Canadian Evaluation Society - Ontario Chapter

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Techniques for Qualitative Data
2025-04-29 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Online
About this event:

This intermediate level workshop introduces techniques for analysing qualitative data such as interview results. By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to conduct these types of analyses in a clear and systematic manner. The workshop will review the main techniques using MS Excel. A general overview of computer-assisted qualitative analysis software will also be presented. Key techniques will be presented step-by-step, using a real-life case study. An Excel file workbook will be provided so that workshop registrants can apply the techniques discussed directly. Among other things, best practice in quantifying data using percentages and proportions will be discussed, as will the pros and cons of quantifying qualitative data.
Learning outcomes: Apply qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques for qualitative data, understand the pros and cons of quantifying qualitative data
About the Facilitators:
Simon Roy, PhD, CE – Simon is a GGI Senior Associate and has over 28 years of program evaluation experience. Simon has a PhD in Sociology (University Paris -Nanterre) and is a Credentialed Evaluator. Since 2001, Simon has facilitated multiple intermediate level and advanced level workshops for the Canadian Evaluation Society, at national conferences and for many chapters. He has also designed courses for the CES, including the current version of the online survey course; he delivered this course multiple times. Most recently he delivered a half-day workshop at the CES Conference in Quebec City on qualitative and quantitative approaches to analyzing qualitative data. He is also part-time professor at Ottawa University and l’École nationale d’administration publique, where he teaches program evaluation and performance measurement at the graduate level on a regular basis. Simon is also a published author. He recently published a book chapter on the professionalization of evaluation (with B. Gauthier).
Pascale Latulippe, MA – Pascale is a Senior Consultant at GGI with more than 5 years of experience working in program evaluation. Pascale has a Graduate Diploma in Program Evaluation (University of Ottawa), a Master’s degree in International Development (University of Queensland), and, a Bachelor degree in Peace & Conflict Studies (University of Toronto). Pascale has co-facilitated a number of workshops including this half day workshop at a Canadian Evaluation Society Conference.

2025 CES-ON AGM and Learning Event
2025-06-17 11:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online
CES – Ontario is pleased to announce that the chapter’s Annual General Meeting will be held online on June 17, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Why Attend the AGM?
The AGM is a great opportunity to:
– Learn more about recent chapter activities;
– Elect new board members and approve any bylaw changes;
– Participate in the annual Learning Event.
Event Agenda:

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: AGM presentation, including progress on our strategic goals and upcoming chapter events

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Learning Event: IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) in Artificial Intelligence with Jane Whynot

We will distribute the Annual General Meeting package, including a full agenda, Annual Report, and audited financial statements, to all CES members and event attendees prior to the event.
About the Learning Event: IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) in Artificial Intelligence.
The potential of AI to drive progress is significant, however, the current landscape often reflects deep-seated biases and inequities that can perpetuate discrimination. Without a concerted effort to prioritize diversity and inclusion, AI systems may inadvertently reinforce existing societal disparities, ultimately leading to mistrust and harm. Recognizing these challenges is essential for fostering meaningful change and ensuring that AI serves as a tool for equity rather than a source of division. This presentation discusses the historical context from an IDEA perspective, pinpoints where biases/discrimination can be disrupted by evaluators, and provides examples of what evaluators can do.
About the Speaker:
Jane Whynot, MEd, PhD is a Partner at Goss Gilroy Management Consultants Inc (GGI), Jane has almost 30 years of experience in evaluation and performance measurement. Jane conducts work in all sectors, from employment to small business, from science to culture. Jane has a Masters of Assessment and Evaluation (University of Melbourne) and a Doctorate in Philosophy exploring how GBA Plus is integrated in the federal government evaluation function (University of Ottawa). She is an associate editor at the Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation and holds adjunct status at Carleton University. Jane is committed to lifelong learning, is a seasoned keynote and routinely presents at international evaluation conferences including AEA, CES, and PPX symposia. She has designed and delivered training on evaluation, performance measurement, GBA Plus, the integration of GBA Plus in evaluation, and qualitative methods in evaluation over her career.

CES-Ontario / C2025 Watch Party
2025-07-03 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Online
CES has made select content from the 2025 conference available to chapters, and CES Ontario has asked Evaluation Cafe Ontario to host its conference watch party.
Come join us over lunch to watch the session “Let’s Have a Data Party! Stories of Collaborative Learning and Change”, presented by Jakub Nemec, Paula Richardson. Afterwards, we’ll break into small groups for discussion and networking.
An RSVP is requested. Please click here to RSVP.

