Summary

The Corporate Business Plan provides an integrated overview of the department’s Strategic Outcomes, priorities and expected performance objectives as set out in our annual Report on Plans and Priorities, as well as articulates the strategic direction and planning framework needed to ensure we achieve those outcomes. The Corporate Business Plan is framed by our departmental commitment to achieve three Strategic Outcomes:

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation: A competitive and expanded business sector in Western Canada and a strengthened western Canadian innovation system.
• Community Economic Development: Economically viable communities in Western Canada with a high quality of life.
• Policy, Advocacy and Coordination: Policies and programs that support the development of Western Canada.

For each of the three Strategic Outcomes, there are a number of program activities, and sub-activities (identified in the department’s Program Activity Architecture, or PAA, appended as Annex A) that frame the business lines of the department. These program activities directly contribute to the Strategic Outcomes of the department, and are the means by which the department achieves its outcomes.

The departmental program priorities, in contrast, articulate where the department intends to focus its efforts. In effect, within each program activity, initiatives and activities will be assessed, and approvals provided, based on how they address these priorities. It is important to note that the priorities complement one or more of the Strategic Outcomes.

In 2006, consultations with key western stakeholders were undertaken to examine the West’s current and future challenges and opportunities, and to consider how WD can best support and add value to long-term growth and competitiveness in the West. As a result of those discussions, the department re-defined its strategic framework and created a new vision. Those consultations also were instrumental in helping the department determine its priorities for the 2008–2009 fiscal year. The priorities articulated as part of the visioning and consultation process are identified as follows:

Strategic Outcomes	Program Priorities
Entrepreneurship and Innovation	Technology Commercialization – In order to facilitate the translation of knowledge and technology into commercial opportunities, WD will make strategic investments in technology commercialization and adoption projects leading to an increase in the number of technologies developed in research institutions that have commercialization potential, and an increase in technologies adopted by existing firms. Total Planned Spending: $20,022,210
	Trade and Investment – WD recognizes that the region’s interests are best served as part of a coordinated national trade agenda, with many trade and investment partners working together on improving international competitiveness and strengthening trade and economic corridors of importance to the West.  WD will focus its efforts on enhancing SME participation in international business development; enhancing investment attraction and branding; and enhancing trade corridors between the US, Asia-Pacific and Western Canada. Total Planned Spending: $10,761,005
	Business Productivity & Competitiveness – To support the growth and competitiveness of western Canadian small business, WD will focus on: improving access to risk capital and business services to SMEs through programs and services offered in conjunction with other business services organizations and associations, in order to improve general availability, and the coordination and collaboration on investments and service delivery; and working with western Canadian business, industry and research organizations to undertake systemic initiatives to enhance business productivity and competitiveness. Activities supported by WD in this area may include promoting awareness and adoption of new management and business practices (i.e. lean manufacturing), access to supply chains, creation of business networks and access to skilled labour. Total Planned Spending: $48,176,078
Community Economic Development	Rural Diversification – WD will promote rural diversification through support for projects that will increase the capacity in rural communities to undertake applied R&D and value-added processing and encourage new opportunities for skilled employment.  The department will also undertake research to identify opportunities to further diversify the rural western Canadian economy. Total Planned Spending: $28,276,469
Policy, Advocacy & Coordination	Supports all Priorities

An effective and efficient management system is needed to ensure WD achieves its Strategic Outcomes.  WD has a number of initiatives underway that contribute to management excellence, each to be found in the more detailed plans of specific focus (e.g., the Human Resource Plan, the IMT Plan, etc.).  As part of its integrated risk management approach and commitment to excellence, WD has identified an additional priority: 

Management Priority

Management Excellence – WD will focus on: Implementation of the Government of Canada's Management Results Reporting Structure (MRRS) to improve performance planning, measurement and reporting. Strengthening Internal Audit and Evaluation. Strengthening accountability, transparency and performance reporting for members of the Western Canada Business Service Network (WCBSN) and improved coordination among WCBSN members and other economic development organizations. Human Resources Renewal to sustain the necessary complement of qualified, motivated and knowledgeable staff. Reviewing, updating and more fully integrating risk-based decision making into all elements of management. Total Planned Spending: $6,942,747

 

In addition, the department will continue to ensure it meets its legal and mandated reporting requirements, including those found in the Official Languages Act, the Sustainable Development Strategy, and the Federal Accountability Act.  More detail on the department’s activities in these areas can be found in its annual Reports on Plans and Priorities (RPP) and detailed plans.