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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 three inter-related strategic priorities – Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Community Economic Development. Together, these three priorities create a foundation to build the prosperity and competitiveness of the West in the 21st century.
We promote the development and diversification of the economy of Western Canada and advance the interests of the West in national economic policy.
A stronger West. A stronger Canada
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.
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 business information needs. >> Read our Service Standards
WD administers programs that advance innovation, entrepreneurship and community economic development in the four western provinces. This includes initiatives that are direct programs, delivered directly by WD, as well as the western component of a number of national programs.
In all our activities we use innovative partnerships with public and private sectors, other levels of government, academic and financial institutions, and research centres to make the most of our investment in Western Canada.
WD Organizational Structure : WD is headed by the Minister of Western Economic Diversification, Rona Ambrose. The Deputy Minister is Oryssia Lennie.
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 a liaison office in Ottawa. A regional satellite office also exists in Calgary. You may Contact Us at any of our offices by telephone, email, fax or write to us directly.
A large selection of publications, research papers and special reports is available electronically on our website, including: