Western Economic Diversification Canada | Diversification de l'économie de l'Ouest Canada

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Economic Research and Market Studies

Each year, WD supports a select number of research projects and initiatives that lead to a better understanding of critical areas such as: opportunities in medical research, start-up and growth trends in small business, research infrastructure capacity, urban growth challenges, and broad economic and social trends. WD usually funds these research initiatives in partnership with provincial governments, academic institutions, think tanks and private sector donors.

Recent research projects and initiatives sponsored in whole or in part by WD include the following:

Revisiting Portraits of Small Business Growth and Employment in Western Canada

This is the fourth report in a series investigating the small business sector in Western Canada. The previous studies underlined the challenges and demands of small business. This report addresses the quantifiable impact of small business on the Western Canadian economy. Portraits Revisited offers a sectoral and provincial breakdown of small business growth. The high tech sector is given special emphasis, due to its perceived significance. The roles of gender, education attained, and age in the composition of the self-employed are also examined

  • Revisiting Portraits of Small Business Growth and Employment in Western Canada
    Source: University of Alberta, Western Centre for Economic Research (WCER)
    May 2006     PDF This link leaves our Web site

Small Business Profile: A Profile of Business in British Columbia

Through the examination of growth trends over the last decade, this report is designed to answer some common questions about the role of small business in British Columbia. Key questions are addressed through a review of the number of businesses, the growth in employment, small business contribution to the economy, the industry breakdown of small businesses, small business impact on regional economies and the role of small business exporters.

  • Small Business Profile 2005
    October 2005 HTML | PDF
  • Small Business Profile 2004
    October 2004 HTML | PDF
  • Small Business Profile 2003
    October 2003 HTML | PDF

Saskatchewan's State of Trade 2005

Saskatchewan's State of Trade 2005 is a review of Saskatchewan's position in the international marketplace. It looks at the role of international and interprovincial trade in goods and services within the provincial economy.

  • Saskatchewan's State of Trade 2005
    Source: Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP)
    May 2005 HTML | PDF

Urban Reserves in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is home to the unique occurrence where new First Nations reserves are being created directly within existing municipal boundaries. An Urban Reserve is land that has received official Indian Reserve status from the Federal Government and is located within a municipality or a Northern Administration District. This report provides some historical context to the creation of new urban reserves, discusses some of the experiences associated with establishing these reserves, and explores some of the economic impacts associated with these reserves. It also looks at economic impacts, business and employment creation, and municipal costs and benefits related to servicing and taxation.

  • Urban Reserves in Saskatchewan
    Source: Western Economic Diversification Canada
    April 2005 | HTML | PDF

Western Canada's Cost Advantage: The Best Place to do Business!

This promotional brochure is based on the 2004 KPMG Competitive Alternatives international business cost study, a comprehensive guide for comparing business costs in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. The results of the study are expressed in comparison to the baseline results of the United States and indicate that, internationally; Canada is the overall cost leader. This brochure highlights the results of the six western Canadian cities studied: Vancouver, Kelowna, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Winnipeg. In comparison to cities in the western regions of the United States, the brochure demonstrates that Western Canada is a low-cost leader. WD developed this brochure in collaboration with International Trade Canada, Canadian Posts in the United States, and the western Provinces.

Western Canada's Small Business Markets: A Survey of Selling

Western Canada's Small Business Markets: A Survey of Selling was compiled by the University of Alberta's Western Centre for Economic Research with financial assistance from WD. The report presents new findings on export markets served by western Canadian small businesses in the technology, manufacturing and business services sectors.

  • Western Canada's Small Business Markets: A Survey of Selling
    Source:
    University of Alberta's Western Centre for Economic Research (WCER)
    December 2004 | PDF This link leaves our Web site

Biodiesel in British Columbia

The Biodiesel in British Columbia: Feasibility Study produced jointly between Eco-Literacy Canada and WISE Energy Co-op (WISE), evaluates the potential for biodiesel to become a feasible fuel in British Columbia. The study focuses on the potential to produce biodiesel from recycled bio-oils, rather than from virgin oils derived from agricultural seed crops, since B.C. has little available agricultural land. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the activities needed to establish commercial biodiesel entities in B.C., including an examination of standards and regulatory issues; technology availability; cost and processing analysis; potential markets and distribution channels; and environmental impact comparisons

  • Biodiesel in British Columbia: Feasibility Study
    Source: Eco-Literacy Canada and WISE Energy Co-op (WISE)
    May 2004 | PDF
  • Biodiesel in BC - Executive Summary
    HTML | PDF

A Primer on Western Canadian Entrepreneurship

This study, conducted by the Western Centre for Economic Research with financial assistance from Western Economic Diversification Canada, provides background on Western Canada's entrepreneurs. The Primer looks at various models describing the process of creating a new venture, considers the lessons provided by successful firms, and identifies some of the support structures available to start-ups in Western Canada.

