note Note générale

CED in Québec: New Features in the Early 1990s

Introduction

The objective of our research was to identify factors favourable to the implementation of CED projects in Québec. To this end, we attempted to identify the conditions which ultimately lead to the emergence of CED here. We also sought to determine the specific contribution of CED initiatives in their communities, to assess their internal dynamics, and finally to ascertain their relationship to the State and its institutions. Our purpose was to go beyond previous studies by comparing practices and by analyzing conditions, means, and tools used in communities in four different regions (urban, rural, some near metropolitan areas, others far from them). Our data gathering strategy was both quantitative and qualitative, initially to obtain an overall picture of the 20 CEDCs (Community Economic Development Corporations) and CDCs (Community Development Corporations) in Québec, and then through interviews of leaders and key informants, participant observations and other means, to determine from within the internal dynamics of these corporations and other CED initiatives. A typology of CED initiatives in Québec was developed in the process. We also established a link between CED and the beginning of a new economy based on solidarity.