Supporting Information on Lower-Level Programs

Sub-program 1.1.1: Trade, Investment and Market Access

Description

Trade, Investment, and Market Access enhances western Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME), research institutes and industry associations' international business engagement and attracts investment to the region, including opportunities linked to government procurement. It focuses on increasing Western Canada's participation in global markets (both to source and supply goods and services); strengthening international partnerships; and attracting new foreign investment as well as Canadian Direct Investment Abroad to support access to and participation in global value chains. It also strives to strengthen trade-related infrastructure to enhance trade flows in and out of Western Canada, and promotes Western Canada as an attractive destination for international visitors (tourists, students, researchers, and investors). In addition, it supports international research and development (R&D) partnerships to enhance awareness of Western Canada's technology capabilities abroad. Transfer payments in support of this sub-program are made under the authority of the Western Diversification Program.

* The variance for this indicator, value of improvements to trade infrastructure, is attributed to one project for which results were higher than anticipated.

** The variance for this indicator, value of new international business leads generated through missions or events, is attributed to several multi-year projects for which results were realised or reported earlier than anticipated.

Sub-program 1.1.2: Business Productivity and Growth

Description

Business Productivity and Growth supports western Canadian businesses, business service providers, industry, and research organizations to undertake initiatives to enhance business productivity, competitiveness, and growth of western Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This is achieved through promoting awareness and adoption of sound management and business practices, and current technology, as well as access to skilled labour. In addition, this sub-program supports some members of the Western Canada Business Service Network and related partners in providing business services and access to capital to targeted client groups such as women, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous Peoples. Transfer payments in support of this sub-program are made under the authority of the Women's Enterprise Initiative and the Western Diversification Program. Support of the Canada Business Network is provided through operations and maintenance funding.

*The variance for this indicator, the number of SMEs investing in adoption of sound management or business practices, or technology, is attributed to one project that opened up a new stream of clientele for their organization that was originally not expected.

Note: Actual spending is higher than planned primarily due to greater project approvals than anticipated under this sub-program following comparative analysis of all proposals received.

Sub-program 1.1.3: Innovation Capacity Building

Description

Innovation Capacity Building strengthens the overall innovation system in the West through capacity building in support of commercialization of knowledge-based products, processes and services. It supports research institutions in acquiring necessary space and equipment to engage in applied research and development (R&D) or in the development of highly qualified personnel; or to conduct applied research and technology development from proof of concept to validation. It also supports not-for-profit institutions to undertake pre-commercialization activities such as triage, patenting, licensing, disclosures, and bundling of technologies; or to develop and demonstrate the potential of research in pre-commercial applications in order to engage commercial partners. In addition, it supports relevant industry skills training for engineers and scientists, as well as technology skills training for non-technical professionals. Transfer payments in support of this sub-program are made under the authority of the Western Diversification Program.

* The variance for this indicator, value of applied R&D undertaken up to three years after the funding period, is attributable to a few projects exceeding expectations and realising results sooner than anticipated.

** The variance for this indicator, number of prototypes ready for demonstration in operational environment, is attributable to pieces of equipment funded by WD being used more than expected.

Note: Actual spending is higher than planned primarily due to greater project approvals than anticipated under this sub-program following comparative analysis of all proposals received.

Sub-program 1.1.4: Technology Commercialization

Description

Technology Commercialization aims to increase the commercialization of knowledge-based products, processes, and service. It supports either not-for-profit entities, which assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), or SMEs directly to engage in advanced technology development, access incremental investments, or sell knowledge-based products, processes, and services. It supports the development and production of prototypes, and demonstration of products, as well as third party certification, testing and quality assurance of specific products. In addition, it supports outreach and promotional activities to attract investment. It also supports the validation of market potential and end-user acceptance, as well as facilitating market-ready knowledge-based products, processes, and services. Transfer payments in support of this sub-program are made under the authority of the Western Diversification Program (WDP).

*The variance for this indicator, number of products, processes or services, proven through successful deployment in an operational setting, is attributable to the multi-year nature of the projects funded with results sometimes being realised or reported earlier or later than anticipated.

