The proliferation of Community Economic Development (CED) networks in Canada is likely a direct result of innovations in Information Communication Technologies (ICT) that facilitate such networks. Due to the size of the province, CED networks operating in Manitoba face the challenge of coordinating
members located great distances from one another. To overcome physical distances, CED
networks use new information technology to facilitate communication and collaboration.
National CED networks face even greater communication challenges. New information
communication technologies such as websites, email applications, listserves, distance training
courses, telephone and video conferencing and online surveys reduce the expense of running
networks as they facilitate communication that fifteen years ago would have had to take place
with in-person meetings or through relatively expensive long-distance telephone calls.

This study assesses the current use of ICT tools to determine which ones best facilitate specific CED network activities, as well as, how to monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of
the ICT tools on an ongoing basis.