PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 8am CST
Community-led development key to sustainable and inclusive development in Budget 2024
Winnipeg, Treaty One: Community development leaders are calling on the provincial government to make significant investments in Budget 2024 in a renewed community-led development program. The lack of provincial support for community development in Manitoba over the last 8 years has weakened communities. Community-led development is in an unacceptable state of crisis in Manitoba. A change in course is needed.
A press conference will be held TODAY (Wednesday, March 27, 2024) 10:30-11:00am
Location: Merchants Corner (541 Selkirk Avenue)
Speakers will include:
Dawn Olivence, Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle
Lorie English, West Central Women’s Resource Centre
Michele Wikkerrink, Spence Neighbourhood Association
Demian Lawrenchuk, Food Matters Manitoba
Michael Barkman, Canadian CED Network – Manitoba
At this press conference, community leaders will share about the renewed provincial approach that is required to address these key challenges of our time. Community-led development has a proven track record of success, empowering people to make their communities a better place to live. Organizations practicing this approach can be better leveraged to contribute to provincial strategies and goals, including strengthening connectivity and combating social exclusion.
Manitoba currently has no functioning, comprehensive community-led development strategy and no specific fund available to support community development organizations. Community-based organizations, such as Indigenous organizations, women’s centres, family resources centres, and Neighbourhood Renewal Corporations, are supporting communities through increasingly complex social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Canadian Community Economic Development Network Manitoba (CCEDNet) Manitoba has written a forthcoming report with local academics, to be published by CCPA Manitoba, that provides recommendations for a new community development program and fund in Manitoba.
Initial research demonstrates that not only does community-led development respect the value of community self-determination, it also helps achieve more sustainable outcomes. The Neighbourhoods Alive! Program in Manitoba offers a best practice to build upon.
Report recommendations (attached below) will mobilize neighborhood and community-led development and scale the existing neighbourhood renewal corporation (NRC) model, facilitate program expansion, and provide program and capital funding for
community development organizations. More details will be shared at the press conference by community development leaders.
About the CCPA Manitoba
The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives is an independent research institute active nationally since 1980 and in Manitoba since 1997. Research is peer-reviewed.
About CCEDNet Manitoba
Canadian Community Economic Development Network Manitoba is a dynamic membership organization, with a network of 100+ non-profit community-based organizations, social enterprises, and cooperatives working to build local economies that strengthen communities and benefit everyone.
