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 improve the long-term economic competitiveness of the West and the quality of life of its citizens by supporting a wide range of initiatives targeting inter-related project activities – innovation, business development and community economic development. These programs and services are supported by WD's policy, advocacy and coordination activities. Together, these priorities create a foundation to build the prosperity and competitiveness of the West in the 21st century.
Mandate
Our Vision
Programs (Link 1)
Organizational Information
Our Service Standards
Publications (Link 1)
Values and Ethics
Access to Information and Privacy
Promote the development and diversification of the economy of Western Canada and to advance the interests of the West in national economic policy, program and project development and implementation.
To be leaders in creating a more diversified western Canadian economy that has strong, competitive and innovative businesses and communities.
WD administers programs (Link 3) that advance innovation, business development and community economic development in rural and urban areas throughout the four western provinces. This includes initiatives that are delivered directly by WD, as well as the western component of a number of national agreements.
In all our activities we work with other organizations including academic and financial institutions, research centers, not-for-profit organizations and other levels of government to maximize the benefits of our investment in Western Canada.
WD is headed by the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. The Deputy Minister is Daphne Meredith. Our departmental organizational chart provides additional details on WD's workforce.
Our head office is in Edmonton, Alberta making us the only federal department headquartered in Western Canada. Regional offices are located in each of the other western provinces - Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Vancouver – and an office in Ottawa. A regional satellite office also exists in Calgary. You can contact us at any of our offices by telephone, email, fax or write to us directly.
Our commitment is to provide you with a quality service. When you contact any of our Western Economic Diversification Canada offices, you will find knowledgeable and courteous staff, dedicated to effectively meeting your needs. Find out more about our Service Standards.
A large selection of publications is available electronically on our website, including:
We are committed to meeting the standards of the Government of Canada Public Service Values and Ethics Code. Our Values and Ethics Statement makes explicit the core values and ethics that guide us as public servants in our professional activities.
The Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) unit administers both the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act and ensures the Department’s compliance with the legislation. The unit is located at WD’s Headquarters office in Edmonton, Alberta. For more information, or to find out how to make a request under these Acts consult our Access to Information and Privacy section.