Western Economic Diversification Canada
www.wd-deo.gc.ca
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The Department
A department of the Government of Canada, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) was established in 1987 under the provision of the Western Economic Diversification Act. WD works to improve the long-term economic competitiveness of the West and the quality of life of its citizens by supporting a wide range of initiatives targeting three inter-related strategic outcomes – innovation, business development and entrepreneurship and community economic development. Together, these three priorities create a foundation to build the prosperity and competitiveness of the West in the 21st century.
Mandate
Our Vision
Programs
Organizational Information
Our Service Standards
Publications
Values and Ethics
Access to Information and Privacy
Mandate
To promote the development and diversification of the western Canadian economy, coordinate federal economic activities in the West, and reflect western Canadian interests in national decision making.
top of pageOur Vision
To be leaders in creating a more diversified western Canadian economy that has strong, competitive and innovative businesses and communities.
Programs
WD administers programs that advance innovation, entrepreneurship and community economic development in the four western provinces. This includes initiatives that are delivered directly by WD, as well as the western component of a number of national agreements.
In all our activities we work with other organizations including academic and financial institutions, research centers, not-for-profit organizations and other levels of government to maximize the benefits of our investment in Western Canada.
Organizational Information
WD is headed by the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. The Deputy Minister is Daniel Watson. View our organizational chart.
Our head office is in Edmonton, Alberta making us the only federal department headquartered in Western Canada. Regional offices are located in each of the other western provinces - Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Vancouver – and a liaison office in Ottawa. A regional satellite office also exists in Calgary. You can contact us at any of our offices by telephone, email, fax or write to us directly.
Our Service Standards
Our commitment is to provide you with a quality service. When you contact any of our Western Economic Diversification Canada offices, you will find knowledgeable and courteous staff, dedicated to effectively meeting your needs. Find out more about our Service Standards.
Publications
A large selection of publications is available electronically on our website, including:
- Working with the West: General overview of WD's priorities and programs and how our activities have benefited communities across Western Canada.
- Audit and Evaluation Reports: internal audits and evaluations of our programs, policies and initiatives.
- Report on Plans and Priorities: Information on departmental 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.
- Departmental Performance Report: Notes achievements against the performance expectations and commitments as set out in WD's Report on Plans and Priorities.
- Corporate Business Plan: an integrated overview of the department's strategic outcomes, priorities and expected performance objectives.
Values and Ethics
We are committed to meeting the standards of the Government of Canada Public Service Values and Ethics Code. Our Values and Ethics Statement makes explicit the core values and ethics that guide us as public servants in our professional activities.
Access to Information and Privacy
The Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) unit administers both the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act and ensures the Department’s compliance with the legislation. The unit is located at WD’s Headquarters office in Edmonton, Alberta.
All ATIP inquiries should be directed to WD's Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator.
