Reshaping the economic landscape of the West

Western Canada’s identity is closely tied to its spectacular natural landscapes. The West’s rugged coastline, soaring mountains, dense forests and rolling prairies define not only the region, but also the regional economy. Forestry, fishing, agriculture, and oil and gas are the foundation of the western economy, and have made the West a driving force behind Canada’s prosperity.

For more than 20 years, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) has worked to enhance and complement those natural resources by creating a more diversified western economy with strong, competitive and innovative businesses and communities.

As Minister of WD, I have had the great pleasure of traveling and visiting communities throughout the West. I have seen firsthand the positive impact of WD’s investments. The department is achieving its mandate by developing policies and delivering programs that lead to economically viable communities with a high quality of life, a competitive and expanded business sector, and a strengthened western Canadian innovation system.

I firmly believe that talent and technology are the primary drivers of a more diversified economy, both in the West’s traditional areas of strength and in emerging knowledge sectors.

Over the year ahead, we will focus on encouraging the introduction of new products, technologies, and innovations to existing production and processes.

Expanding economic opportunities in rural areas is another important priority for WD, particularly where community sustainability has been threatened by events like the mountain pine beetle infestation that is destroying vast stretches of northern forest.

We will strengthen rural diversification through projects that increase the capacity of communities to undertake applied research and development and value-added processing, supporting economic growth that creates new business and employment opportunities.

Outside the West’s traditional sectors, WD will promote the development, commercialization, application and adoption of technology in key areas of western strength, such as information and communications technology, health industries, biotechnology, environmental technologies and ocean technologies, as well as cross-sectoral platform technologies, such as nanotechnology and synchrotron light.

Enhanced productivity and competitiveness of western businesses remain priorities for WD, and we will provide access to capital, information, training, skills development, and trade and export opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises in western communities large and small.

To advance trade and investment opportunities between Canada and the US, WD partners with other federal departments, orders of government and organizations through initiatives like the Enhanced Representation Initiative and its successor, the North American Platform Program. Through initiatives like the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, we are investing in the West’s ability to capitalize on the commercial opportunities associated with the rapidly growing economies of Asia and their links to North American markets.

As we move forward, WD’s activities will pursue the goals of Advantage Canada, the Government of Canada’s long-term economic plan that aims to improve our quality of life and ensure a strong economy. Through leadership in creating a western economic advantage, we are ensuring that the West strengthens Canada’s position in the global economy and contributes to a prosperous future for Canadians.