Conference Theme

35 Years: Celebrating Contributions to Canadian Evaluation

The first Canadian Evaluation Society conference was held in 1980. As we look towards our thirty-fifth conference, we see that our practice and our community have evolved by reaching across theoretical, cultural and geographical boundaries. The contributions of Canadian evaluators to the development of our own body of knowledge, as well as in mentoring others interested in developing an evaluation culture, have been recognized many times. As a community, we have welcomed the contributions of other evaluators from around the world, as well as those of other disciplines and have adapted these contributions to our practice. It is time to reflect on this journey.

Three program strands have been identified to explore this theme in depth.  Some orienting details for presenters are also included.

Strand 1: Canadian Contributions to Evaluation Research and Theory

This strand will highlight the results of evaluation-related research, or the application of evaluation theory in various contexts. More specifically, presentations selected for this strand might focus, for example, on how predominant evaluation theories have been successfully applied in a Canadian context, how Canadian-made evaluation theories and approaches have been used in different cultural contexts, and how Canadian theories and approaches have been influenced by our international colleagues. Special attention will be given to presentations focusing on Canadian leadership in the world of evaluation.

Strand 2: Interdisciplinary and International Evaluation Methods

This strand focuses on the integration of methods developed in various disciplines, organizational contexts, cultures, and/or other countries and how these have been applied in a Canadian context. New or emerging methods will be featured in this strand, especially those that offer solutions to the challenges faced by Canadian evaluators as well as the methodological innovations that we can integrate into our practices.  Conversely, presenters might focus on the evolution of evaluation methods over the past 35 years in the Canadian context.

Strand 3: Learning from Each Other – Evaluation Practice Across Sectors and Regions

This strand will focus on evaluation practice and how Canadian evaluation practices can best be supported, domestically and internationally. More specifically, case studies and demonstration projects featuring unique evaluation experiences will be highlighted and lessons will be drawn across evaluation contexts. Special emphasis will be placed on practitioner perspectives and how evaluation can adapt to various stakeholder requirements, geographical and legal contexts, and policy/political landscapes. Case studies featuring Aboriginal programming, local/community/NGO evaluation, as well as municipal/provincial/federal programming will be featured in this strand.