011, and food security and sovereignty are available on the International Committee pages of our website.

The next session will be on women’s economic empowerment on January 24, 2012, with subsequent sessions on cooperative development and sustainable tourism. Watch future bulletins for more information.

9. Dreaming of More Sun?

CCEDNet’s International webinars are supported by Uniterra, one of Canada’s largest volunteer placement programs. With placements from two weeks to two years, there are always opportunities to explore new cultures, share your expertise and support local organizations that are working actively to improve living conditions around the world. Current postings include a project co-ordinator for Mali’s Social Economy Network and a semi-industrial production Advisor in Burkina Faso.

Review the latest available positions.

10. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

Have a video you want to share? We post and ‘favourite’ videos on our YouTube Channel, such as this one presenting the work of CCEDNet member Groupe Convex, winner of the Trico Charitable Foundation’s 2011 Social Enterprize Awards.  Click here to view it.

We also post frequent news updates and announcements to our Facebook fan page and on Twitter.  Check us out!  

CED News and Events

11. The International Forum on the Social and Solidarity Economy

More than 1,600 participants from 62 countries took part in the International Forum on the Social and Solidarity Economy in Montréal last October.

The Forum produced a wealth of documents, presentations, videos and photos that are available on the website.

12. Fourth Canadian Conference on Social Enterprise

Congratulations to the Social Enterprise Council of Canada and the Atlantic Council for Community and Social Enterprise for the successful fourth Canadian Conference on Social Enterprise that was held in Halifax, November 20-22. The program included a wonderful keynote from Rankin MacSween, a strong endorsement for social enterprises from the Premier of Nova Scotia, a Social Enterprise Angels competition and intensive day-long and half-day training and policy sessions.

To see the full program and for more information, click here.

13. 2011 Manitoba CD/CED Gathering Another Success

More than 500 participants attended the 9th annual Manitoba CD/CED Gathering on October 21 in Winnipeg. This year, in addition to the wide range of workshops, helpful hints for building capacity and engaging your community, networking and connecting with people from a variety of sectors, participants enjoyed the Manitoba premier of the Economics of Happiness and a keynote address by Silver Donald Cameron.

Thanks to everyone who contributed and participated!

14. Awards for Youth Homelessness and Financial Literacy Efforts

Eva’s Initiatives is offering four awards of $25,000 to organizations that are integrating supports to prevent and break the cycle of youth homelessness. The deadline for applications is January 20.

SEDI’s TD Financial Literacy Grant Fund recently announced the winners of its third round of funding for financial literacy projects. It is now accepting applications for its fourth round of grants — the deadline is February 2, 2012

15. Become a Member

Thank you to our members, funders, and sustaining members such as Patricia Boyle, Sharon Taylor and Coast Capital Savings Credit Union who make our work possible.
 

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