ARCHIVED - Western Economic Diversification Canada

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Minister’s Message

Protecting Western Canada’s Future

As Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification, I am pleased to present the department’s Report on Plans and Priorities for 2009–2010.

Since 1987, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) has worked on behalf of western Canadians to ensure the long-term development and diversification of a dynamic regional economy.  Western Canada’s rich and diverse natural heritage, coupled with a growing innovation and entrepreneurial culture, contributes to the region’s economic stability and prosperity.

As Canada navigates today’s global economic uncertainty, WD will continue to work to help address the challenges faced by western communities and businesses.  Now more than ever, WD’s role supporting economic diversification and investing in innovation and economic development will help to effectively bridge the gap between economic downturn and recovery.

In the coming year, WD will continue to strengthen Western Canada’s economy by investing in projects, programs and partnerships that support entrepreneurship, strengthen and contribute toward a sound economic future for western Canadians.

 

 

The Honourable Jim Prentice, P.C., Q.C., M.P.

 

Minister of State’s Message

New ideas, new business, new jobs

Western Canada’s abundance of natural resources, entrepreneurial talent, and innovative leaders make the West a truly dynamic economic driver for Canada.  Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) continues to build a sound western economy by growing new ideas, supporting new business, and creating new jobs.

Innovation drives economic growth – it is about the new ideas that bring economic benefits from research.  WD will concentrate its investments in research and development while focusing on bringing new products, services, and technologies to market.  WD investments in the research, technologies, and people that create value from ideas position the West as a leader in innovation.  Through innovation, we strengthen the economy for the long-term. 

WD has taken many steps to support our entrepreneurs and this support fuels new business.  Entrepreneurs have access to 100 points of service across the West that provide business advice and services to help them succeed by improving skills, increasing access to capital, and expanding participation in key export markets. 

WD also works closely with western communities to diversify their economies.  By helping communities take advantage of economic opportunities and adjust to changing economic circumstances, we are maintaining and creating new jobs.  Combined with our delivery of community infrastructure, on behalf of Infrastructure Canada through the Building Canada plan, we are strengthening the West for the long-term.

It is important that our programs and policies remain relevant and effective for the West.  In order to achieve these goals, WD regularly consults with western Canadians to better understand regional needs and represents the West in national decision making.

As we move forward, we will continue to help build on regional strengths to diversify the western economy by investing in western communities, entrepreneurs and innovators.  At WD, we know that a strong West will mean a stronger Canada.

 

 

The Honourable Lynne Yelich, P.C., M.P.

Section I – Department Overview

1.1 Summary Information

Raison d’être & Responsibilities

Western Economic Diversification Canada was established in 1987 to lessen the West’s (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia) strong economic dependence on its natural resources.  Under the Western Economic Diversification Act, 1988, the department is mandated to:

WD’s Deputy Minister (DM) is based in its Headquarters office in Edmonton, Alberta.  Regional offices are located in each of the western provinces – Vancouver, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg, with a liaison office in Ottawa and regional satellite offices in Calgary and Victoria.

WD’s programs to encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and community economic development are supported by the Department’s leadership and coordination role in furthering western interests and responding to western challenges.  The Department works strategically through partnerships – with all orders of government, academic and research institutes, industry associations, and not-for-profit organizations – to implement initiatives that leverage funds and expertise for the benefit of the West and westerners.

Through its core resources, WD:

• Implements multi-year contribution programming such as the Western Economic Partnership Agreements (WEPAs) with western stakeholders.   These agreements between the Government of Canada and the four western provinces address economic challenges by investing in shared priorities that include –

• supporting the creation and growth of research and development, with a focus on getting new products, technologies and services out to market;
• supporting trade and investment;
• enhancing business productivity and competitiveness; and
• increasing value-added production in traditional industries.

• Invests in pan-western and other projects that are focused on delivering results that contribute to WD’s Strategic Outcomes; and
• Supports the Western Canada Business Service Network which provides more than 100 points of service in rural and urban communities across the West where entrepreneurs can get assistance in starting and growing businesses.

