Economic Development Initiative
The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) provides financial support to projects that encourage economic diversification, business development, innovation, partnerships and increased support for small- and medium-sized enterprises in official language minority communities (OLMCs).
Investing in our future
In March 2018, the Government of Canada announced its Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023: Investing in Our Future. The Plan comes with a budget of $2.7 billion over 5 years allocated among 15 federal departments and agencies.
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), along with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and the other regional development agencies, delivers the EDI.
WD will invest $3.2 million through the EDI over 5 years for projects that help develop capacities, expertise and partnerships. All projects for economic development of businesses and communities, and the sustainable growth of Western Canada’s Francophone communities.
How to apply for the EDI
We are delivering the EDI as a pilot in Western Canada through the Fonds de développement économique francophone de l’Ouest canadien (FDEFO). The 4 Francophone Economic Development Organizations (FEDOs) in Western Canada are managing this fund.
If you have a project idea and would like to submit an application, please contact your local Francophone Economic Development Organizations (FEDOs) or email: fdefo@cecs-sk.ca
The eligibility criteria are:
- Applicant(s) must work in French and contribute to the development and vitality of Western Canada’s Francophonie.
- Projects must serve a Francophone clientele from OLMCs in Western Canada.
Projects funded under the program may be local, provincial or interprovincial in scope. They must demonstrate a real impact with clear and measurable benefits in at least one of the following sectors:
- economic diversification and development, including trade and investment
- economic immigration
- the green economy
- youth
- tourism
Examples of approved EDI projects
EDI projects funded in Western Canada include:
Centre culturel francophone de Vancouver
- Contribution of $37,000
- Project description: Digitally broadcast Francophone performing arts and events. This includes purchasing quality tools for live streaming to the larger audiences necessary to profitably broadcast live French-language shows.
Centre collégial de l’Alberta
- Contribution of $30,000
- Project description: Establish a continuing education platform for entrepreneurs and create a mentoring program for youth in business administration.
Centre francophone BDS Inc.
- Contribution of $50,000
- Project description: Repair the “piste de la légende de Bellevue” and replace the signage. This project will secure a meeting place for the local Francophone community and improve tourism in Saskatchewan.
CDI Ste-Agathe
- Contribution of $45,000
- Project description: Create a boat ramp to offer better access to the Red River in Ste. Agathe. This new access will offer Francophone communities in the vicinity the opportunity to increase river usage and develop more recreation and tourism opportunities.
Le Conseil de développement économique de l’Alberta
- Contribution of $448,929
- Project description: Establish physical and virtual business incubators to support pan-western Francophone entrepreneurs.
L’Université de Saint-Boniface
- Ccontribution of $301,200
- Project description: Develop and deliver French-language post-graduate courses on inclusive education online.
University of Regina – Cite Universitaire Francophone
- Contribution of $135,785
- Project description: Acquire equipment and resources for a French-language Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Read more about the French-language Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
Eco-Ouest (Le Conseil de développement économique des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba)
- Contribution of $960,000
- Project description: Promote sustainable growth and strengthen the competitiveness of rural communities and OLMCs in the West. Read more about how CDEM is supporting Manitoba’s bilingual communities.
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