Municipal Government Support of the Social Economy Sector

Abstract

This report is based on research conducted by the BC-Alberta Social Economy Research Alliance (BALTA) in association with the Saskatchewan/Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario node of the Canadian Social Economy Research Partnerships. It describes and analyzes the current state of municipal government involvement in and support of the social economy sector. The social economy sector can offer innovative responses to the complex social and economic challenges that municipalities face. As the level of government closest to people and communities, municipal governments can play a lead role in supporting the social economy sector. This research into the role of municipal government in the social economy identifies models of engagement and means for strengthening this role.