Question Period Note: Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) 2024-2025 Departmental Plan

Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) 2024-2025 Departmental Plan

• The 2024-2025 Departmental Plan for PrairiesCan was tabled on February 29, 2024, and outlines our priority of economic growth on the Prairies.
•As set out in the plan, PrairiesCan will focus on three priorities:
o Greening the Prairie Economy - enabling the success of the green economy in a net-zero future and implementing the Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy.
o New Value and Competitiveness - accelerating economic growth through new sources of value and innovation in traditional sectors.
o Inclusivity - fostering a more equitable and inclusive economy by supporting the economic participation of underrepresented groups such as Indigenous Peoples, black Canadians, women, and youth.

•Through this plan PrairiesCan will create over 7100 jobs and drive over $400 million in exports by March 31, 2025.
•PrairiesCan’s strategic investments and support for small and medium businesses will help ensure a strong and sustainable Prairie economy.

If prompted on funding in the Departmental Plan:
• The PrairiesCan Departmental Plan reflects planned spending of $321.3 million in 2024-2025.
• Of this total, $307.8 million will support economic development initiatives in the Prairies, including:
o $117.5 million to support innovation;
o $61 million to support business growth;
o $31.6 million to support business services; and
o $97.5 million to support community initiatives.
• The remaining $13.4 million will be allocated to PrairiesCan’s internal services.
• PrairiesCan is contributing to the Refocusing Government Spending initiative. For PrairiesCan, this represents a reduction of $904,000 in the areas of travel and external professional services.