12:00pm Eastern Time

How can worker co-operatives be equals in their decision-making without sacrificing effectiveness? Blue Scorcher Bakery has been organizing themselves using sociocracy with great success, and will share their experiences in this webinar. Diane from NCDC is on their board (top circle) and will be available as well.

Interviews with

• Joe from Blue Scorcher Bakery, Astoria, Oregon
• Diane Gasaway, Northwest Cooperative Development Center

See a case study on their implementation here.

You will receive a zoom link within 24h after registration.
($5 recommended donation)

Centre Mont-Royal
2200 Rue Mansfield

Around the world, economic growth is still considered by many to be the main driver of global development. In more fragile states, it is the leading strategy for reducing poverty.

Yet, while the number of people below the poverty line has decreased in recent decades, inequality remains high and many people are still excluded from the formal economy. Climate disruption is leading to increasingly frequent natural disasters and worsening the socio-economic situation of the world’s most vulnerable people, particularly those living in remote areas.

How can we support the poorest populations to create positive change in their lives? Will it suffice to simply stimulate growth and facilitate access to market benefits for those who are most excluded? If so, how can we develop competitive and inclusive green economies, especially ones that favour women and youth?

Each year, the International Forum brings together a range of international development specialists. In 2017, the Forum will delve into these questions and invite you to consider, debate and propose solutions to build a brighter future

Register for the 2017 International Forum

Connect with a wide range of actors - including civil society members from the global South, young agents of change, representatives from the private sector, researchers and international development specialists - in discussions on some of the most pressing issues, challenges and solutions in international development at the International Forum. 

The sixth annual International Forum will be held in Montreal, from January 20 to 21, 2017. The International Forum is a unique initiative of WUSC – World University Service of Canada – and CECI – the Centre for International Studies and Cooperation.

The International Forum is an exciting annual gathering where the best ideas and practices for international development are shared. The Forum brings together government delegates, northern international cooperation organizations, southern civil society actors and representatives from the private sector, as well as youth, researchers and international development specialists.

Participants will gain a valuable opportunity to engage with a diverse set of experts on some of the most critical global issues. By generating fresh new perspectives and exploring innovative solutions, participants enhance their contribution and renew their commitment to a more equitable and sustainable world.

Unemployment on First Nations and in inner city neighbourhoods? Climate change? Exponential diabetes rates? Unaffordable government? High incarceration rates? There are no shortage of chronic and insatiable societal problems.

Shaun Loney's An Army of Problem Solvers offers good news at a time when we need it most. Loney draws on his experience as one of Canada's leading social enterprise developers and his time as a senior civil servant to offer up a new and practical vision.

The problem isn't the problems, he says. The problem is that governments prevent problem solvers from doing their job.

Just who are the problem solvers? Loney makes the case that social enterprises, social entrepreneurs and the small farm movement comprise the "solutions economy". Governments will soon understand that it is their job to "make it easy for problem solvers."

The book comes at a time when Canada is discussing what reconciliation between Indigenous Canadians and the rest of the country means. Loney argues that we can’t achieve it without allowing the re-emergence of local economies. An Army of Problems Solvers answers the question: "what does nation-to-nation mean?"

Watch the webinar to learn more about Shaun Loney's new book An Army of Problem Solvers and learn how you can join ranks!

PRESENTER

Shaun Loney, author and social enterprise developer

Shaun is a longtime member of the Canadian CED Network, an Ashoka Fellow (first in Canadian Prairies) and an Ernst and Young's Entrepreneur of the Year (2014). He has co-founded and mentored 11 social enterprises including BUILD Inc (2011 Scotia Bank EcoLiving Green Business of the year and 2013 Manitoba Apprenticeship Employer of the Year). Shaun was Director of Energy Policy for the Government of Manitoba (2002-2008 and political advisor to Gary Doer's NDP (1997-2002). Shaun lives in Winnipeg, with his partner Fiona. Between them they have three teenage boys. Shaun is proud to be part of a strong and visionary social enterprise team that is flourishing across the country.  An Army of Problem Solvers is Shaun’s second book, following BUILD Prosperity: Energizing Manitoba’s Local Economy.

HOST

Darcy Penner, Social Enterprise Policy Manager with the Canadian CED Network

Darcy has been working in community economic development since graduating from the University of Winnipeg with a BA (Honours) degree in Politics. Starting at CCEDNet in 2013, his role has seen him work with member-organizations to pursue a broad policy agenda through workshops, presentations, budget submissions, policy papers and community-organizing, while specializing in supportive social enterprise policy and research – including being the Project Manager for the Manitoba Social Enterprise Strategy being co-produced with the Province of Manitoba, and coordinating the Manitoba Social Enterprise Sector Survey. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• An Army of Problem Solvers
• BUILD Prosperity: Energizing Manitoba’s Local Economy
• Social Enterprise and the Solutions Economy: A Toolkit for Manitoba First Nations
• Interview with Shaun Loney on CBC's The Current

The first edition of the First Nations Gathering on the Social Economy (FNGSE) will be held on the theme Inspiring, Conveying and Undertaking on February 8 and 9, 2017 at the Hotel Plaza in Québec City.

