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Ec.D. Testimonials

Where could the professional Ec.D. certification take you?

Acheiving my Ec.D designation has been a wonderful experience. Not only did I learn a lot during the process of achieving my Ec.D., but I have witnessed first-hand how having this designation has opened up the door to numerous career opportunities. The Ec.D designation is one in which many employers now stay as giving preference to those individuals who are apply for a job in economic development. Penny and the entire crew at the Economic Development Association of Canada have been very supportive during the process and for them, I am eternally grateful.

– Rob Hunter, Ec.D., Economic Development Officer, Municipality of South Dundas


By earning your Ec.D. Designation, you’re expanding knowledge and demonstrating your commitment to professional growth. By writing the EDAC exam it is following through on the important investment in your career and advancing your professional interest in ED. By having your Ec.D., you are staying ahead of the curve, this designation and certification documents your professional achievement, leverages your knowledge for exercising new career opportunities, you become part of a network of leaders in the economic development field.

Delia Reiche, Ec.D., Diagnostics Biochem Canada Inc., Dorchester, ON

The designation is recognized and acknowledged by municipal, provincial and national bodies for the qualifications accredited developers hold. Certification is a goal that all individuals working in the field of economic development should consider. EDAC and the University of Waterloo have developed a comprehensive program to educate economic developers, remaining focused on the changing trends and new tools available to assist developers. From the year one and the year two programs through the content specific seminars these two organizations have developed a strong academic curriculum. This, in addition to my work and exposure to the many aspects of the profession, prepared me to challenge the certification exam.

James Tessier, Ec.D., CED Coordinator, Community Futures Alberta Southwest

My employer encouraged me to write my exam and attached a salary increase to the Ec.D. designation. My career will benefit from both the practical and academic experience of this program and the ongoing professional development opportunities provided to the membership. I feel privileged to be a part of the network of economic development professionals connected through EDAC and look forward to the next step — achieving my Fellowship designation.

Marilyn Crewe, Ec.D., Community Economic Development Officer, Elgin Business Resource Centre

The qualifying credits assures that there is a mix of experience, training and ongoing professional development that assures that candidates are committed to their economic development career. The designation itself provides some assurance of the capability of the person who attains it. I believe the Ec.D. Designation carries an implied value both among professionals in the field and between the professionals and their clients and employers. It is a type of quality assurance that is supported by a comprehensive and rigorous process.

Art Lawson, Ec.D., General Manager, South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation

The exam is complex and ensures the quality of its network and members. I also appreciated the opportunity to answer to the exam questions in French. Au cours de mes 11 années en tant qu‘agente de développement, j’ai participé à de nombreuses conférences qui m‘on permis d‘acquérir des outils et des ressources essentiels de développement économique. Cependant, les dernières années de formation et de séminaires organisés par EDAC m’ont aidé à acquérir des connaissances et de l’expertise au-delà de mes attentes. Je recommande fortement le programme de certification de l’ACDE à toute personne qui s’intéresse sérieusement à l’acquisition de stratégies nouvelles et efficientes de développement économique.

Marie-Eve LaRocque, Ec.D., Agente de développement, Réseau de développement économique et d’employabilité de l’Ontario RDÉE Maxville, ON

It provided me with an opportunity to re-learn the key concepts and practices that are fundamental to the economic development profession.” Writing this exam has benefitted me in a number of significant ways: it provided me with an opportunity to re-learn the key concepts and practices that are fundamental to the economic development profession; it helped sharpen my knowledge of the field in a very thorough and coherent manner, and thus provided me with a clear reference point for the work that I do at the City of Markham; and finally, I am much more improved and effective in my thinking in terms of integrating important economic development concepts that need to be brought into my work projects.

Huyen Hare, Ec.D. Senior Business Development Officer Economic Development Department, The Corporation of the City of Markham

The exam and the job both take commitment, but when you are done and see the results of your hard work it’s worth it. The EDAC Ec.D. Exam is not for the faint of heart! The EDAC Ec.D. certification exam is long, arduous and requires a broad knowledge of economic development. This is exactly as it should be. The work of an economic developer takes tenacity, effort and experience. It’s not an easy job and not everyone is cut out for it. The Ec.D. Exam is a reflection of that.

Vic Goodman, Ec.D., Chief Executive Officer, Campbell River Economic Development Corp.

I appreciated the practical structure and found it was a good benchmarking opportunity to determine areas of confidence within each competency. It was very encouraging to receive my professional designation through EDAC and I believe it is a testament to the time commitment and value I strive to offer my community. I see this milestone as key to my professional development for the future.

Ronda Stewart, Ec.D., Manager, Small Business Centre, Elgin Business Resource Centre
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