The Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet), Canada’s leading voice for community economic development (CED), is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Toye as Executive Director, effective July 22, 2008. Mr. Toye succeeds Rupert Downing, who will be leaving the Network to move on to other areas of interest in the CED field.
Mr. Toye joins us after being involved with CCEDNet and the broader CED movement for many years. In his six (6) year tenure with the Network, he played a key role in administration, policy development and management which afforded him valuable insight into the strategic planning of the Network from its inception. As Program Director, he coordinated the Pan-Canadian Community Development Learning Network research project on social inclusion and community economic development. Under Mr.Toye’s leadership, CCEDNet’s National Conference became the premier CED learning event in Canada.
On welcoming Mr. Toye back to CCEDNet, Board of Directors’ President Natasha Jackson said: “It is with great enthusiasm that we announce Mr. Toye’s appointment as the new Executive Director. His proven record of excellence with our organization, coupled with his extensive experience in the broader CED movement will ensure a perfect fit. We are confident that Mr. Toye will continue to build on the legacy which resulted from Mr. Downing’s leadership.”
Mr. Toye’s interest in the field of CED began while studying social work with Eric Shragge at McGill University. Since then, he has gained extensive experience as a CED consultant, social entrepreneur, author, lecturer, researcher and most recently, as a Policy Analyst for the Library of Parliament.
The appointment of Mr.Toye concludes more than eight (8) months of comprehensive transition planning by CCEDNet’s succession planning committee which is composed of representatives from CCEDNet’s Board of Directors, senior staff and partners. After an extensive national recruitment campaign, the Board of Directors unanimously approved the recommendation provided by the succession planning committee.
On accepting the appointment, Mr. Toye said: “I believe in the Network because I believe in its members. I am convinced that an approach which strengthens the ability of communities to take charge of their own social, economic and environmental destiny is an essential component of sustainable social and economic policy.” Mr. Toye will be working from his office in Québec.
The Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet) is a national non-governmental charitable organization established to support the work of community organizations creating economic opportunities and enhancing social conditions in Canada. The membership of CCEDNet is made up of hundreds of community groups, municipalities, foundations, and practitioners from every region of the country. CCEDNet brings these groups together to share expertise, mobilize communities, and build a national focus on CED.
Community Economic Development (CED) is local action to create economic opportunities and better social conditions, particularly for those who are most disadvantaged. CCEDNet’s national office is located in Victoria, BC.
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Toye to our organization and thanking Mr. Downing for his years of leadership and guidance with the Network. If you have any questions or comments, please contact our Board President at or by phone at 1-877-202-2268.