Eval Café: Quantifying Qualitative Data
2025-08-07 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Hemingway’s, 142 Cumberland Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
You’re invited to join us for an informal Evaluation Café meetup over drinks and conversation at Hemingway’s! This month’s topic: Quantifying Qualitative Data.

As evaluators, we’re often asked to put numbers to stories—whether it’s coding themes from interviews, summarizing open-ended survey responses, or making sense of focus group notes. But when does counting help, and when does it risk oversimplifying?
We’ll explore practical ways to quantify qualitative data, discuss when it adds value (and when it doesn’t), and share tips from our own practice.

Bring your stories, questions, and maybe a notebook.
Open to evaluators, researchers, and curious minds at any stage in their career. More details and add the event to your calendar using the following link: Evaluation Cafe Toronto Meetup: Quantifying Qualitative Data

August 2025 Essential Skills Series Intensive
2025-08-11 08:00 - 2025-08-14 16:00 UTC | Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre, 30 Carlton Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 2E9, Canada
This 4-day course was developed by the Canadian Evaluation Society to provide participants with a basic understanding of the main models and practices associated with the profession of evaluation. Prior knowledge of evaluation and of social science research methods is not required. There are no examinations associated with the course, nor is there any homework. Participation in all 15 course modules entitles you to a Certificate of Completion from the Canadian Evaluation Society.
Participants will gain:

Basic knowledge and skills,
Appreciation for essential elements of evaluation,
Capacity to apply acquired knowledge and skills, and
Development as an evaluation professional.

The Essential Skills Series is ten self-paced learning modules that cover everything from basics like the objectives of evaluations, all the way through to practical skills such as budgeting and workplan development. The discussion forum encourages knowledge transfer/sharing among participants and instructor, instructor reviewed assignments to guide learners and real-time Zoom learning at the start and conclusion of the course.
Course Competencies
Participants will be able to describe in basic terms:

the uses and benefits of evaluation
common settings in which evaluation takes place
where evaluations and performance monitoring fit in the program cycle
underlying theories related to evaluation, and their implications
the historical and technical context in which evaluation takes place
the range of terminology used in evaluation
causes of, and responses to, resistance
potential misuses of evaluation
cultural considerations in conducting evaluations
ethical considerations with respect to evaluation
evaluation standards
evaluation as a profession
the role of CES, including the CE system
special applications of evaluation
the relevance of, and processes associated with:
identifying evaluation objectives
identifying and engaging evaluation clients and stakeholders, and establishing roles
develop a program profile
creating evaluation questions and indicators
common data collection methods
creating an appropriate and valid evaluation design, including the selection of data collection methods
collecting data, including performance monitoring
data management
assessing data quality
data analysis, including cost effectiveness analysis
determining evaluation scale and budget
project management
synthesis of evidence leading to the development of conclusions and recommendations
evaluation reporting and dissemination
Participants will also gain elementary experience in:

• creating logic models
• developing indicators
• question construction
• creating an evaluation matrix
• writing findings statements
• creating a reporting plan
About the Facilitator
Paul Favaro Ph.D., CE is the Chief of Research, Program Evaluation, and Accountability for the Peel District School Board in Mississauga, Ontario. He teaches management sciences at York University in Toronto.
Dr. Favaro has authored or co-authored articles, chapters, and technical reports, and has conducted professional training workshops in the areas of program evaluation, performance measurement, and research methodology. He is on the editorial board of The Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation. Throughout his career, he has worked as a research consultant to a wide variety of government ministries, educational organizations, charitable foundations, and community-based programs. He has held several executive positions on the board of the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES). In 2010, he was awarded a fellowship in the CES. He is a Credentialed Evaluator by the Canadian Evaluation Society

September 2025 e-Essential Skills Series
2025-09-22 08:00 - 2025-11-29 17:00 UTC | Online
The Canadian Evaluation Society’s on-line ten-week course offers participants with a basic understanding of the main models and practices of evaluation. No prior knowledge of evaluation or social science research methods is required to participate. Participants will gain:

Basic knowledge and skills,
Appreciation for essential elements of evaluation,
Capacity to apply acquired knowledge and skills, and
Development as an evaluation professional.

The Essential Skills Series is ten self-paced learning modules that cover everything from basics like the objectives of evaluations, all the way through to practical skills such as budgeting and workplan development. The discussion forum encourages knowledge transfer/sharing among participants and instructor, instructor reviewed assignments to guide learners and real-time Zoom learning at the start and conclusion of the course.

