Experts in community economic development gathered in Winnipeg early this month for a three-day conference hosted by a national organization the Canadian Community Economic Development Network or CCEDNet.

The province of Manitoba declared June 1 to 5 Community Economic Development Week in Manitoba in recognition of the important contributions groups focused on community development are making in Manitoba.

“You have a lot to be proud of and encouraged about in Manitoba,” said Michael Toye, executive director of the CCEDNet.

Manitoba’s large number of community-driven organizations combine for some of the most advanced programming in the country for community economic development, said Toye. “There’s a fascinating movement here in Manitoba.”

The CCEDNetwork, with its national office based in Ottawa, is marking its 20th year as a national non-profit charity. It was established in 1999 to serve as a support network for community economic development organizations across the country.

It hosts a conference each year, this year attracting about 400 participants including community leaders, representatives of community organizations, academics, and representatives of municipal, provincial and federal governments to a three-day event at the University of Winnipeg.

The Manitoba conference was organized through Ka Ni Kanichihk, an Aboriginal community development organization and by SEED Winnipeg, a non-profit agency working on renewal for Winnipeg’s inner city.

The conference received $100,000 from the provincial government. [email protected]