Session 1: Social Innovation, 9:00 am

Suzanne Bédard’s academic training include under-graduate degree in Social Work from McMaster University with a particular focus on public policy and community development and post-graduate certificate in public administration from Université du Québec in Hull.

Through her involvement as a volunteer and staff of numerous local non-profit groups for over 30 years, she has witnessed and participated in several innovative projects that have resulted in significant policy and system change.

She joined the Ontario Trillium Foundation in 1999 as Program Manager for the Champlain Team and more recently was involved in a new initiative at the Foundation – Future Fund –Creating Innovative Economic Opportunities.

As a leading funding agency in Ontario, the Ontario Trillium Foundation has been instrumental in fostering innovation in its four funding sectors (Arts & Culture, Environment, Social and Human Services and Recreation) and supporting the growth of the social economy in the province of Ontario.

During the panel discussion, Mrs. Bédard will present a funder’s perspective on the importance of supporting social innovation and supporting the growth of social economy and social entrepreneurship.