In support of national initiatives on behalf of the federal government, WD also:

• Delivers initiatives to mitigate the impact of the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation in the province of BC; and
• Works with provinces and municipalities to deliver a variety of infrastructure programming in the West, in partnership with Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Portfolio departments.

Strategic Outcomes

In order to effectively pursue its mandate, WD aims to achieve the following strategic outcomes:

During this reporting period, WD will focus on the following operational priorities in order to achieve progress towards its Strategic Outcomes and better results for Canadians:

• Technology Commercialization,
• Trade and Investment,
• Business Productivity and Competitiveness, and
• Rural Diversification.

In addition, the Department has chosen to focus attention on the following management priorities which commit WD to strive towards a level of excellence in the management of its allocated resources in pursuing its Strategic Outcomes:

• Public Service Renewal,
• Performance Measurement, and
• Integrated Risk Management.

Through these investments, along with WD’s leadership in advocating for and responding to western challenges, WD is building a stronger West in a stronger Canada. 

 

Program Activity Architecture

The chart below illustrates WD’s complete framework of program activities and program sub-activities, which roll-up and contribute to progress toward WD’s Strategic Outcomes.

1.2 Planning Summary

Financial Resources ($ thousands)

2009-2010	2010-2011	2011-2012
242,521	158,837	151,375

The financial resources table above provides a summary of the total planned spending for WD for the next three fiscal years.

Explanations for reductions in planned spending for this period are covered under each of the Strategic Outcomes. 

Human Resources (FTEs)

2009-2010	2010-2011	2011-2012
401	386	383

The human resources table above provides a summary of the total planned human resources for WD for the next three fiscal years.  The decrease in FTE count in future years reflects the sunsetting of the incremental funding provided in Budget 2005, and the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Funding program.

Voted and Statutory Items displayed in the Main Estimates
($ millions)

Vote # or Statutory Item (S)	Truncated Vote or Statutory Wording	2008-09 Main Estimates	2009-10 Main Estimates
1	Operating expenditures	48,753	41,725
5	Grants and contributions	215,271	195,245
(S)	Contributions to employee benefit plans	5,322	4,801
Total		269,346	241,771

 

Strategic Outcome (SO) 1:
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
The western Canadian economy is competitive, expanded and diversified.

Performance Indicators	Targets
Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth	3.2% (Stable growth rate)
Annual International Trade:  value of exports excluding primary production sectors, $ million	$42,922 (Increase)
Research & Development (R&D) intensity:  Gross Domestic Expenditures on R&D (GERD) as % of GDP	1.3% (Stable)

Program Activity	Expected Results	Forecast Spending 2008-09 ($ thousands)	Planned Spending ($ thousands)			Alignment to Government of Canada Outcomes
			2009-2010	2010-2011	2011-2012
Business Development and Entrepreneurship	Strong SMEs in Western Canada with improved capacity to remain competitive in the global marketplace.	58,043	48,849	38,989	38,478	Strong Economic Growth
Innovation	A stronger knowledge-based economy.	87,506	77,264	55,036	49,070	An Innovative and Knowledge-based Economy
Total for SO 1		145,549	126,113	94,025	87,548

Business Development and Entrepreneurship – The change in planned spending for Business Development and Entrepreneurship in 2009–2010 and future years is due to a reallocation of resources to the new Internal Services program activity and the sunsetting of the incremental funding provided in Budget 2005 and the Canada Business service centres¹, pending renewal of this program.

Innovation – The change in planned spending for Innovation in 2009–2010 and future years is primarily due to the completion of the construction of the International Vaccine Centre’s (InterVac) Biosafety Level II Containment Facility in Saskatoon, the reallocation of resources to the new Internal Services program activity and the sunsetting of the incremental funding provided in Budget 2005.

Strategic Outcome 2:
Community Economic Development
Communities in Western Canada are economically viable.

