December 4, 2025
12:00 - 1:00 PM ET
Description
Canada is at an important moment in our history. We’re seeing Local, National, and international pressures having significant impacts on communities across Canada. Meanwhile, the Government of Canada is grappling with challenges that are making life less affordable, driving deeper inequality, and undermining the social programs we value.
On November 4th, the Government of Canada will table its next budget that will be transformative to move its seven priorities forward. The budget will have real implications for the communities, collaboratives and organizations working at the local level to improve quality of life.
Join us for a timely conversation with David Watters, a former senior federal civil servant with over 30 years of experience shaping national budgets. In this webinar, we will explore how the upcoming budget may impact the community sector and share insights to help organizations respond to and shape the Government’s efforts.
Speakers
David Watters. Founder & President. Institute for Collaborative Innovation
David Watters worked for 30 years in the Canadian Federal Public Service in a variety of Economic Ministries, including a dozen years as an Assistant Deputy Minister in Industry Canada, Treasury Board Canada, and Finance Canada, where he was responsible for overseeing Canada's Economic Development and Corporate Finance policies, and shaping economic and innovation investment in federal budgets.
David founded the Institute for Collaborative Innovation in 2008 and is its current President. David holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Queen's University, as well as a Law degree in corporate, commercial, and tax law from Queen's University Law School. He was also an adjunct Professor for seven years at the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, teaching International Negotiation to MBA students.
Justin Williams. Director, Public Policy & Government Relations. Tamarack Institute
Justin leads Public Policy and Government Relations at Tamarack, leveraging his expertise in research and advocacy to drive positive change and community engagement. Before joining Tamarack, he worked in higher education and student advocacy, managing research and political affairs teams. Justin is passionate about the role of governance processes in promoting community, sustainability and poverty reduction.