Western Economic Diversification Canada: A Catalyst for Innovation in Western Canada

The purpose of this report was to conduct an outside, objective review of the role of WD with respect to innovation and its effectiveness in that role. The report found that WD has key characteristics that enable the department to be very effective in promoting innovation. They include the flexibility of its programming, its availability of funding and its familiarity with local economies, clusters and players, among other factors. The report also found the initiatives supported by WD are paving the way for future growth, and that WD activities are consistent with targets of Canada's Innovation Strategy.

  • WD: A Catalyst for Innovation in Western Canada
    Source: Ference Weicker & Company
    March 2003 | HTML | PDF

Data Inventory of Urban Aboriginal Research for Regina and Saskatoon

Good policy requires current, accurate, and complete data. As urban Aboriginal policy issues gain prominence in Saskatchewan, the need for the policy community to have a solid baseline of available data increases. The Inventory of Urban Aboriginal Research highlights data currently available, specifically for the urban Aboriginal population in Saskatoon and Regina.

Insights on Western Canada

An assessment of Western Canada's socio-economic performance and potential that explores issues common to the overall improvement of the region's quality of life and productive capacity and compares the region's performance against selected other jurisdictions.

  • Insights on Western Canada
    Source: Conference Board of Canada External Web site
    Register with the Conference Board's e-Library, Boardwise to download a complimentary copy

Canada West Foundations Building the New West Project

Launched in 2000 the Canada West Foundations Building the New West project is a multi-year research and public consultation project conducted by the Canada West Foundation. Register with the Canada West Foundation to download a complimentary copy of the following Building the New West publications:

The State of the West 2003 report provides an overview of key demographic and economic trends in western Canada.

The Looking West 2003 survey was designed to inform public, business and community leaders, and elected officials and public servants at all three levels of government about the views and perspectives of western Canadians. Canada West conducted research tapping into the views and opinions of western Canadians based on the priority areas outlined in this report and other key policy topics such as the environment and health care reform.

Building the New West: A Framework for Regional Economic Prosperity is a research report which explores the strategic position of western Canada in the global economy and creates a roadmap to future prosperity for the western region.

First Nations, Métis and Inuit Mobility Study

Western Diversification, in collaboration with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Manitoba Métis Federation Inc., has commissioned a study being conducted by the Institute for Urban Studies at the University of Winnipeg to track individuals' expectations and access to needed supports and services available to Aboriginal people who move to Winnipeg. A survey instrument was designed to capture individuals' experiences when they first arrive in Winnipeg and at subsequent intervals over a period of approximately 18 months. Interim Report One highlights the initial findings provided by the 525 Aboriginal participants who agreed to be part of this comprehensive study. Subsequent interviews will continue to monitor, compare and contrast these responses over time. Interim results are provided to permit consideration of critical needs and service issues on an ongoing basis.

  • First Nations, Métis and Inuit Mobility Study
    Source: Institute of Urban Studies - University of Winnipeg.
    Interim Report One - May 2003 | PDF External Web site (available in English only)

Canada West Health Innovation Council (CWHIC)

Formed to develop strategies to capitalize on existing strengths and innovation in Canada's health sector, to improve health services, to drive economic growth and to enable a return on health care investment. With the continuing support of WD, CWHIC is working to develop a novel network-based approach to generating economic development benefits from the regional health research and health care system. The project will enable CWHIC to create prototypes of western Canadian health innovation networks (HIN), collaborative structures and relationships designed to advance health areas.

  • May 2003 | Web site External Web site (available in English only)

A Profile of Small and Medium-Sized Exporters (SMXs) in British Columbia

This study provides a profile of BC's small and medium-sized exporters, describing growth in the number and the value of their exports, how those in BC compare with other regions in Canada, the countries they ship to, the industries they are concentrated in and the types of commodities they export.