Performance Indicators	Targets
Disposable income per capita	$31,082 (Increase)
Labour productivity growth – real GDP per hour worked	1.2% (Stable growth rate)

Program Activity	Expected Results	Forecast Spending 2008-09 ($ thousands)	Planned Spending ($ thousands)			Alignment to Government of Canada Outcomes
			2009-2010	2010-2011	2011-2012
Community Economic Planning, Development and Adjustment	Communities have increased economic opportunities and capacity to respond to challenges.	109,506	81,280	37,389	36,946	Strong Economic Growth
Infrastructure	To maximize economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits to western Canadians through investments in public infrastructure in a coordinated manner with provincial and municipal governments.	2,265	7,566	1,040	574	Strong Economic Growth
Total for SO2		111,771	88,846	38,429	37,520

Community Economic Planning, Development and Adjustment – The change in planned spending for Community Economic Planning, Development and Adjustment in 2009–2010 and future years is primarily due to the completion of the Mountain Pine Beetle Initiatives (Community Economic Diversification Initiative and the Airport Improvements Initiative) as well as the Alberta and Saskatchewan Centenaries projects. It also reflects a reallocation of resources to the new Internal Services program activity and the sunsetting of the incremental funding provided in Budget 2005.

Infrastructure – The change in planned spending for Infrastructure in 2009–2010 and future years is due to the sunsetting of the Infrastructure Canada Program funding and the reduced operating resources related to the delivery of the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.

WD continues to deliver programs such as the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) and projects under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF), on behalf of Infrastructure Canada, through an Other Government Department (OGD) suspense account. Under this delivery mechanism the Grants and Contributions resources associated with these programs are reflected in Infrastructure Canada’s reference level. WD will deliver the Building Canada Fund – Community Component and non-transportation related Major Infrastructure Component projects over a seven-year period.

Strategic Outcome 3:
Policy, Advocacy & Coordination
Policies and programs that strengthen the western Canadian economy

Performance Indicators	Targets
Percentage of key informants with the opinion that WD activities provide policies and programs that support the economic development of Western Canada.	55%
$’s of project funding ($’s WD project funding plus $’s leveraged)	$350,040,000
% of projects completed this fiscal year that successfully met or exceeded performance targets	85%

Program Activity	Expected Results	Forecast Spending 2008-09 ($ thousands)	Planned Spending ($ thousands)			Alignment to Government of Canada Outcomes
			2009-2010	2010-2011	2011-2012
Collaboration and Coordination	Better-coordinated economic development activities, policies and programs in the West.	6,055	2,888	2,789	2,783	Strong Economic Growth
Research and Analysis	Improved understanding of western Canadian economic issues, challenges, opportunities and priorities.	4,254	2,666	2,610	2,606	Strong Economic Growth
Advocacy	Decisions by other organizations that improve economic policies and programs in the West.	2,818	3,246	3,211	3,213	Strong Economic Growth
Total for SO3		13,127	8,800	8,610	8,602

Collaboration and Coordination; Research and Analysis; and Advocacy - The changes in these three program activities are primarily the result of the reallocation of WD operating resources to the new Internal Services Program Activity.

Strategic Outcome 4: The following program activity supports all strategic outcomes within this organization

Program Activity	Forecast Spending 2008-09 ($ thousands)	Planned Spending ($ thousands)			Alignment to Government of Canada Outcomes
		2009-2010	2010-2011	2011-2012
Internal Services	N/A	18,762	17,773	17,705	Strong Economic Growth & An Innovative and Knowledge-based Economy
Total for SO 4	N/A	18,762	17,773	17,705

Contribution of Priorities to Strategic Outcome(s)

