C-9 conference will discuss labour shortages, industry development and global positioning

The leaders of Canada’s nine largest economic development agencies are meeting in Quebec City today and tomorrow (May 29-30) to discuss issues of mutual interest to improve the economic well-being of Canada.

Ron Gilbertson, president and CEO of Edmonton Economic Development Corp. (EEDC), will represent Edmonton at the ‘C-9’ conference. The other economic development agencies attending C-9 are: Vancouver Economic Development Commission; Calgary Economic Development; Destination Winnipeg; Toronto Economic Development, Culture & Tourism; Ottawa Centre for Research & Innovation; Montreal International; Pole Quebec; and the Greater Halifax Partnership.

These nine economic regions represent approximately 16.7 million people or 50 per cent of the country’s population.

The inaugural C-9 meeting was in Calgary in May 2007. All agencies then unanimously agreed that a collaborative, national approach was required to address issues such as growth and development of leading industries; labour force opportunities and challenges (e.g. immigration, changing demographics and under-employment); and the positioning of Canada’s major economic regions in the global marketplace.

“Municipal economic development organizations are ideally suited to help implement industry development initiatives because of their close association with the private sector and all levels of government,” says Ron Gilbertson. “The C-9 collaboration has the expertise and respect to significantly influence government and industry leaders on many important economic issues — especially as major cities or economic regions are increasingly critical to the success of a nation’s economy.”

Mario Lefebvre, author of Canada’s Hub Cities: A Driving Force of the National Economy, will present to the C-9 leaders this morning.

Edmonton Economic Development Corp. is a not-for-profit company owned by the City of Edmonton that is responsible for regional economic development, regional tourism marketing, the Shaw Conference Centre and Edmonton Research Park.

Media Contact:
Kenn Bur, Director of Communications
Edmonton Economic Development Corp.
(780) 917-7659 / 1-800-661-6965
kbur@edmonton.com