EDAC on the Hill2015 REPORT

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.

President’s Testimonial

“EDAC has continued to place an emphasis on communicating the importance of

economic development, from coast to coast to coast. As a result of ‘EDAC On the

Hill’ efforts, the voice of our profession has grown stronger and our impact is better

understood.

The most recent series of meetings and events saw a significant increase in the

awareness of your role in securing Canada’s economic future. We have been

pleased to see an incredible number of new opportunities for partnerships and

collaboration across many federal ministries and national NGOs. We look forward

to building on this success in 2016.”

- John Watson, Ec.D., President EDAC Board of Directors from Comox, BC

On the Hill benefits you

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.

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

• Canadian Federation of

Independent Business

• Industry Canada

• Business Development Bank

• DFATD

• Canadian Association of

Petroleum Producers (CAPP)

• Canadian North Economic

Development Agency (CanNor)

• Policy Advisor, Caucus Liaison

& Issues Management

• Skills Training, Employment & Social

Development

• Aboriginal Affairs & Northern

Development

• Western Economic Diversification

• Northern Ontario Caucus, Mining

• Science & Technology, IC

• Liberal Critic, Science & Tech.,

PSE, FedDev Northern ON

• Liberal Critic Aboriginal Affairs,

Chair-Liberal Women’s Caucus

• Official Opposition Critic for

Industry

2015 Engagement

Follow up

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

Board Testimonials“EDAC on the Hill engages and educates federal politicians, senior staff and

national organizations on the important role economic development professionals

play in building Canada's economy. This program connects the federal policy

makers with our network of economic development practitioners across the

country. ”

- Aileen Murray, Ec.D.(F), EDAC Board Member from Chatham, ON

“Events like EDAC on The Hill ensure that key influencers and policy-makers have

an opportunity to consider the role and contribution of economic development in

their decision-making process. I had the opportunity to see first-hand how this

type of interface allows senior bureaucrats and elected officials to ask questions,

discuss priorities and forge new partnerships."

- Margot Begin-Gillis, Ec.D.(F), EDAC Board Member, from Truro, NS

Future role for Members

We hope to engage EDAC members more directly during future

‘EDAC On the Hill’ advocacy days. Watch for:

• Surveys to involve the perspective and insights of members

when planning EDAC’s meeting priorities, and,

• Connecting a professional development element to the Day on

the Hill

Your feedback and suggestions are appreciated. Please help us

to build on this success.