Learning Objectives:

Describe the role of evaluation in the program lifecycle;
Explain common evaluation terms, functions, and approaches;
List the steps in planning and conducting an evaluation;
Describe how common social science data collection methods are used in evaluations;
Describe the value and use of project management concepts in evaluations;
Outline ways to support the use of evaluation findings and produce actionable evaluation reports; and
Recognize evaluation standards and ethical principles and identify their role in the professionalization of evaluation in Canada.

Learners will be expected to:

Complete one module per week independent of the facilitator;
Participate regularly in discussion forums with participants and the instructor;
Complete seven assignments to submit to facilitator for review/feedback

About the Facilitator
Dr. Keiko Kuji-Shikatani, Credentialed Evaluator, is a Canadian Evaluation Society Fellow (CESF), and a CES Credentialing Board member. Keiko has studied embedding monitoring and evaluation systems in organization for her doctoral work which she continues to expand through her evaluation practice for over 35 years. She is an international expert on principle-focused developmental evaluation for learning as we go for continuous quality improvement in the public sector, evaluative thinking, evaluation use, evaluation capacity building, evaluator competencies and professionalization of evaluators. Keiko was instrumental in the development and the operationalization of the Canadian Evaluation Society’s Credentialed Evaluator Designation and documented our Canadian experience for the use of other evaluations societies around the world in a special edition of the Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation.

Collective Traction for Evaluation Impact: Project Management Skills
2025-10-14 10:00 - 2025-11-11 13:00 UTC | Online
Upcoming session:

October 14, 28, November 11, 2025
Online
Register today!

Collective Traction for Evaluation Impact: Project Management Skills
Facilitator: Erich Koroschetz

Even the best evaluation can stall if the work plan isn’t clear, collaborative, and adaptable. Join us for a three-part series on how to improve and clarify your evaluation goals and project management skills.
Monitoring and Evaluation professionals play a pivotal role in guiding organizations to evidence that supports mission-critical decisions, but who decides what those decisions should be? Additionally, organizing and managing complicated evaluations requires a structured approach to reliably satisfy expectations over the course of an evaluation. This course equips M&E practitioners with practical and essential design-thinking and project management skills to enhance the effectiveness of their evaluations.
Through interactive sessions and hands-on exercises, participants will learn to clarify requirements for human-centred evaluations, break down complex goals into manageable steps, and coordinate activities in a structured and adaptive manner. The course emphasizes the use of applicable design-thinking principles and tools to ensure inclusivity and alignment with constituent needs.
By actively engaging in live Zoom learning events with enhanced interactivity features, participants will each contribute to our collective learning experience. Prior to each Session, registered participants will be issued a digital workbook, allowing them to print and capture their personal reflections and learnings throughout the session and to apply in future Sessions. Light correspondence with registered participants between sessions will encourage a sustained focus on new learning.
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Session 1: A Human-Centred Approach to Define Your Evaluations
October 14, 2025 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Defining Your Service’s Mission-Critical Criteria
Uncover what is truly meaningful to those who use and are a part of the services you are monitoring.
Together, we will explore foundational Design-Thinking concepts and use empathy-based service design tools to define methods and criteria for evaluating various services we encounter together. By the end of this session, participants will be able to use Design-Thinking tools to reveal evaluation requirements that honour and reflect a diversity of user perspectives.
Session 2: Structuring Your Evaluations for Shared Success
October 28, 2025 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Visualize Your Evaluation Project
Structure comprehensive evaluations to ensure your team and partners are familiar with their responsibilities.
In this session, participants will apply learnings from Session 1 to define the key objectives and contextual assumptions that shape the scope of their evaluation project. Together, we’ll consider how program and service assets like logframes help to break the evaluation into practical “work packages” that can be shared among team members to produce the critical deliverables and outcomes of the evaluation project’s overall scope. At the end of this session, participants will be able to clearly outline an evaluation project’s scope, requirements, and team roles and responsibilities.
Session 3: Co-Creating an Actionable Evaluation Work Plan
November 11, 2025 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Develop Your Resilient Work Plan
Galvanize your evaluation strategy with an adaptive plan.
Building on the clarity and structure established in earlier Sessions, together we will explore logical dependencies between work packages and map the overall process based on core assumptions. We will explore project management strategies that preserve the core success criteria of the evaluation while flexing plans when you are confronted with unfolding real-world conditions. By the end of this session, participants will have consolidated their understanding of how a well-structured, adaptive work plan protects the intent and integrity of a collaboratively developed, mission-oriented evaluation.
Learning outcomes:
Domain 1: Reflective Practice
1.4 Considers the well-being of human and natural systems in evaluation practice
Domain 2: Technical Practice
2.1 Clarifies the purpose and scope of the evaluation
2.3 Clarifies the program theory
2.4 Frames evaluation topics and questions
Domain 3: Situational Practice
3.1 Examines and responds to the multiple human and natural contexts within which the program is embedded
3.2 Identifies stakeholder’ needs and their capacity to participate, while recognizing, respecting and responding to aspects of diversity.
3.3 Respects all stakeholder and strives to build and maintain trusting relationships
3.5 Monitors and responds to organizational changes and changes in the program environment during the course of the evaluation.
Domain 4: Management Practice
4.1 Provides leadership to the evaluation project
4.2 Defines work parameters, plans and agreements for the evaluation
4.4 Coordinates the work of other team members
4.5 Uses group management and facilitation skills
Domain 5: Interpersonal Practice
5.1 Uses communication strategies appropriate to the cultural, linguistic, social, and political context
About the Facilitator:
Erich Koroschetz is an experienced guide in project management, quality improvement, and change management, with over 20 years of leading projects, improvement, and evaluation initiatives in both public and private sectors. As a post-secondary educator known for his engaging, candid, and inclusive style, Erich connects proven insights to real-world application, helping professionals achieve clarity, collaboration, and measurable results. Erich operates a consulting practice dedicated to equipping public enterprise with skills and resources to deliver projects responsibly for community change.

