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| Professional Development Courses | Register Now!!! U of W Booklet for
2010 Economic Development Courses (PDF) - CLICK HERE Download the 2010 Economic Development Program Application Form: YEAR 1 – FUNDAMENTALS OF COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Major Topics: Tuition Fee: $950 EDAC Member Campus Accommodation, Meals and Coffee Breaks: YEAR 1 – FUNDAMENTALS OF COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Major Topics: Package #1 Price: Package #2 Price: Package #3 Price: YEAR 2 – ADVANCING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
HALIFAX Major Topics: Tuition Fee: $950 EDAC Member Accommodation: YEAR 2 – ADVANCING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES WATERLOO CAMPUS Major Topics: Tuition Fee: $950 EDAC Member Campus Accommodation, Meals and Coffee Breaks: SCHEDULED SEMINARS SEMINAR A Labour Force and Skills Development Tuition Fee: $620 EDAC Member Campus Accommodation, Meals and SEMINAR B Communities in Transition Tuition Fee: $620 EDAC Member Accommodation: Accommodation on University of Waterloo Campus Please note that the University of Waterloo, including Residences, is a smoke free environment. University of Waterloo Accommodation and Meal Packages
Payment of Course/Seminar Attendance Policy Cancellation Policy Ground Transportation Directions to the University of Waterloo Download the 2010 Economic Development Program Application Form:
Professional Development Course Topics | Calendar | top Professional Development Course Topics:
Certification Program/Ec.D Designation One of the objectives of the "founding fathers" of EDAC was to establish a Canadian industrial development course and, by late 1971, a decision had been made to proceed with a course on a trial basis. It was agreed at an early stage that, although the course must be relevant to economic development practitioners, it should attempt to widen their horizons rather than concentrate solely on day-to-day problems. Thus the courses must have a content from both academic and practical viewpoints. The University of Waterloo was chosen as the location for the first "Economic Development Program" and Year 1 of that program commenced in 1972. This is now well established and is conducted as a joint venture between the University and EDAC. The Certificate was introduced at the University of Waterloo in 1985 and the Masters program in 1988. In 1987 the Association entered into an agreement with the Association des commissaires industriel du Quebec (A.C.I.Q) to provide a French Language Economic Development program at the University of Quebec in Montreal enabling EDAC to offer educational programs in both official languages. The overall objective is, To provide an understanding of processes and problems involved in economic development with special reference to the Canadian situation. A graduate should be capable of applying skills to economic development tasks in the private or public sector, relevant knowledge pertaining to all levels of Government. This objective provides guidelines both as to content and as to the characteristics of those who successfully complete the program. It should be noted that the emphasis is not so much on training a person in the job which he or she already holds, but rather on providing the ability to cope with a diversity of situations in Canada. Care is taken to engage lecturers who are familiar with all regions of the country. The diversity of economic development situations is therefore presented, both by the nature of examples used in lectures and because of the variation in the background of the students themselves. Discussions and seminars particularly enhance the value of the latter. The program involves a number of aspects. For developers relatively new to the field, a Certificate Course is offered. This covers an essential core of knowledge. the first graduates received their certificates on March 4, 1974. Since 1974, various seminars are offered each year and this part of the program required expanding to a regional emphasis, with more emphasis on delivery across Canada of economic development programs. These seminars cover different topics and form a method of continuing education. A university Diploma is available and requires a research essay and participation in two seminars after the Certificate level has been attained. Building upon the sound foundations of its Economic Development Program, the Association has expanded the mandate and activities of its Professional Development thrust. Certification of members, Regional Seminars and the upgrading of current courses and publications are being developed and emphasized. A Course Committee consisting of EDAC members and University of Waterloo faculty are constantly developing, evaluating and upgrading course content to ensure that relevant and current content is offered. Canadian Program for Certification of Economic Developers Until 1983, the only certificate program available to practitioners in Canada was through the American Economic Development Council's C.I.D.designation. At its 14th Annual Meeting in Saskatoon in September 1982, the Association membership directed the Board of Directors to implement a Canadian certification program and to adopt a Masters Degree program in Economic Development in Canada. EDAC's resolution establishing a Canadian Certification Program is of vital interest to all individuals engaged in industrial and economic development in Canada. The program is based on a description of the professional, identifying competency, both in academic background and practical experience. The professional so qualifying will be granted the professional designation, Certified Economic Developer (Ec.D.) that will signify his credentials. This designation along with a requirement of re-certification every three years, will establish and maintain a uniform and professional basis for all Canadians employed in this field and will generate support from industry and governments. As time passes it