The document summarizes EDAC's advocacy efforts on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, called "EDAC on the Hill". It discusses the importance of advocacy in building awareness of economic development issues among decision-makers and shaping policy. The 2016 event resulted in 45 meetings with MPs, staff, and policy-makers. EDAC saw new opportunities to engage with the new government and several key Cabinet Ministers. The advocacy benefits EDAC members by communicating their impact and role across Canada.

1. EDAC on the Hill
2016 Report to Members

2. Why go to Parliament Hill?
Every day, EDAC members are deeply engaged in
strengthening our economy and creating opportunities for
Canadians and their communities.
EDAC is committed to communicating the role and impact
of its members from coast to coast to coast.
Informing federal policy-makers is a strategic priority for
EDAC. By connecting economic development practitioners
with federal policy-makers we can help to create a more
effective operating environment for members and the
communities they serve.

3. Why is Advocacy important?
• Builds awareness of our profession and our shared priorities among
Canada's most important decision makers
• Helps EDAC to anticipate emerging priories and programs, to keep
members well informed
• An opportunity for members, through EDAC, to shape the national
economic development agenda
• Connects feedback from practitioners with program development
processes
• Brings attention to our collective community and professional
priorities at the federal level

4. President & VP Testimonials
"The EDAC on the Hill initiative led by the EDAC Board in Ottawa allowed for a series
of discussions with Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and Senior Department
Officials on the importance of economic development practices and their impact on
local communities as well asProvincial and National economies. EDAC was able to
showcase best practices and introduce policy initiatives supported by EDAC
members to this very influential group of public officials” - Greg Borduas, Ec.D. (F),
EDAC President
“Canada has a new federal government, with many new people and policies, and a
new approach to working. Economic development remains a high priority for this
government, and EDAC members recognize how important it is to shape a
productive working environment with the federal government. EDAC's On the Hill
advocacy has been critical in informing and advising the new government, identifying
opportunities for collaboration, and in building recognition for the work of members
from coast to coast to coast. The result? EDAC members have a more direct
connection with opportunities emerging for their professional practice, and for the
communities they serve.” - David Emerson, Ec.D. (F), EDAC Vice President

5. On the Hill Benefits
EDAC Members
Communicating the role and impact of
Canada’s economic developers builds
recognition for the work of EDAC
members, from coast to coast to
coast, and strengthens the case for
public investment in our profession and
its work.
Connecting with federal government
and non-government partners creates
opportunities for collaboration, new
insights, and new initiatives.
Dialogue with federal government and
non-government partners helps to
inform the policy-making process, and
brings the voice of our members to
discussions and decision-making.

6. Why is EDAC On the Hill an annual event?
• Maintains awareness of EDAC, it's mission, and the collective
impact of its members
• Monitor a constantly changing policy and program
environment
• Scan for emerging collaboration opportunities
• Contribute to ongoing policy and priority development
processes
• Give voice to the evolving needs of our members and the
communities we serve

7. New Government, New Opportunities
2016 EDAC On the Hill saw a significant gain in access to senior
level leadership with 45 meetings booked with MPs, senior
staffers and policy-makers. As well, this year, we found:
• New government has strong willingness to engage and
collaborate
• Economic development is help as a high priority by this
government, and parliamentarians have expressed a strong
interest in the insights offered by EDAC and its members
• Renewed level of interest in EDAC conferences and
opportunities to participate

8. Message to Policy Makers
• EDAC is a useful partner in creating economic
opportunities, in all regions of Canada
• EDAC has evolved to take on a more prominent national
role and voice
• EDAC is seeking insights on government policies,
priorities, and emerging initiatives
• EDAC is seeking opportunities for engagement and
collaboration

9. New Key Players for EDAC
• Hon. Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovations, Science
& Economic Development
• Hon. Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business &
Tourism
• Hon. Bill Moreau, Minister of Finance
• Hon. Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure &
Communities

10. Board Testimonials
“This year was my first EDAC on the Hill and I have to say that it was a great use of
my time on two fronts. First, to get to know more of our fellow Economic
Development Professionals as we strategically attended pre-set meetings. Secondly,
to meet with MP’s and Senior Staff to discuss EDAC’s role and positions on
Economic Development. Many new contacts were developed and even a few pilot
projects identified!” - John Regan, Ec.D. (F), EDAC Director
“In my estimation, this was the best group of meetings we have had. This success
was based upon the new government and their willingness to listen. I believe one of
our key opportunities is to continue follow ups with the groups we have met and
continue the dialogue we have started.” - Gerry Gabinet, EDAC Director
“EDAC on the Hill 2016 in Ottawa continues to raise awareness of EDAC and its
mission. Meetings with the newly elected federal government officials allowed us to
better position EDAC and develop future collaborative partnerships on behalf of all
members of EDAC and economic development practitioners.” - Joel Lemoine, Ec.D.,
EDAC Director

11. Next Steps
Once the meetings have ended, the work really begins. Meetings with federal
departments, agencies, and NGOs result in many follow-up items. EDAC intends to
pursue more discussions following up on these potential areas for engagement with
interested parties:
• Engagement in EDAC conferences and workshops
• Training and education
• Investment attraction
• Knowledge mobilization
• Development of policy options
• Funding programs
• Business development
• Sharing of information

12. Role for Members
Last year, we vowed to engage EDAC members more directly during future
‘EDAC On the Hill’ advocacy days.
We are proud to say that for our 2016 advocacy days:
• We surveyed the membership during our planning stages, to gain
perspective and insights which influenced our meeting priorities.
• We connected a professional development element this year, in conjunction
with CANDO (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers),
where members could join us in Ottawa. The inaugural ‘Symposium on the
Hill’ luncheon was a success with keynote speaker, Dr. Wilton Littlechild
sharing insight and personal experience on ‘True and Reconciliation’.
We continue to strive to build on successes in Ottawa!