In the scope of the evaluation of Canada Economic Development’s Community Futures Program, the CDECs were invited to work meetings to analyze the program’s impact in an urban setting.

 The comments received throughout Québec were unanimous, i.e., that the program is not only essential for local development, but also a valuable tool in the urban environment. There are few programs of this type that enable organizations like ours to develop both the knowledge and skills of stakeholders and to support mobilization in this environment, through projects that improve the social climate and build on and consolidate a sense of belonging.

Within our CDEC, the support provided by the Community Futures Program was very useful when it came to initiatives such as the not-to-be-missed ‘’Côte-des-Neiges en fête, 5 continents, 5 sens’’ event, which has marked the beginning of fall for the past seven years, and ‘’I'm active in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce’’, a proximity shopping promotion campaign by using active and collective transportation. That campaign has received kudos from one of our federal MPs, Marc Garneau. The work carried out through the CURA, in cooperation with the McGill University Health Centre, is also worthy of mention and was saluted by the participants of the Fifth Citizen Summit, held in Montréal from June 5 to 7.

All these projects go into making up the huge patchwork quilt that constitutes community economic development. In light of the results we can see over the past 20 years, it is clear that our projects are concrete, useful and respond to specific needs in our community. In addition, innovation, at the heart of our approach, has given an economic dimension to community projects. The know-how, dynamism and conscientiousness of our team are recognized by all, as its work has had a direct effect on the development of our community.

In my opinion, the CDECs must reinforce their position as front-line actors in social and economic development in the urban environment. For Canada Economic Development, this partnership is also valuable, because the CDECs are their “ears on the ground” in urban centres. Therefore, the CDEC staff will be hard at work over the coming months, publicizing their successes and the projects developed under the aegis of Canada Economic Development. We must render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s! Without the support of Canada Economic Development, the CDEC would not be able to fully accomplish its mission. We must therefore make a final concerted effort from now till 2010 to develop a good rapport that works for both of us. That is our challenge over the coming months and on the strength of the support of our federal elected officials and the regional director Ms Marie-Josée Reid, I'm convinced that our association with Canada Economic Development will be profitable for everyone.

Claude Lauzon