Public Sector Initiatives

WD provides funding for initiatives that support our three strategic priorities: innovation, entrepreneurship and community economic development. Many of these sources of funding are offered through cost-sharing partnerships with other levels of government, including:

Western Economic Partnership Agreements (WEPAs) (eligibility criteria) are multi-year funding commitments to strengthen economic activity and improve quality of life in western communities. WEPAs are cost-shared equally with each of the four western provinces, with a total of $200 million allocated to initiatives identified as federal and provincial priorities.
Urban Development Agreements are partnerships of federal, provincial and municipal governments working in collaboration on broad issues such as inner city revitalization, strengthened innovation or sustainable economic development.
Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement (eligibility criteria) is a five-year $20 million agreement that will help northern Canadians improve regional economic infrastructure, employment prospects, educational and business expertise. It will also increase research and industry innovation, and improve the region's ability to attract business investment.

WD is also responsible for delivering a variety of national initiatives in the West, including:

The Urban Aboriginal Strategy, funded by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, aims to reduce the level of disparity that urban Aboriginal people currently face by tailoring government programs to address the local needs and priorities of Aboriginal people living in cities. WD is responsible for implementation of Urban Aboriginal Strategy projects in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba. Service Canada delivers this initiative in Saskatchewan.
The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund will invest $278 million in the West to improve and increase the stock of core public infrastructure in areas such as water, wastewater, culture and recreation. Delivered by WD in the West, the source of funding for this program is Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
The Infrastructure Canada Program is a six-year program that has invested over $543 million in more than 1,600 projects that are improving the environment, supporting long-term economic growth and enhancing community infrastructure across the West. Although no new applications are being accepted, program funds are still being disbursed.