EDAC on the Hill2016 Report to Members

Why go to Parliament Hill?

Every day, EDAC members are deeply engaged in strengthening our economy and creating opportunities for Canadians and their communities.

EDAC is committed to communicating the role and impact of its members from coast to coast to coast.

Informing federal policy-makers is a strategic priority for EDAC. By connecting economic development practitioners with federal policy-makers we can help to create a more effective operating environment for members and the communities they serve.

Why is Advocacy important?

• Builds awareness of our profession and our shared priorities among Canada's most important decision makers

• Helps EDAC to anticipate emerging priories and programs, to keep members well informed

• An opportunity for members, through EDAC, to shape the national economic development agenda

• Connects feedback from practitioners with program development processes

• Brings attention to our collective community and professional priorities at the federal level

President & VP Testimonials

"The EDAC on the Hill initiative led by the EDAC Board in Ottawa allowed for a series of discussions with Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and Senior Department Officials on the importance of economic development practices and their impact on local communities as well asProvincial and National economies. EDAC was able to showcase best practices and introduce policy initiatives supported by EDAC members to this very influential group of public officials” - Greg Borduas, Ec.D. (F), EDAC President

“Canada has a new federal government, with many new people and policies, and a new approach to working. Economic development remains a high priority for this government, and EDAC members recognize how important it is to shape a productive working environment with the federal government.  EDAC's On the Hill advocacy has been critical in informing and advising the new government, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and in building recognition for the work of members from coast to coast to coast. The result? EDAC members have a more direct connection with opportunities emerging for their professional practice, and for the communities they serve.” - David Emerson, Ec.D. (F), EDAC Vice President

On the Hill Benefits EDAC Members

Communicating the role and impact of Canada’s economic developers builds recognition for the work of EDAC members, from coast to coast to coast, and strengthens the case for public investment in our profession and its work.

Connecting with federal government and non-government partners creates opportunities for collaboration, new insights, and new initiatives.

Dialogue with federal government and non-government partners helps to inform the policy-making process, and brings the voice of our members to discussions and decision-making.

Why is EDAC On the Hill an annual event?

• Maintains awareness of EDAC, it's mission, and the collective impact of its members

• Monitor a constantly changing policy and program environment

• Scan for emerging collaboration opportunities

• Contribute to ongoing policy and priority development processes

• Give voice to the evolving needs of our members and the communities we serve

New Government, New Opportunities

2016 EDAC On the Hill saw a significant gain in access to senior level leadership with 45 meetings booked with MPs, senior staffers and policy-makers. As well, this year, we found:

• New government has strong willingness to engage and collaborate

• Economic development is help as a high priority by this government, and parliamentarians have expressed a strong interest in the insights offered by EDAC and its members

• Renewed level of interest in EDAC conferences and opportunities to participate

Message to Policy Makers

• EDAC is a useful partner in creating economic opportunities, in all regions of Canada

• EDAC has evolved to take on a more prominent national role and voice

• EDAC is seeking insights on government policies, priorities, and emerging initiatives

• EDAC is seeking opportunities for engagement and collaboration

New Key Players for EDAC

• Hon. Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovations, Science & Economic Development

• Hon. Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business & Tourism

• Hon. Bill Moreau, Minister of Finance

• Hon. Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure & Communities

Board Testimonials

“This year was my first EDAC on the Hill and I have to say that it was a great use of my time on two fronts. First, to get to know more of our fellow Economic Development Professionals as we strategically attended pre-set meetings. Secondly, to meet with MP’s and Senior Staff to discuss EDAC’s role and positions on Economic Development. Many new contacts were developed and even a few pilot projects identified!” - John Regan, Ec.D. (F), EDAC Director

“In my estimation, this was the best group of meetings we have had. This success was based upon the new government and their willingness to listen. I believe one of our key opportunities is to continue follow ups with the groups we have met and continue the dialogue we have started.” - Gerry Gabinet, EDAC Director

“EDAC on the Hill 2016 in Ottawa continues to raise awareness of EDAC and its mission. Meetings with the newly elected federal government officials allowed us to better position EDAC and develop future collaborative partnerships on behalf of all members of EDAC and economic development practitioners.” - Joel Lemoine, Ec.D., EDAC Director

Next Steps

Once the meetings have ended, the work really begins. Meetings with federal departments, agencies, and NGOs result in many follow-up items. EDAC intends to pursue more discussions following up on these potential areas for engagement with interested parties: • Engagement in EDAC conferences and workshops • Training and education

• Investment attraction • Knowledge mobilization • Development of policy options • Funding programs

• Business development • Sharing of information

Role for Members

Last year, we vowed to engage EDAC members more directly during future ‘EDAC On the Hill’ advocacy days.

We are proud to say that for our 2016 advocacy days:

• We surveyed the membership during our planning stages, to gain perspective and insights which influenced our meeting priorities.

• We connected a professional development element this year, in conjunction with CANDO (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers), where members could join us in Ottawa. The inaugural ‘Symposium on the Hill’ luncheon was a success with keynote speaker, Dr. Wilton Littlechild sharing insight and personal experience on ‘True and Reconciliation’.

We continue to strive to build on successes in Ottawa!