Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Steve Ashton has announced provincial support of $100,000 for a national conference on Community Economic Development (CED) and Social Enterprise at the University of Winnipeg from June 3 to 5.

 

“This conference will build greater community capacity as people work together to nurture individual and community pride, self-reliance and leadership,” said Ashton.  “By developing grassroots leadership and strengthening the sense of community across marginalized populations, both urban and rural communities will benefit.”

 

The Canadian Community Economic Development Network is a national non-profit charity established in 1999 to support the work of community economic development organizations across Canada through activities such as this conference.  It helps to create economic opportunities and enhance social conditions and currently has member organizations from every province and territory.

 

Participants attending from across Canada and other countries are CED and social-economy practitioners, community leaders, representatives of community organizations, academics, and representatives of municipal, provincial and federal governments.

 

Manitoba has a vibrant CED sector that is rooted in strong partnerships between government and local organizations, said Ashton.  Through programs such as Neighbourhoods Alive!, the province is working with local communities to support  long-term, community-driven, social and economic revitalization efforts in designated neighbourhoods.

 

The minister has declared this week Community Economic Development Week in Manitoba.  The declaration recognizes the important contribution CED-based initiatives, including this week’s conference, are making to meet the social and economic needs of Manitoba communities.

 

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