Western Economic Diversification Canada
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 strengthen Western Canada's economy, promote the development and diversification of the economy of Western Canada, and advance the interests of the West in national economic policy. WD’s programs and services support three strategic directions: innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable communities. It also supports the Western Canada Business Service Network, which offers over 100 points of service across the West. In all its activities, WD uses innovative partnerships with public and private sectors, other levels of government, academic and financial institutions, and research centres to make the most of its investment in Western Canada.
Some key programs run by Western Economic Diversification include the following:
- Western Economic Partnership Agreements, which are joint federal/provincial initiatives aimed at fostering increased economic activity and improving the quality of life in communities across Western Canada.
- Urban Development Agreements, which are a partnership of federal, provincial and municipal governments working in collaboration on broad issues such as inner city revitalization, strengthened innovation, or sustainable economic development.
- Western Canada Business Service Network, which consists of several integrated organizations that provide entrepreneurs with the expertise they need to start a new business or expand their existing company.
- Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment Initiative, which was created to help forest-dependent communities create opportunities for economic development in order to stimulate investment and job creation.
More information about Western Economic Diversification is available on their website.
http://www.wd.gc.ca |