Operational Priorities	Type2	Links to Strategic Outcome (SO) & Program Activity (PA)	Description
Technology Commercialization	Ongoing	SO 1 PA - Innovation	Why is this a priority? WD’s investments in innovation and technology commercialization are the foundation for diversification to the knowledge-based economy and align with the federal Science and Technology Strategy. Internationally, science, technology and innovation are recognized as key to competitiveness and prosperity.  This priority is reflected in federal and provincial innovation and economic strategies, which promote Western Canada’s knowledge advantage through a focus on research and development (R&D), highly skilled personnel and commercialization. Key sectors/clusters include information and communications technologies (ICT) and new media, health and related life sciences, environmental science and technologies, and natural resources and energy. New knowledge and technologies developed at research universities often provide the platform for new companies and are a measure of economic outcomes.  From 2003 to 2005, sponsored research at western universities increased by 67%, while total income from commercialization of Intellectual Property increased by 2%, which indicates that economic outcomes from research are not increasing proportionally to the level of research. In order to commercialize technologies, firms require financing, often in the form of early stage venture capital to support company formation and growth.  The long-term trends for venture capital are downward in the West.  During the nine- month period ending September 30, 2008, venture capital investments decreased by 50% over the same period in 2007. Plans for meeting the priority In order to facilitate the translation of knowledge and technology into commercial opportunities, WD will make strategic investments in technology commercialization and adoption projects leading to an increase in the number of technologies developed in research institutions that have commercialization potential, and an increase in technologies adopted by existing firms.  WD will undertake further sector research and analysis to pinpoint gaps and opportunities and new programming and delivery options will be explored.
Trade and Investment	Ongoing	SO 1 PA – Business Development and Entrepreneurship	Why is this a priority? Western Canada is highly dependent on foreign trade with exports accounting for roughly 34% of Western Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). A key challenge facing Western Canada is to build on the existing strengths of a primarily resource-based economy while adapting to the intensifying pressures to remain internationally competitive particularly in emerging sectors.  Western Canada’s future prosperity is heavily dependent on its ability to open international markets and attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Strengthening relations with the United States, accessing world markets via free trade agreements, enhancing business opportunities through gateways and corridors, and raising the thresholds for foreign investment, are priorities of the Government of Canada as reflected in components of the Global Commerce Strategy. Plans for meeting the priority WD will focus its efforts on enhancing SME participation in international business development; enhancing value-added opportunities connected to Western Canada’s gateways and corridors, and enhancing investment attraction by:    Supporting international business development projects targeting the US and Mexico through the North American Platform Program (NAPP) partnership.  Ensuring that export readiness/advisory information services continue to be provided to SMEs.  Facilitating access to Government of Canada Major Crown Projects as well as international procurement opportunities by western Canadian businesses. Working with partners to pursue value-added economic opportunities associated with the Asia-Pacific Gateway & Corridor and/or the Mid-Continent Trade Corridor.  Supporting western Canadian businesses in their trade development and investment attraction efforts around the Vancouver/Whistler 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Business Productivity and Competitiveness	Previously committed to	SO 1 PA – Business Development and Entrepreneurship	Why is this a priority? Canada’s productivity growth continues to lag behind that of the US – in 2007 the average revenue per employee in Canada was $15,970 less than that of the average US employee. This creates a competitive disadvantage for many Canadian firms. Productivity growth is considered to be a key component of long-term economic growth and increasing the long-term material standard of living of Canadians. The priority aligns with Government of Canada priorities outlined in Advantage Canada, the Science & Technology Strategy, and the Global Commerce Strategy. Plans for meeting the priority To support the growth and competitiveness of western Canadian small business, WD will focus on: continuing to facilitate/enable access to risk capital and business services to SMEs through programs and services offered in conjunction with other business services organizations and associations; and working with western Canadian business, industry and research organizations to undertake systemic initiatives to enhance business productivity and competitiveness.  Activities supported by WD in this area may include promoting awareness and adoption of new management and business practices (i.e. lean manufacturing), access to supply chains, creation of business networks and access to skilled labour.
Rural Diversification	Previously committed to	SO 1 SO 2 SO 3	Why is this a priority? The economies of Western Canada’s rural communities continue to be highly dependent on traditional resource industries such as forestry, agriculture, mining and energy-related extraction.  Population out-migration is a long-term trend and many communities remain economically isolated. Diversifying, growing, and retaining rural enterprises connected to strong rural communities is important to the western Canadian economy. Plans for meeting the priority To support rural diversification, WD will focus on: Working with Community Futures and other rural-based economic development organizations to focus their efforts to diversify rural communities; and Collaborating with other federal departments and agencies with a primary mandate for rural diversification.

