Language Available
English

Published Date:
Nov, 2002

Description:
On June 21, 2002, The Learning Enrichment Foundation (LEF) hosted a forum to discuss Canada�s Innovations Strategy. The event, called �Groundswell�, featured representatives from community organizations across the Greater Toronto Area as well as representatives from the federal and municipal governments.

Speakers shared their thoughts on the Innovations Strategy in relation to youth, the disabled, childcare, new Canadians, communities, urban centres, and human capital development. As was intended, nearly all the discussion focussed on local challenges, successes and concerns. During the question period however, one participant noted that despite the fact the Innovations Strategy was a federal government initiative, the authors were rarely mentioned in discussions and she wondered if the federal government still had a role in community-based human capital development. LEF would argue that while the role of the federal government has increased in importance, this role must fundamentally change. A brief review of the challenges brought by the �new economy� and the shortcomings of the current federal position show that in order to effectively address critical human capital issues at both the local and national level, the federal government must re-define its relationship with communities.

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Associated document(s):
ANEWHU~1.DOC