WD commissioned this study to assess the impact of innovation investments it has made through the department’s Western Diversification Program in two main area: technology adoption and commercialization, and knowledge infrastructure. The study reviews projects from April 1, 2002 to March 31, 2007. 

Small businesses are vital to the economy of British Columbia. Small Business Profile 2008 emphasizes the important role of small and medium-sized businesses in British Columbia’s economy. The report examines new trends and key statistics in British Columbia’s small business sector including: growth, employment, gross domestic product, women entrepreneurs, exports and regional distribution. These reports are available through the Small Business BC website:

BC Small Business Profile 2009

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BC Small Business Profile 2008

BC Small Business Profile 2007

This study assesses the impact of the work done by the four Francophone Economic Development Organizations (FEDOs) funded by Western Economic Diversification Canada  in each of the western provinces for the five years from April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2008. It includes a detailed analysis of 124 projects representing the services provided by the FEDOs.

Free Trade Zones are generally defined as secured areas where goods can be stored or processed without custom duties, excise or inventory taxes. They can be geographically defined or firm-based and are used by many countries to increase value-added production, build on trade and industry strengths, and promote foreign direct investment.

WD commissioned this research report to provide a basic overview of the concept of Free Trade Zones and a comparative analysis of 11 different zones located in United States, Asia, Europe and South America. The report highlights the wide variety of governance, incentives, programs and initiatives that Free Trade Zones can include. In addition, each sample Free Trade Zone is analyzed in terms of six key elements: a general description; infrastructure; business sectors; incentives; business inputs; and investors.

This study was conducted in two phases to assess both outputs and outcomes of the four Women’s Enterprise Initiative (WEI) organizations during the five year period from April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2008. WD established the WEI in 1994 to encourage the establishment and growth of women-owned and controlled businesses, encourage self-employment and business development, and promote economic equality between men and women. The WEI is implemented by not-for-profit organizations in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The research study Western Canada and Latin America: Existing and Potential Commercial Relationships assesses Western Canada’s current and potential economic relationships with Latin America and the Caribbean. The study identifies opportunities to enhance bilateral trade and investment linkages, and identifies business opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean that align with capabilities in Western Canada, particularly related to science and technology. The full report will be posted early in 2009.

Reaching Out: Exploring SME Exporting Opportunities and Challenges, a study conducted by the Western Centre for Economic Research and based on a survey of nearly 400 western businesses with fewer than 100 employees, examines exports made by small- and medium-sized enterprises to the United States and other international markets.

Exporting provides important opportunities for growth and profit in the small business sector, which is an extremely important component of the Western Canadian economy. Funded by WD, the study examines issues on global trade opportunities and offers an in-depth analysis of the role of exports in growth strategies, the marketing chain, perceived barriers to exporting and indirect exporting and the role of foreign suppliers. It also provides specific recommendations for improving Western Canada’s export performance.

For more details on this research visit the WCER website to download the full report, executive summary and the brochure.

The NEXT West Project was a three-year (April 2005-March 2008) research, consultation, and communication initiative that explored economic, generational, and community transformations in western Canada over the next two decades.  The NEXT West Project engaged western Canadians from across the spectrum to generate and debate public policy strategies best able to promote economic prosperity and quality of life in the region, over the long-term.

Reports and information about the NEXT West Project can be accessed through the Canada West Foundation website.  A selection of publications released to date include:

This study reports on the qualitative and quantitative impact of investments made in life sciences by WD during the six-year period from April 1, 2000 to March 31, 2006.  WD delivers financial assistance around three inter-related strategic priorities: entrepreneurship and innovation, sustainable communities, and policy, advocacy and coordination. It is through the entrepreneurship and innovation priority that WD works to strengthen Western Canada's innovation system and to increase the capacity of Western Canada's knowledge-based economy.

This promotional brochure is based on the 2006 KPMG Competitive Alternatives international business cost study, a comprehensive guide for comparing business costs in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. The results of the study are expressed in comparison to the baseline results of the United States and indicate that, internationally; Canada is  among the lowest cost regions in which to do business. This brochure highlights the results and focuses on six industrial sectors; Aerospace, Agrifood, Biotechnology, Environmental Technology, Information and Communications Technologies, and Medical Devices. WD developed this brochure in collaboration with International Trade Canada, Canadian Posts in the United States, and the western Provinces.

This is the fourth report in a series investigating the small business sector in Western Canada. The previous studies underlined the challenges and demands of small business. This report addresses the quantifiable impact of small business on the Western Canadian economy. Portraits Revisited offers a sectoral and provincial breakdown of small business growth. The high tech sector is given special emphasis, due to its perceived significance. The roles of gender, education attained, and age in the composition of the self-employed are also examined.

Saskatchewan's State of Trade 2005 is a review of Saskatchewan's position in the international marketplace. It looks at the role of international and interprovincial trade in goods and services within the provincial economy.