WD places a priority on Management Excellence and continues to make progress in improving management practices as encouraged through the annual Management Accountability Framework assessment.

Management Priorities – Management Excellence	Type	Links to Strategic Outcome(s)	Description
Public Service Renewal	Previously committed to	SO 1 SO 2 SO 3	Why is this a priority? To ensure the Department continues to have the people, knowledge and skills to effectively deliver on its mandate and contribute to Government of Canada priorities. Public Service Renewal has been a priority of the Government of Canada for the past two years as outlined in the Public Service Renewal Action Plan. Plans for meeting the priority WD will sustain the necessary complement of qualified, motivated and knowledgeable staff by focusing on the following: Integrated business and human resource planning, Employee engagement, career development, talent management, and succession planning, Strategic recruitment and renewal initiatives, and Enabling infrastructure such as performance management.
Performance Measurement	Previously committed to	SO 1 SO 2 SO 3	Why is this a priority? To ensure value for money and to enable understanding and communication of program impacts, WD is committed to effective performance measurement. 2008-2009 was the first year of target setting for the Program Activity Architecture. To ensure a high quality Performance Measurement Framework that meets the requirements of the Management, Resources, and Results Structure (MRRS) Policy as it continues to be implemented.  Plans for meeting the priority To support improved performance measurement, WD will focus on addressing challenges through: Review performance measures to ensure relevance and appropriate measuring, Further development of WD’s project database system, Project Gateway, to more effectively track data related to performance measurement, and The introduction of a performance reporting process, which will track progress against established performance targets and support organizational decision-making.
Integrated Risk Management	Previously committed to	SO 1 SO 2 SO 3	Why is this a priority? Reviewing, updating and more fully integrating risk-based decision making into all elements of management continues to be of importance to the Department to ensure sound and well informed decisions. New expectations for integrated risk management have been articulated in updated Treasury Board policies such as the Transfer Payment Policy and the Policy on Internal Control. Plans for meeting the priority The Department will make progress against this priority by: Reviewing, updating and more fully integrating risk-based decision making into all elements of WD management practices. Creating risk management tools and training employees on risk management practices.

Risk Analysis

It is anticipated that during 2009–2010 WD will face some significant challenges in achieving its strategic outcomes and priorities stemming from largely negative and unstable economic conditions forecasted for Western Canada and throughout the global economy. WD’s mandate is to support economic development and diversification in the West.  Implementing this mandate takes on a greater prominence and complexity during a period of major economic downturn when the region is facing low commodity prices and low or even negative economic growth in many sectors and areas of its economy. 

As a commodity driven and trade oriented economy, much of Western Canada’s economic performance depends heavily on the resource sector and is vulnerable to world market conditions and the volatility of commodity prices.  Economic growth in Western Canada has slowed significantly in 2008 and the outlook for 2009–2010 is deteriorating. Private sector forecasts, which are the basis for developing WD’s target for real GDP growth for the region to guide its own strategies and priorities, have been downgraded considerably over the last few months.
 
While cognizant of these challenges WD, as the federal government’s regional development agency in Western Canada, is well positioned to advance the federal government’s agenda in stimulating the economy in the region while supporting projects and programs that position western Canadian industries, individual firms, and R&D organizations to compete effectively in the global economy over the long term.  The priorities and plans outlined in our Report on Plans and Priorities are designed to respond to current economic conditions in the West, while ensuring the Department remains flexible and responsive enough to address new challenges and opportunities that might emerge in the highly uncertain global marketplace.

