"Let's Build on our Success!" was the theme of the first Pan-Canadian Convention of Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) and Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs), held May 25 to 28, 2000, at Mont-Tremblant, Québec. Representatives of Canada's 252 CFDCs/CBDCs attended this convention organized by Quebec's CFDC network in close partnership with the Government of Canada.

Canada's Commitment to Communities

Addressing convention delegates at the closing banquet, John Manley, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification (WD), announced the Government of Canada's commitment to allocating $90 million for the next five years to the Community Futures Program. This investment will be used to create new CFDCs, increase funding for existing corporations, and enhance services to communities nationwide. The Government of Canada has decided to add a further $36 million to the $54 million already set aside in the 2000 budget, thus enabling the Minister to confirm additional resources for the Program for a five-year period.

Minister Manley pointed out that the Government of Canada has been a partner in local economic development for more than 20 years and that this commitment constitutes tangible proof that it intends to continue playing an active role in this area. "The partnership between CFDCs and the Government of Canada produces results. It is forward-looking, based on co-operation and dynamism," said Minister Manley.

Also present was the Honourable Ron J. Duhamel, Secretary of State for Western Economic Diversification and Francophonie. He noted the devotion of thousands of volunteers who work within CFDCs across Canada. "CFDCs are directed by local volunteers, who together with a modest staff, identify the needs of the communities, prioritize them and then set out to do what needs to be done: local people addressing local challenges!"

CFDC of North Cariboo receives award

In the context of the Initiatives Competition organized specially for the convention, Secretary of State Duhamel took the opportunity to congratulate the Community Futures Development Corporation of North Cariboo (Quesnel), British Columbia's award-winning CFDC.

The CFDC of North Cariboo was awarded the prize in recognition of its Wood Enterprise Centre (WEC) Shared-Use Facility. The vision of the WEC Shared-Use Facility (SUF) is one of a community-integrated facility that stimulates the growth of the value-added wood products manufacturing sector; help boost the economy; provides small, valued-added wood product manufacturers with access to sophisticated wood manufacturing machinery, training techniques and marketing expertise to help them reach the next stage of development.

Secretary of State Duhamel congratulated the winners, saying "you demonstrate the best of a terrific network of exceptional people working for their communities." The Initiatives Competition was organized by the CFDC umbrella organizations in each province.

Workshop discussions

At the different workshops held during the convention, consensus emerged on the need for training and additional resources to be allocated to the new technology sector, and, in particular, for development of an electronic commerce strategy, in particular. Considerable discussion also took place on the changing partnership between the Government of Canada and the CFDCs. The CFDCs clearly expressed their desire to continue diversifying their mandates. Their expertise in local economic development and their knowledge of their communities allow them to help deliver the Government of Canada's different programs and services to Canada's rural communities.

From sea to sea, the CFDCs agreed on the need for a mechanism whereby they could share their common concerns, while building on respect for diversity among the communities in which they operate.

In support of the Government of Canada's priorities, Western Economic Diversification is dedicated to promoting the long-term economic development of the West by emphasizing initiatives and partnerships that help create jobs. This includes support for small and medium-sized firms for market development, entrepreneurship, as well as support for innovation and high tech research that will assist SMEs, academic research facilities and private sector companies to gain a strong stake in the new economy.

For additional information, contact:

J P Roy
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification
(604) 666-1318

Chris Hartridge
Co-ordinator
Wood Enterprise Centre
CFDC of North Cariboo, Quesnel
(250) 747-3572