The Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) is Canada’s national organization of economic developers pursuing excellence in the field since 1968. EDAC is Canada’s national not-for-profit networking association for professional economic developers in the federal, provincial, municipal and private sectors. The association offers its members professional development, networking opportunities and a comprehensive offering of resources, both on and offline.

EDAC’s mission is to enhance the professional competence of Economic Development officers and ensure placement of qualified people in the field of Economic Development; to advance Economic Development as a distinct, recognized, and self-governing profession; and to contribute to Canada’s economic well-being. EDAC engages with partner organizations, Provincial / Territorial Associations and other related business organizations nationwide.

The EDAC Mission Statement
To enhance professional competence, advance economic development as a profession, and contribute to Canada’s well-being.

EDAC is Canada’s national not for profit association of professional economic developers in the federal, provincial, municipal and private sectors.

• Enjoy the benefits of a nation-wide network
• Gain professional recognition as an Ec.D
• Enjoy preferential rates for conferences, educational programs, and in some cases membership
• Advance your education at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, or the University of Sherbrooke, Québec.

See all Member Benefits.

Visit ‘Our Partners’ page

Professional development is an important part of the role that the association plays. Visit the links below to learn more about the professional development opportunities available through EDAC:

Seminars and Courses

Ec.D. Certification

Scholarships

Papers in Economic Development

To view EDAC accredited professional development delivered by the Provincial/Territorial associations please go to:

Economic Developers Alberta (EDA)

Economic Developers Council Ontario (EDCO)

Economic Development Association of British Columbia (EDABC)

Nunavut Economic Developers Association (NEDA)

Saskatchewan Economic Developers Association (SEDA)

Visit ‘Ec.D. Certification‘ page.

The voting members of the Board of Directors is constituted as follows:
(1) Fifteen (15) members of one appointee from each of the Provincial [10] , Territorial [3], First Nations [1] and Inuit [1] Economic Development Associations [the “Member associations”], and 11) a maximum of six (6) Board members nominated and elected at large by the membership. Each member appointed by a member Association and perform what ever coordinating role that may be appropriate.

Visit the ‘Board & Staff‘ page.

 

EDAC’s Conferences bring together community leaders, economic development professional and entrepreneurs from coast to coast to coast. These professionals attend EDAC Conferences to participate in sessions, network and listen to speakers sharing their innovative ideas and solutions to local challenges.

Who should attend? 

•    Economic & business development professionals
•    Community & business leaders
•    Investment attraction & economic development agencies
•    Municipal, provincial, territorial & federal leaders
•    Business/economic development consultants
•    Financial professionals

Marketing Canada Awards

Excellence in marketing is a critical differentiator for Canada’s Economic Development Professionals. The Marketing Canada Awards acknowledge and praise communities who shine in this arena. The awards also kick-start discussion and provide a forum to share best practices and enhance the marketing efforts of all those working in the field of economic development. Each year, recipients across the country are recognized for excellence in promoting their communities and furthering their economic development priorities. Winners are announced during EDAC’s Annual Conferences.

 

Trade Show

Throughout the conference, delegates are invited to take time to visit the Trade Show component which will feature exhibitors offering the latest products, services and information necessary to compete in today’s fast-paced environment.

How can I participate as a Conference Sponsor?

Download the Sponsor Information Package.

Excellence in marketing is a critical differentiator for Canada’s Economic Development Professionals. The Marketing Canada Awards acknowledge and praise communities who shine in this arena.

The awards also kick-start discussion and provide a forum to share best practices and enhance the marketing efforts of all those working in the field of economic development

Each year, recipients across the country are recognized for excellence in promoting their communities and furthering their economic development priorities. Winners will be announced during the Annual Conference.

Find out more about the Marketing Canada Awards.