Investments in the West

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) was established in 1987 to help broaden the economic base of the four western provinces – British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Under the Western Economic Diversification Act, 1988, the department is mandated to “promote the development and diversification of the economy of Western Canada and to advance the interests of Western Canada in national economic policy, program and project development and implementation.”

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 western Canadian communities with a high quality of life. (Community Economic Development); and
• Policies and programs that support the economic development of Western Canada.

These programs and services are supported by WD’s policy, advocacy and coordination activities which are designed to result in effective strategies, policies and programs to address the economic development needs of Western Canada.

WD’s strategic investments in each of these areas are working to create a stronger West in a stronger Canada.