Saskatchewan is home to the unique occurrence where new First Nations reserves are being created directly within existing municipal boundaries. An Urban Reserve is land that has received official Indian Reserve status from the Federal Government and is located within a municipality or a Northern Administration District. This report provides some historical context to the creation of new urban reserves, discusses some of the experiences associated with establishing these reserves, and explores some of the economic impacts associated with these reserves. It also looks at economic impacts, business and employment creation, and municipal costs and benefits related to servicing and taxation.

Western Canada's Small Business Markets: A Survey of Selling was compiled by the University of Alberta's Western Centre for Economic Research with financial assistance from WD. The report presents new findings on export markets served by western Canadian small businesses in the technology, manufacturing and business services sectors.

The Biodiesel in British Columbia: Feasibility Study produced jointly between Eco-Literacy Canada and WISE Energy Co-op (WISE), evaluates the potential for biodiesel to become a feasible fuel in British Columbia. The study focuses on the potential to produce biodiesel from recycled bio-oils, rather than from virgin oils derived from agricultural seed crops, since B.C. has little available agricultural land. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the activities needed to establish commercial biodiesel entities in B.C., including an examination of standards and regulatory issues; technology availability; cost and processing analysis; potential markets and distribution channels; and environmental impact comparisons.

This study, conducted by the Western Centre for Economic Research with financial assistance from Western Economic Diversification Canada, provides background on Western Canada's entrepreneurs. The Primer looks at various models describing the process of creating a new venture, considers the lessons provided by successful firms, and identifies some of the support structures available to start-ups in Western Canada.

The purpose of this report was to conduct an outside, objective review of the role of WD with respect to innovation and its effectiveness in that role. The report found that WD has key characteristics that enable the department to be very effective in promoting innovation. They include the flexibility of its programming, its availability of funding and its familiarity with local economies, clusters and players, among other factors. The report also found the initiatives supported by WD are paving the way for future growth, and that WD activities are consistent with targets of Canada's Innovation Strategy.

An assessment of Western Canada's socio-economic performance and potential that explores issues common to the overall improvement of the region's quality of life and productive capacity and compares the region's performance against selected other jurisdictions.

Launched in 2000 the Canada West Foundations Building the New West project is a multi-year research and public consultation project conducted by the Canada West Foundation. Register with the Canada West Foundation to download a complimentary copy of the following Building the New West publications:

The State of the West 2003 report provides an overview of key demographic and economic trends in western Canada.

The Looking West 2003 survey was designed to inform public, business and community leaders, and elected officials and public servants at all three levels of government about the views and perspectives of western Canadians. Canada West conducted research tapping into the views and opinions of western Canadians based on the priority areas outlined in this report and other key policy topics such as the environment and health care reform.

Building the New West: A Framework for Regional Economic Prosperity is a research report which explores the strategic position of western Canada in the global economy and creates a roadmap to future prosperity for the western region.

Western Diversification, in collaboration with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Manitoba Métis Federation Inc., has commissioned a study being conducted by the Institute for Urban Studies at the University of Winnipeg to track individuals' expectations and access to needed supports and services available to Aboriginal people who move to Winnipeg. A survey instrument was designed to capture individuals' experiences when they first arrive in Winnipeg and at subsequent intervals over a period of approximately 18 months. Interim Report One highlights the initial findings provided by the 525 Aboriginal participants who agreed to be part of this comprehensive study. Subsequent interviews will continue to monitor, compare and contrast these responses over time. Interim results are provided to permit consideration of critical needs and service issues on an ongoing basis.

This study provides a profile of BC's small and medium-sized exporters, describing growth in the number and the value of their exports, how those in BC compare with other regions in Canada, the countries they ship to, the industries they are concentrated in and the types of commodities they export.

The Moose Jaw Air Base has had a nearly 75 year history with Moose Jaw involving flight training for Canadian and international military pilots. This independent assessment of the economic impact resulting from the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) Program on the Moose Jaw and provincial economies

This project was undertaken at the request of the Government of Canada, with the cost being shared between the line departments and regional agencies - including WD - that were members of the Interdepartmental Steering Committee. Territorial Reviews conducted by the OECD cover social, economic, governance and environmental policies, along with urban and rural development.

A report on the discussions and recommendations from the Public Policy Forum Roundtable on Canada's Knowledge Economy, held in Aylmer (Quebec) in August 2002. Representatives from business, federal and provincial governments, the voluntary sector and the labour movements identified the key issues concerning sustainability of Canada's health care system and summarizing challenges and issues for further investigation and study in the continuing advancement of health innovation as an economic benefit in Canada's political and fiscal agendas.

Public Policy Forum Roundtable Report
Source: Public Policy Forum (August 2002)

• PDF (Public Policy Forum website)

A study of the views held by youth and community leaders regarding the challenges involved in attracting and retaining young people in rural Canadian communities. This Discussion Paper offers directions for enhancing opportunities for youth to more actively participate in Canada's rural economic growth and diversification.