The FNGSE is being produced by the FNQLHSSC in collaboration with its partners. The event will be an ideal opportunity for networking, mobilisation and knowledge-sharing for First Nations and all the stakeholders in the social economy (SE). It will also provide an opportunity to learn more about the possibilities that the SE holds through conferences, workshops, a partners' evening and the various facilitated activities that are included on the agenda.

Register for the First Nations Gathering on the Social Economy

• Come and be INSPIRED by inventive and prescient initiatives of collective momentum.
• Take advantage of the opportunity to CONVEY knowledge and know-how on an innovative and sustainable economic model.
• Join the movement so that we can UNDERTAKE together a process of human and authentic development among First Nations.

This is an event that is not to be missed and places are limited!

Registration deadline: December 23, 2016.

If you have any problem registering or need for more info, please contact info at cssspnql.com.

How to enable individual investment in community economic development is a fundamental question for those working to support the creation and growth of initiatives with social impact. Since 1999, Nova Scotia has used the model of Community Economic Development Investment Funds (CEDIFs), capital pooled from contributions by individuals, corporations and trusts within a defined community and used to fund business development within the defined community.

New Brunswick is the latest province to implement legislation to enable community investment through Community Economic Development Corporations (CEDCs). Individuals will now be able to purchase shares or securities in CEDCs in their local community to pool their resources together to invest in eligible community projects. CEDCs will be controlled by a local group of officers and directors.

Learn about what's unique about the New Brunswick model for community investment, key lessons learned in establishing the CEDC legislation, and more!

PRESENTER

Jeff Harriman, Senior Analyst-Capital Markets, Financial and Consumer Service Commission (FCNB)

Jeff is a Chartered Accountant, and is the FCNB’s main point of contact for our Fullsail capital markets initiatives. Currently he is working on a number of programs and initiatives relating to FCNB’s access to capital focus. Jeff joined the FCNB in June, 2007 in the Regulatory Affairs division as a Securities Analyst where his responsibilities included financial statement, and prospectus reviews. He has experience on several National Finance Committees. Prior to joining the Commission Jeff worked for 10 years with Deloitte & Touche, LLP, 7 within Saint John and 3 in Brisbane, Australia.

HOST

Wendy Keats, Executive Director of the Co-operative Enterprise Council of New Brunswick and CCEDNet Board Member

Wendy Keats is a co-founder and the Executive Director of the Co-operative Enterprise Council of New Brunswick, a leading CED agency in the province. Prior to this, she spent 18 years as a private CED consultant and trainer working with nearly 200 community groups in organizational development, strategic planning, governance, project management, and many other development areas. Wendy is a certified mediator and served as a senior faculty member of UPEI’s Centre for Conflict Studies for more than a decade.  She provides training and mediation services to all levels of government, business and the community. Wendy sits on numerous boards and committees related to CED and has a special passion for youth engagement and renewable energy.  She lives completely off-the-grid in the woods of Salisbury, tending her gardens and relaxing on the river whenever the hectic world of CED allows it.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• New Brunswick Announces Draft Regulations for Community Economic Development Investment Funds
• New Brunswick Publishes Regulations Creating CED Corporations
• Community Economic Development Investment Funds: The Nova Scotia Experience
• CEDC Expression of Interest Form
• Offering Document for CEDCs

12pm to 1pm Mountain Time

How might local capital improve economic development in Albertan communities? Would it result in diversification, job creation, development of value added agriculture and downtown revitalization?

The Unleashing Local Capital Program helps communities establish Opportunity Development Co-operatives, or ODCs. ODCs are community led enterprises that raise capital through the sale of RRSP and TFSA eligible shares to finance local business development. Strong examples include the Sangudo and Crowsnest Pass Opportunity Development Co-operatives.

Register for the Unleashing Local Capital lunch and learn webinar

Lunchtime webinar provides

• An overview of Unleashing Local Capital Program, background and local Albertan examples
• How to start an Opportunity Development Co-operative
• The capital raising process
• How local capital can drive economic development
• Rules and regulations related to local financing, and how to raise capital in accordance to the current rules

There will also be time for discussions and questions and answer

This webinar explains how ODCs can be another arrow in your economic development quiver. If you are looking for strategies around addressing economic leakage, succession planning, financing new businesses and growth, this webinar is for you!

If you have any questions, please contact Seth Leon, manager of co-operative services, at sleon at acca.coop