Every three years, the Community Futures Network of Canada, which represents one of the oldest community-focused economic development projects in Canada, organizes a national event to establish and maintain relationships with economic development stakeholders across Canada. The Community Futures National Event took place from May 30 to June 1, 2012, at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax. The event adopted the theme Waves of Change: Oceans of Opportunities—reflecting the context of the conference as well as the overall global economy in which we live and work—and gave the opportunity to delegates to share their experiences and learn from one another, as new partnerships are developed through the sharing of best practices and the creation of new ideas. As stated by the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and La Francophonie: “Strong and vibrant rural communities across Canada are at the root of our country’s long-term economic prosperity. Since 2006, our government has taken significant measures to stimulate economic opportunities in rural areas and improve the quality of life of Canadian families and workers. […] Our government recognizes the CBDCs’ contribution in helping Canada to overcome the global economic challenges it faces. Together, we are working hard to inspire Canadians at the local level—one community, one business, one idea at a time.” Close to 800 delegates took part in the event this year, including 200 delegates from the province of Québec. The discussions and deliberations that took place at the conference, whether formal or informal, succeeding in reinforcing and cultivating the image of CFDCs/SADCs and their work throughout Canada. The panels, discussion groups and workshops were chosen to reflect the topics and issues that are pertinent to the Network today, for instance: Managing Change Effectively; Rural Canada: Doing Business With a Smaller and Older Population; Recruiting for the Future: Board, Staff and New Entrepreneurs, etc. This was a bilingual event, with plenary sessions, discussion groups and workshops taking place in both official languages. Interpretation services were also available during every training session via headsets. Finally, we are happy to announce that the next Community Futures National Event in 2015 will take place right here in the province of Québec, in the beautiful region of Charlevoix.