is anticipated that the competency of professionals will improve, that curricula will be responsive to the changing needs, and that bright young people will be attracted to this profession, resulting in substantial benefits to the economic future of Canada. The description of the economic developer that is the basis of the EDAC program is as follows: Typically, the graduate of an accredited curriculum in Economic Development (or equivalent), and holding either a post-secondary diploma or degree, and who has demonstrated three years of relevant practical experience may be certified as an economic developer, upon completion of EDAC's oral & written exam (75% passing mark) and EDAC's Board of Directors approval. The curriculum in economic development followed by the candidate shall be founded in economics, statistical and financial analysis, public and government administration, marketing, commerce and retailing. All of these will enable the individual to use his educational qualifications as tools in the analysis of regional problems, provision of advisory or consulting services to the public and private sectors, and in the planning of development strategies. The curricula will also focus on issues of planning, financial administration and law as they apply to the municipal, regional, provincial, federal and international scenes and as they are necessary in the development of sound economic development strategies. The theoretical portions of the curriculum will be suitably reinforced by practical exercises in typical settings. The occupational functions of the economic developer vary widely, and are affected by the specific regional nature of the tasks at hand. Principally, the economic developer will serve as a corporate reference, specializing in the planning and socio-economic impact of economic development, business expansion and orientation change. The economic developer may carry out detailed statistical analysis of available data, design studies to develop data when unavailable, develop public information, prepare and promote "marketing" plans, and examine the financial impact of industrial changes on the region or community. Most importantly the individual will serve as the authority and advisor on economic development to public sector officials and as a consultant to the private sector. The individual will be capable of analyzing business trends, social impact, trade and development, and complexities of economic needs/services/practises, preparing long-range plans, reviewing financial/tax implications, and understanding loan/grant/joint venture financing. Effective communication, both written and oral, will be necessary in the public and private sector officials at all levels, while also being able to work in a committee structure, often in a mediating or facilitating role. This is a mandatory aspect of the program. Continuing education has been deemed vital for re-certification once every three years. All Certified Economic Developers will have to demonstrate that they have maintained competence through continuing education, which includes attendance at accredited programs. Certification of an individual is carried out by a Certification Panel. The Certification Panel is responsible for reviewing and judging all applications for certification. Assessment is made of the educational background and relevant practical experience. Examinations will be set from time to time to test both academic and experiential background of a candidate. Academic qualifications are based on EDAC's certification procedures along with various course and seminar offerings. Accreditation of other available educational programs, necessary for both initial certification and re-certification is to be carried out by an Accreditation Panel. The Accreditation Panel will be responsible for establishing standards of course curriculum and reviewing available "Economic" Development Programs in order to determine their acceptability in setting these standards. Both panels come together under the direction of the Professional Development Chairman, who is appointed by, and is a member of, the Board of Directors of EDAC, which Board remains the ultimate authority for the acceptance of certification, approval of programs, and the arbitrator in disputes. During the past two decades alone, the role of the Economic Developer in Canada has changed dramatically from one where the perception was as "smokestack chasers" to one which is highly professional and more typically involved in business consultations with existing local business and entrepreneurs. With this evolution of practitioners, the National Association, EDAC, has also had to evolve, in order to meet the ever changing needs of its members. The Association, with over 37 years of experience and with a growing membership of over 400 economic development practitioners, EDAC has the opportunity to enhance its wide variety of existing programs and develop new programs. A minimum of three years of economic development experience and a minimum accumulation of 45 points is required to apply to write the certification examination. The point system which is as follows:
Technical / Practical Skill Areas:
Those members with 10 or more years of experience in the Profession whom have not as yet obtained their Ec.D. designation, compulsory requirements are as follows:
EDAC members whom are interested in pursuing their Ec.D. designation under the new 10 year service requirement, are requested to contact Penny Gardiner, Executive Director at 905-689-8771 or admin@edac.ca. EDAC members whom have successfully completed the Masters of Applied Environmental Studies (MAES) Program along with one year experience in the profession and the Algoma University College - Bachelor of Arts (HONOURS) Degree in Community Economic and Social Development (CESD), along with three years experience in the profession have satisfied EDAC's stringent professional development requirements and are eligible to write the Ec.D. Exam. |
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