Increasing the policy impact and influence of the Ontario east economic development commission

The Ontario East Economic Development Commission (OEEDC) has provided an important vehicle to facilitate cooperation and partnership between municipalities and their economic development offices in Eastern Ontario. Among its many functions is to act as an advocate for Eastern Ontario on important economic development issues. This paper analyses the ability of OEEDC to impact and influence economic development policy and programs by conducting a survey to national, provincial and regional economic development associations on their experience engaging in policy influence. The author concludes that OEEDC has the possibility of having a larger and more active mandate for the organization.Keywords: Ontario East Economic Development Commission (OEEDC), economic development polic