What we do

Western Economic Diversification Canada's (WD) mandate is to promote the development and diversification of the economy of Western Canada and advance the interests of the West in national economic policy. To achieve this mandate, we support initiatives that contribute to three strategic outcomes.

• A strengthened western Canadian innovation system (Innovation) and a competitive and expanded business sector in Western Canada (Business Development and Entrepreneurship);
• Economically viable communities in Western Canada with a high quality of life (Community Economic Development); and
• Policies and programs that support the economic development of Western Canada.

These priorities are consistent with the Government of Canada's long-term economic plan to improve business competitiveness, Advantage Canada:  Building a Strong Economy for Canadians and its science and technology strategy Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage.

This mandate is delivered primarily through grants and contributions programs, which enable the department to contribute strongly to the productivity and competitiveness of the West. This is achieved through collaboration with partners including the private sector, other levels of government, academic and financial institutions, as well as research centres, to maximize investment in Western Canada and to create alternative sources of funding for commercial ventures. We also support the Western Canada Business Service Network, which provides over 100 points of service to assist new and existing entrepreneurs in cities and rural communities to create and grow their businesses.

What are WD’s Priorities?

To achieve our strategic outcome in 2008-2009, WD will focus on activities that support the following priorities:

• Increasing technology commercialization;
• Enhancing trade and investment;
• Improving business productivity and competitiveness;
• Increasing rural diversification; and
• Achieving management excellence.

These priorities are building a stronger West in a stronger Canada.

What information is available?

A large selection of publications, research papers and special reports is available electronically on our Website, including:

• Recent and archived News Releases, which provide information on announcements made by WD.
• Fact sheets, on a variety of pan-western and regional initiatives and Quick Facts about the department.
• Working with the West, a general overview of WD's activities and how they have benefited communities across Western Canada.
• The annual Report on Plans and Priorities, which provides information on strategies, initiatives and planned results, including details on human resource requirements, major capital projects, grants and contributions, as well as the budget estimates for our programs.
• Our annual Performance Report, which notes achievements against the performance expectations and commitments as set out in WD's Report on Plans and Priorities.

More About Us

Visit the Department section for more information about WD, including information on our Minister, the department's structure, mandate and how you can contact us.