CES Ontario Virtual Conference: Politics, Progress and Possibility
2025-10-21 09:00 - 15:30 UTC | Ontario
Join us for a conference on the theme of Politics, Progress and Possibility! Network, learn, and grow with evaluators like you!
The Canadian Evaluation Society Ontario Chapter (CES Ontario) is pleased to invite evaluation practitioners, researchers, academics, emerging evaluators, and students to join us for CES Ontario’s 2025 Virtual Conference.
Evaluation is a constantly changing field of practice, informed by new and emerging technologies, approaches, and political pressures. We will survey these topic areas, explore their interplays and connections, and discuss how to integrate them into our work.
Topic Areas:

New and next approaches to program evaluation: new evaluation processes, frameworks, and models, alternative funding models, and decolonized evaluation approaches
Technology: how AI (and other tools!) are changing evaluation, and considerations of utility and equity
Political considerations: evaluation politics in Ontario, Canadian, and international contexts, as well as managing projects and stakeholders

Conference participants will:

Gain a deeper understanding of current trends, innovations, opportunities, and challenges for enhancing and integrating approaches in evaluation.
Gain important evaluation skills to address current and future trends.
Enhance connections with other evaluators, networks, and organizations.
Contribute to discussions about the importance of evaluative thinking and evaluation practice in the areas of new approaches, technology, and politics.

Visit our Virtual Conference website for session descriptions, speaker bios, and more!

Eval Café: Games & Mingling Night
2025-11-20 17:30 - 20:30 UTC | The Dylan Bar, 1276 Danforth Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M4J 1M6, Canada
Join us for a relaxed, social Evaluation Café where we’ll mix purposeful networking with a couple of light, laughter-friendly games to help folks connect across projects, sectors, and roles. Expect easy icebreakers (think Human Bingo / Speed-Friending energy), evaluator-adjacent shenanigans, and plenty of time to chat.
What to expect

5:30–5:50 Check-in, grab a bite, casual intros

5:50–6:25 Game #1: quick mixer to meet new people

6:25–6:55 Game #2: small-group fun (zero prep required)

6:55–7:30+ Open networking

Food & drinks: Light snacks provided; drinks available for purchase at the bar.
Who should come: Evaluators, researchers, data/strategy folks, students, and anyone evaluation-curious.
Vibe: Friendly, low-stakes, come-as-you-are.

Eval Café: Evaluation Trivia
2026-01-07 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Ontario
To start the new year, let’s have a bit of fun together. Join us for some trivia about evaluation and your peers!

Evaluation Cafe Ontario online events are an opportunity for us to network and learn from our colleagues across the province. Anyone can join whether from Ontario or not, but presenters/facilitators will always be from Ontario.

We have a continuous open call for topics, activities, discussions, etc. Whatever you want to share, do, discussion with peers from across Ontario, you let us know, and we make it happen.

To RSVP, join the CES Ontario Groups.io group and RSVP online.

February 2026 e-Essential Skills Series
2026-02-23 08:00 - 2026-05-03 17:00 UTC | Online
Join us for a ten-week facilitated course on the foundations of evaluation.