In terms of general economic risk, as was recently highlighted in the June 2008 report of the Competition Policy Review Panel “Compete to Win”, a significant challenge to the West’s long term economic health and global competitiveness is the low rate of productivity in comparison to many of our most important global competitors - particularly the US which is by far our largest trade partner.   Some key factors hindering productivity growth in Western Canada’s business sector include low investment in new machinery and equipment, slow adoption of new process and technology, lack of “capacity” to improve efficiency, lagging workplace training, and lack of human and financial capital.  Productivity is also impacted by the shortage of skilled labour in Western Canada, as less skilled workers tend to be less productive.  The trend of skilled labour shortage will likely persist as the West’s demographic structure shifts and more baby boomers move toward retirement.

To improve its competitive position in a global environment, Western Canada is challenged to create a more innovative, productive and diversified economy with a strengthened science and technology capability.  Public investment in the economy of the West must place a priority on ensuring that research institutions and industries in the region support innovation, value-added production and the commercialization of new products, technologies and services into Canadian and international markets.  This must be accomplished in a way that leverages new private sector investment that will build on the existing strengths of the industrial structure of each province, and also supports the development of new, knowledge-based industries and economic output driven by research and the commercial application of new discoveries and innovations.   To stimulate new value added economic activity, business formation and skilled job creation, it is important to ensure that the environment and infrastructure for doing business in the West provides a strong foundation for improved productivity and competitiveness.  Equally important are policies and programs that facilitate access to early stage capital, which is often an impediment to growth, especially for start-ups and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

As much of the economy relies on trade, particularly with the US, Western Canada is sensitive to US’ economic recession, world economic slowdown and the fluctuation of the currency. In addition, many parts of Western Canada continue to be challenged with environmental and sustainability issues from resource extraction.

To counter the economic and business risks faced by many firms and industries due to uncertain continental and global market conditions, a greater emphasis must be placed on supporting western Canadian firms to access federal procurement opportunities at home and abroad, while capitalizing on our strategic positioning in the Asia-Pacific region and along the North, Central and South American corridors.  The growing capacity of western Canadian research institutions and industries in key emerging sectors like aerospace, life sciences and biotechnology, environmental and new energy technologies, and nanotechnology has created opportunities to develop and secure new markets that represent long term growth for the West.  

WD’s plans and priorities for 2009–2010 reflect a strong alignment with the needs of the western Canadian economy over the next year, and support key Government of Canada economic priorities and strategies.  As the global economy adjusts to recent economic and financial shocks, the Department will maintain a flexible policy framework to ensure it remains relevant to its clients and maintains strong partnerships.  This framework will allow WD to provide coordination and make strategic financial investments in support of the Department’s mandate and to ensure the continued development and diversification of the western economy to support overall Government of Canada priorities and plans.

When implementing its plans for 2009–2010 WD must also address some internal risks related to recruiting and retaining a skilled labour force in what is expected to be a continued highly competitive labour market, maintaining operational continuity, and demonstrating results for Canadians during a period of economic volatility and uncertainty.   To respond to these challenges, WD will continue to place a priority on management excellence.  This includes a focus on meeting Public Service Renewal objectives, including more fully integrating human resources planning with business planning to ensure we have the right people with the right skills in the right jobs, increasing our organizational capacity to measure and report on our impacts and results for Canadians, and refining our approach to risk management to ensure a sound understanding of operational and management risks faced by the Department and the implementation of policies and practices to ensure public funds are well managed and accounted for.

Expenditure Profile

For the 2009–2010 fiscal year, WD plans to spend $242.5 million to meet the expected results of its program activities and contribute to its strategic outcomes.

The figure below illustrates WD’s spending trend from 2006-07 to 2011–2012.

Although the Department's resources as reflected in the chart have been reduced significantly due to the sunsetting of the Infrastructure Canada Program, WD continues to deliver programs such as the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) and projects under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF), on behalf of Infrastructure Canada, through an Other Government Department (OGD) suspense account. Under this delivery mechanism, the Grants & Contribution resources associated with these programs are reflected in Infrastructure Canada's reference levels.  WD is the delivery agent for the Community Component of the Building Canada Fund, totalling contributions of $334.5 million over a seven-year period, although only the operating funding to deliver the program will be reflected in WD’s reference levels.

 

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