Methodology

Research Approach

The evaluation framework for this report used segments of the Evaluation Framework listed as Appendix B in the final report of the Evaluation of the WDP. The report is therefore subject to the limitations identified in the WDP evaluation. Data, including documents relevant to the WEPAs, were analysed to generate the findings in this report. The relevant WEPA data collected include:

1. Administrative data review: 133 projects within the WDP database were relevant to WEPA. The total project expenditures within the period of the evaluation (June 14, 2003 to March 31, 2007) were $55,896,680. Table 2-1 shows the expenditures and the number of projects per each strategic outcome of WEPA.

Table 2-1
Projects under the Program Activity Architecture

WEPA Strategic Outcome	Percentage of Projects	Expenditures
Community Economic Development	51%	$22,907,405
Entrepreneurship	19%	$7,777,188
Innovation	40%	$25,212,087
Total	100%	$55,896,680

n=133. Reference: Administrative Data

2. File Review: 19 files related to WEPAs were examined.

3. Key Informant Interviews: 82 key informant interviews were conducted for the WDP evaluation. Several aspects of the guides used for the WDP key informant interviews related to WEPAs. The key aspects related to WEPAs include:

• Improvement of federal/provincial relations;
• The level to which WEPAs advanced or speeded up projects, the general affect of WEPAs on projects; and
• The degree to which WEPAs promoted collaboration and successful partnerships.

4. Funding Recipient Survey: In the recipient survey conducted for the WDP evaluation, 60 of the responding recipients received funding for their projects from WEPAs.

5. Case Studies: 3 case studies were WEPA projects. The projects were:

• Canadian Light Source, Inc. #3209 (SK);
• SpringBoard West Innovations, Inc. # 6604 (SK); and
• MB Audio Recording Industry Association/MB Motion Picture Industry Association #2791 (MB).