"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 and 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 on Saturday, May 27, 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, priorize them and then set out to do what needs to be done: local people addressing local challenges!"

Winnipeg River Brokenhead CFDC receives award

In the context of the Initiatives Competition organized specially for the convention, Secretary of State Duhamel took the opportunity to congratulate the Winnipeg River Brokenhead CFDC, Manitoba's award-winning CFDC. The Winnipeg River Brokenhead CFDC was awarded the prize in recognition of the success of its innovative project entitled La Vérendrye Trail Tourism Initiative. This regional heritage trail along the Winnipeg River system forms a tourism corridor that brings both communities and businesses together to foster tourism and economic development in this part of Manitoba. "Community Futures are an important and integral component of economic development in Manitoba, said Mr. Duhamel. "They play a vital role by helping to bring people together to identify common goals, create jobs through developing new and expanded businesses and to expand their communities' economic base."

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. Considerable discussion also took place on the changing partnership between the Government of Canada and CFDCs. CFDCs clearly expressed their desire to continue diversifying their mandates. Their expertise in local economic development and their knowledge of their communities position well them to help deliver the Government of Canada's 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:

Mark Gale
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 983-3119