The Canadian Evaluation Society’s on-line ten-week course offers participants with a basic understanding of the main models and practices of evaluation. No prior knowledge of evaluation or social science research methods is required to participate. Participants will gain:

Basic knowledge and skills,
Appreciation for essential elements of evaluation,
Capacity to apply acquired knowledge and skills, and
Development as an evaluation professional.

The Essential Skills Series is ten self-paced learning modules that cover everything from basics like the objectives of evaluations, all the way through to practical skills such as budgeting and workplan development. The discussion forum encourages knowledge transfer/sharing among participants and instructor, instructor reviewed assignments to guide learners and real-time Zoom learning at the start and conclusion of the course.
Learning Objectives:

Describe the role of evaluation in the program lifecycle;
Explain common evaluation terms, functions, and approaches;
List the steps in planning and conducting an evaluation;
Describe how common social science data collection methods are used in evaluations;
Describe the value and use of project management concepts in evaluations;
Outline ways to support the use of evaluation findings and produce actionable evaluation reports; and
Recognize evaluation standards and ethical principles and identify their role in the professionalization of evaluation in Canada.

Learners will be expected to:

Complete one module per week independent of the facilitator;
Participate regularly in discussion forums with participants and the instructor;
Complete seven assignments to submit to facilitator for review/feedback

About the Facilitator
Tina Sahay has worked in the area of Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement for more than 25 years, supporting governments at the national, provincial and municipal levels in Canada as well as the not-for-profit sector. Tina operates a consulting firm in Toronto and works on client projects in all areas of her specialty of community and public health. She works extensively with vulnerable populations including newcomers, youth and those at-risk for mental health and substance use disorders. Tina also provides training to professionals on various aspects of program evaluation. She is an instructor for the Canadian Evaluation Society and has designed and conducted training programs for Toronto Public Health, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, MOHLTC, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health and York University.
Tina holds a Masters degree in Health Science from the University of Toronto and is a certified Quality Improvement Specialist. Tina is also a credentialed evaluator with the Canadian Evaluation Society.

The Art and Science of Producing Effective Infographics
2026-02-24 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Online
The interactive and multi-modal workshop focuses on infographics – artistic or graphic presentation of data to communicate insights.

Data visualization as a hot topic in the evaluation world, especially in knowledge transfer activities. This fast-paced webinar will focus on a specific type of data visualization, namely infographics – artistic or graphic presentation of data to communicate insights. We will briefly orient infographics in the realm of data visualization, illustrating some different types of infographics. Then our focus will shift to the science of why we should use infographics in our communication suite to our various audiences (clients and funders). We then venture into design theory, calling on the works of data visualization experts Bernard Marr, Stephanie Evergreen, and Garr Reynolds. The bulk of the time will be aimed at specific design elements of graphics, colour, font, and layout, which help us tell the story of our most important element: the data. We will then put these elements together with examples, and then look at resources and tools for infographic production. If time permits, the session will conclude with a short question period.
Learning objectives:
By the end of the Workshop, the participant will be able to:

Compare the different types of infographics and situate them in the greater web of data visualization
Understand the basic tenets of design theory and how the brain process and information
Identify and appraise the design elements of effective infographics
Locate and use various resources and tools for effective infographic production

In addition, this workshop aims to strengthen capacities in line with the following Competencies for Canadian Evaluation Practice:
2.8 Identify data sources
2.13 Assesses trustworthiness of data
2.16 Reports evaluation findings and results
3.5 Serves the information needs of intended users
4.6 Reports on progress and results
5.1 Uses written communication skills and technologies
About the Faciliator:
A. Sidiq (Sid) Ali, is an expert in education programs, focusing on assessment program development, management and evaluation. He has over 20 years’ experience as an evaluator. Sid combines his skills in psychometrics and evaluation to foster his professional interests in program evaluation capacity-building in the private sector, program development in licensure and certification contexts, as well as in effective data analytics and visualization. Since founding his consulting practice (www.rae-consult.com), he has worked with profession regulators and governing bodies in accounting and financial management, healthcare, law and international sanctions, as well as with the learning and development units of two of the big five Canadian banks. He began his better data visualization journey in 2008, focusing on effective presentation strategies for PowerPoint. He now blogs and speaks about data visualization, and has been an invited guest blogger on Stephanie Evergreen’s effective data visualization blog. He has produced infographics for official CES communications, has conducted a CES national webinar on infographics and has facilitated workshops on infographics for CES-ON and CES-MB. Sid is a Credentialed Evaluator, earned his M.Ed. and Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in Educational Measurement and Evaluation, and was a two-term Director for CES-ON.