  • A Profile of Small and Medium-Sized Exporters (SMXs) in British Columbia
    Source: British Columbia Ministry of Competition, Science and Enterprise, and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
    December 2002 | HTML | PDF

Economic Benefits of the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) Program in Moose Jaw

The Moose Jaw Air Base has had a nearly 75 year history with Moose Jaw involving flight training for Canadian and international military pilots. This independent assessment of the economic impact resulting from the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) Program on the Moose Jaw and provincial economies.

  • NTFC Economic Benefits Study
    Source: Derek Murray Consulting Associates
    December 2002 | HTML | PDF

Territorial Review of Canada

This project was undertaken at the request of the Government of Canada, with the cost being shared between the line departments and regional agencies - including WD - that were members of the Interdepartmental Steering Committee. Territorial Reviews conducted by the OECD cover social, economic, governance and environmental policies, along with urban and rural development.

  • Territorial Review of Canada .
    Source: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
    September 2002 | Web site External Web site

Shaping the Future of Health Research and Economic Development in Western Canada

A report on the discussions and recommendations from the Public Policy Forum Roundtable on Canada's Knowledge Economy, held in Aylmer (Quebec) in August 2002. Representatives from business, federal and provincial governments, the voluntary sector and the labour movements identified the key issues concerning sustainability of Canada's health care system and summarizing challenges and issues for further investigation and study in the continuing advancement of health innovation as an economic benefit in Canada's political and fiscal agendas.

  • August 2002 | PDF External Web site (available in English only)

Rural Youth Migration: Exploring the Reality Behind The Myths

A study of the views held by youth and community leaders regarding the challenges involved in attracting and retaining young people in rural Canadian communities. This Discussion Paper offers directions for enhancing opportunities for youth to more actively participate in Canada's rural economic growth and diversification.

  • Rural Youth Study, Phase II
    Source: Canadian Rural Partnership
    March 2002 | HTML | PDF External Web site

A Portrait of Small Business Growth and Employment in Western Canada

A study of how small business has grown and an examination of the sectoral and geographic concentration of small business over the past ten years. Conducted by the Western Centre for Economic Research with financial assistance provided by Western Economic Diversification, this report examines important trends in small business issues over the past ten years.

Canadian Agri-value Interests in the Canadian Standards Strategy

This study examines the opportunities and challenges of using standards to create and maintain markets, and of offering a policy framework for standards development in agri-value and other emerging biodiverse industries in Canada. Consumers are losing their base for understanding the products they consume and regulators no longer have the information they need to keep pace with rapid technical change. Private firms or collective groups of firms who possess information about new products must take the initiative to create either brands or standards in order to recapture their markets. The aim of this research is to have industry identify strategic goals, assume responsibility, and to begin the process to develop, adapt or adopt standards for their respective markets that will enable them to grow and add increased value.

  • Canadian Agri-value Interests in the Canadian Standards Strategy
    Source : Tom Porter (B.C.Consulting Services), Peter W.B. Phillips (University of Saskatchewan), Oswald L. Henry (CYROJUS Mgmt Inc.)
    - March 2001 HTML | PDF

Guidelines for Federal Policy Priorities in Urban Areas

An assessment of the Government of Canada's role in addressing the opportunities and challenges facing urban centres. Today, Canadian cities are facing dynamic economic, social, demographic and environmental forces that, although quite different from the circumstances that precipitated past federal involvement in urban issues, are nevertheless creating a set of circumstances and impacts that are beyond the scope of any one level of government.

  • Guidelines for Federal Policy Priorities in Urban Areas
    Source: Institute of Urban Studies - University of Winnipeg.
    January 2001 | HTML | PDF

Assessing the Business Information Needs of Aboriginal Entrepreneurs in British Columbia

This study, sponsored by WD in partnership with the B.C. Ministry of Small Business, explored the business information needs of B.C.'s Aboriginal entrepreneurs. The project studied the tools and services available to them, as well as the gaps between what is needed and what is currently offered. Finally, recommendations were made for improved service provision in the future.

  • Assessing the Business Information Needs of Aboriginal Entrepreneurs in British Columbia
    Source: Community Economic Development Centre (CEDC), Simon Fraser University
    February 2000 | PDF (Executive Summary PDF )
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