What is CEDI?

Many municipalities and First Nations want to collaborate as neighbours, but they don’t always know where to begin. The Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI), implemented in partnership by the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (Cando) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), aims to improve the economic prosperity of First Nations and adjacent municipalities through joint community economic development planning and initiatives.

CEDI’s approach is to convene, listen and unite. CEDI gives First Nations and municipalities a chance to come together, learn from each other and work on common priorities, all while building respectful and sustainable government-to-government partnerships.https:

For a better understanding of how CEDI works, watch this short video  (transcript)

Since 2013, CEDI has helped dozens of municipalities and First Nations develop partnerships that establish and support their mutually beneficial economic development. We help coordinate local action to address regional issues and build a more sustainable economy for all.

Why Joint Community Economic Development (CED)?

Although most First Nations and municipalities across Canada engage in community economic development planning and initiatives, they most often do so in parallel since they work in different jurisdictions.

CEDI partnerships have identified many benefits to working together on joint CED, namely: improve regional economic development prospects, including employment opportunities, external investment and long-term sustainability; all while enhancing relationships with their neighbours and community members.

Benefits of Joint First Nation-Municipal CED 

Joint CED promotes reconciliation, collaboration and the recognition of common values and goals. Other benefits include:  

• A stronger, united voice for engaging with businesses and other levels of government. 
• Increased ability to access funding from other levels of government. 
• Stronger regional identity, relationships and sense of place. 
• Cost savings when providing services, due to higher efficiencies and less duplication.
• More opportunities for local business development and jobs. 
• Ability to leverage the unique financial, human and physical capacities of each partner. 
• Coordinated planning efforts to improve land use and land management (to make room for growing populations and to attract new investors and citizens). 
• Coordinated planning efforts to aid in protecting resources and natural environments that are important to partner communities.