This is a study of the previous provincial government’s policy approach to Community Economic Development (CED). Manitoba at the time was described as a leader in CED. In contrast to the prevailing neoliberalizing winds, “social democratic governments (in Quebec and Manitoba) have been important promoters of CED/Social Economy” (Loxley, Silver and Sexmith, 2007; see also Sheldrick & Warkentin 2007).
Although the previous Provincial NDP government was, in many ways, supportive of CED, the opinion of CED practitioners on their relationship with the provincial government, and the specific policy tools that impact CED, had not yet been investigated. This report is an attempt to investigate how CED practitioners experienced their relationship with the Provincial government. In consultation with the Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNET) this report chose three specific areas: the use of provincial procurement to foster CED; provincial policy towards the non-housing cooperative sector; and provincial policy in relation to housing cooperatives. Our analysis uses data gathered from focus groups made up of CED practitioners.
Download Provincial Support for CED in Manitoba
The report reviews the existing literature on the importance of policy for CED; the policy environment for CED created by the NDP in Manitoba especially the specific policies that are being investigated in this study; highlights some of the policies that have been implemented in other provinces; and analyzes the responses of the focus group participants in procurement, non-housing cooperative and housing cooperative focus groups. The report makes recommendations and conclusions as well.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Role of Policy in CED
CED Policy Under the NDP in Manitoba
Support for CED in Other Provinces
Focus Groups on CED in Manitoba
Methods
Focus Group Findings
Procurement and RFPs
Taxation Tools: The CEDTC and the Cooperative Development Tax Credit
Issues in Common for Housing and Non-Housing Co-operatives
Knowledge and Consistency Within the Civil Service
Strength and Durability of Government Commitment to CED
Recommendations
Conclusion
References
Appendix A: Interview Questions for Procurement, Non-Housing Co-operative and Housing Co-operative Focus Groups
