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Message from the Minister
Our new Prime Minister has set out an ambitious agenda for the Government of Canada, focused on building a modern economy, strengthening Canada's social foundations, and ensuring Canada's place in the world. Sustainable development is at the heart of action by all Canadians to create sustainable economic growth and a high quality of life that balances economic, social and environmental considerations.
At Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), we consider sustainability an integral part of every decision-making process. WD activities support the economic well-being of Western Canada, while also making significant contributions to environmental and social needs. Our three strategic directions - innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable communities - are also priorities of our Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS). We believe that by building a stronger West, we are building a stronger Canada.
This is WD's third Sustainable Development Strategy, following successful strategies in 2000 and 1997. It builds on these previous strategies as well as on an independent evaluation of SDS 2000 and several consultations within the department and with outside organizations.
Four key activities, which are consistent with WD's mandate and strategic directions, provide the framework for this third round of sustainable development planning:
- Provide information to WD staff and our partners on the practical applications and benefits of sustainable development;
- Invest in the development and commercialization of environmental technologies and processes in Western Canada;
- Invest in projects that enable western Canadian communities to improve their social, environmental, and economic sustainability; and,
- Provide information to western Canadian businesses on sustainable development concepts, practices and benefits.
WD will continue to promote and support sustainable development projects and discussions in Western Canada, such as our Western Canadian Environmental Technology Forum in December 2003 and the World Urban Forum, being planned for 2006.
In collaborating with governments and industry, we will also continue to seize every opportunity for integrating our sustainable development goals into our daily activities. In this way, we will ultimately achieve our vision of a truly sustainable future.
The Honourable Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan
Minister of Western Economic Diversification
[2003.12.12 - 2004.07.19]