On October 3, 2018, Dr. Gibson provided testimony to the House of Commons Finance Committee meeting. The Finance Committee is studying the pre-budget consultations and more specifically what steps the federal government can take to support and encourage Canadian businesses to grow the economy in the face of a changing economic landscape. Dr. Gibson shared information and stories on how the budget bill could be used to strengthen local economic development in rural and northern communities throughout Canada. He has also talked about the need for the government to make investments to modernize federal small and medium enterprise businesses, support programs and create additional tailored development services for hybrid business models such as social enterprises. The testimony built on recommendations created by the Canadian Community Economic Development Network’s Policy Council. A copy of the full recommendations can be found here.

CCEDNet ED @mike_toye (2nd from right) & board member @ryanfgibson(2nd from left) discussed #Budget2019 recommendations w/ the Standing Committee on Finance today (l-r: @GregFergus, @WayneEaster, @fsorbara, @pfragiskatos) #socent #cooperatives #socfin https://t.co/3AGXfcIy7H pic.twitter.com/LultRdJzuj

— Canadian Community Economic Development Network (@CCEDNet_RCDEC) October 3, 2018

CCEDNet ED @mike_toye & board member @ryanfgibson here also with Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Finance @MPJulian. We're happy to have had the opportunity to bring community perspectives to how #Canada can stimulate #economic growth for everyone. https://t.co/3AGXfcIy7H pic.twitter.com/SUmTfGErnI

— Canadian Community Economic Development Network (@CCEDNet_RCDEC) October 3, 2018