Question Period Note: WD: Departmental Results

How has WD contributed to the western Canadian economy?

• This government is is about partnering with Westerners to develop the West’s economy and advance their economic interests.
• I am committed to moving the western Canadian economy forward and taking action to help entrepreneurs succeed, grow, and create well-paying jobs.
• I am building on the work of WD to accelerate the growth of western Canada’s economy, create well-paying middle class jobs, strengthen local communities, and grow innovative companies in the region.
• Since 2015, WD investments in innovation and business development projects have helped to create or maintain just under 9400 jobs, and have significantly assisted western Canadian businesses, by:
o Generating $572 million in sales growth resulting from commercialization of a product, process or service.
o Increasing export sales by over $2.25 billion, based on client surveys following their participation in export development activities supported by WD.
o Attracting over $1 billion of foreign direct investment into western Canada.
o In that same time frame, WD has helped more than 300 communities get projects off the ground.
• Over the last 8 years, 4 of the 5 most expensive natural disasters in Canada’s history occurred in the West and WD has been there to help.
o In response to the worst wildfire seasons in British Columbia's history in 2017 and 2018, WD supported over 3,500 impacted businesses to rebuild in their communities. This included 912 women-led enterprises and 625 Indigenous businesses.

SUPPLEMENTARY MESSAGES
WD Budget:
• With a 2019-20 budget of more than $305 million, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) works to spur diversification, innovation, and economic growth in communities across the West, while advancing Westerners economic interests in Ottawa.
• The Department plans to invest $258 million in businesses and communities.

For over 30 years, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) has promoted growth and diversification in the western Canadian economy. WD’s responsive programs and services help businesses, not-for-profits, and communities grow stronger and continue to prosper.

WD helps to develop the western Canadian economy and advance its interests in the Ottawa through the following key roles:
• Investor: targeted funding to businesses and not-for-profit organizations to spur diversification, innovation, and community economic growth.
• Delivery Agent: advancing national priorities and responding to regional economic dynamics.
• Strategic Advisor and Intelligence Gatherer: using place-based research and knowledge to advocate for regional interests in national policy discussions.
• Pathfinder and Convener: connecting key economic actors, including governments, industry, post-secondary institutions, and Indigenous groups, with federal departments and other partners.

WD’s current strategic framework focuses on the department’s approach toward priorities of cluster growth and inclusiveness. Through investments and relationship-building, the department helps innovative western businesses scale-up and access global markets. WD is also working to increase economic participation of Indigenous peoples, women, and youth.

Advancing these priorities helps unlock the potential of western Canadians and build momentum in high-performing areas of the economy.

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