FTAC is interested in drawing attention to gaps, barriers, and inequities that occur within the business landscape where Canadian Food Trucks operate - chiefly, municipalities. We are undertaking a series of research projects that are truly IDEAL for students to understand the inner workings of how good policy recommendations can have real impacts on the ability for small businesses to thrive and grow. This project aims to transform incomplete data on municipal food truck bylaws in Canada into a comprehensive and reliable information base. Learners will address the inaccuracy and missing information within existing datasets by:

• Validating existing data: Confirming the accuracy of the information collected previously.
• Filling knowledge gaps: Conducting research to locate missing details regarding specific bylaws and regulations in each municipality.
• Enhancing transparency: Providing clear and consistent citations for all data gathered through their research.

By achieving these objectives, learners will directly contribute to the creation of a valuable resource for the Food Truck Association of Canada (FTAC). This data will empower the FTAC to advocate for fair and consistent regulations that benefit the food truck industry across the country.

[1.] Data Validation:

• Examine existing information within the provided Google spreadsheets, identifying any inconsistencies or inaccuracies.
• Cross-check the data with relevant municipal websites, bylaw documents, and official sources to verify its validity.
• Flag any discrepancies or missing information for further investigation and potential correction.

[2.] Research & Information Gathering:

• Utilize research skills to locate missing details regarding specific food truck bylaws and regulations in each municipality.
• Explore relevant government websites, legal databases, and other credible sources to gather accurate information.
• Effectively document the research process, including keeping track of utilized sources for future reference.

[3.] Information Enrichment & Citation:

• Compile the gathered information and integrate it into the existing data set within the Google spreadsheets.
• Provide clear links or references for each data entry, alongside clarifying notes/comments when necessary.
• Ensure all entries within the spreadsheet documents are accompanied by supporting citations.

[4.] Quality Assurance & Finalization:

• Once the data set is enriched with validated and properly cited information, conduct a final review process.
• Double-check the data for accuracy, consistency, and completeness.
• Collaborate with the project coordinator to address any remaining issues and ensure the final data set meets the required standards.

• Onboarding documents along with a facilitated overview of the important themes and needs for the project
• A single point of contact (POC) assigned to the students, with a team of experts available for questions
• Access to Slack, Google Workspace, and some other project management tools. We welcome the students so they can feel as though they are part of the team, or at arm's length - whatever is best.
• Recognition of the student's involvement and the students' work in a media release (if permitted) and attribution of the students' contributions via LinkedIn or references as required.