**The variance for this indicator, value of incremental private sector investment attracted, is attributable to two projects that were not initially part of the target-setting process but realized results during the FY.

Note: For sub-programs 1.1.1 to 1.1.4, results achieved are based on number of projects reporting against the performance indicator and consequently are not suitable for trends analysis.

Note: Actual spending is lower than planned primarily due to project cash flows being re-profiled to future years.

Sub-program 1.2.1: Infrastructure Programming

Description

Infrastructure Programming provides community infrastructure funding in Western Canada to meet the Government of Canada's commitment to growth and the quality of life of Canadians. It builds and renews infrastructure in rural and urban municipalities across Canada allowing them to compete in the regional, national, and global economy. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) delivers infrastructure programming directly or in partnership with Infrastructure Canada and the four western provincial governments. Transfer payments in support of direct delivery of this sub-program are made through designated program authorities, excluding the Western Diversification Program. Transfer payments in support of delivery of this sub-program in partnership are made through Other Government Suspense accounts originating from Infrastructure Canada under various funding authorities. WD receives operations and maintenance funding for the delivery of partnership programming.

Note: Actual spending is higher than planned mainly due to Canada 150 program re-profile.

Note: Actual FTE utilization is higher than planned as a result of increased activities to support Canada 150 Program.

Sub-program 1.2.2: Community Development

Description

Community Development strengthens the viability of the local economy, enhances community capacity, and increases the participation of community members by encouraging and supporting them in grass roots economic development. This sub-program assists communities, including the Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs), to assess the communities' needs and develop a community strategic plan in response to those needs. It also provides funding for the implementation of projects, normally identified through community planning, that stimulate economic development and capitalize on the communities' capacity, strengths, and opportunities. This is achieved through direct funding support for community planning and development projects. Transfer payments in support of this sub-program are made under the authority of the Western Diversification Program.

Sub-program 1.2.3: Community Futures Program

Description

The Community Futures (CF) Program builds the capacity of rural communities to realize their full economic potential by aiding the development and implementation of local solutions to local problems. This sub-program provides financial support to CF organizations to deliver a range of small business services including information, counseling, training, and referrals to stimulate small business growth and local employment. In addition, CF organizations provide repayable financing to new and existing enterprises, through locally controlled investment funds. In collaboration with partners and stakeholders, CF organizations also assess the communities' needs, develop strategic plans in response to those needs, and implement community economic development projects identified in the plans. Transfer payments in support of this sub-program are made under the authority of the Community Futures Program.

Sub-program 1.2.4: Targeted Economic Initiatives

Description

Targeted Economic Initiatives supports economic activity in western Canadian communities, on a temporary basis through targeted economic stimulus or adjustment, to provide timely responses to the most pressing local needs, consistent with government priorities. Through this sub-program, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is able to support western Canadian communities facing economic shocks, natural disasters, challenging economic circumstances with potential adverse effects, depressed economic conditions, or development opportunities with anticipated positive impacts. WD provides assistance through dedicated, temporary supplementary funding from the Government of Canada or through the Department's own special allocations. Transfer payments in support of this sub-program are made under the authority of the Western Diversification Program, as a temporary and targeted measure only, as well as other program authorities, as necessary.

* WD delivered the Drywall Support Program that assisted 187 western Canadian drywall contractors and builders, and 451 residents of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed in the May 2016 wildfires.

Note: Additional funds received for the Drywall Support Program.

Note: Actual FTE utilization is higher than planned as a result of increased activities for the Drywall Support Program.

Sub-program 1.3.1: Advocacy and Coordination

Description

Advocacy and Coordination aims to advance Western Canada's interests in national policies, priorities, and programs through coordinating effective responses by key stakeholders reflecting improved understanding and awareness of regional issues and opportunities. Stakeholders may include other government departments, industry and industry associations, academia, and the not-for-profit sector. Efforts in this sub-program lead to balanced, regionally-sensitive approaches to western Canadian priorities, coordinated economic development in the West, and increased procurement opportunities in Western Canada. Transfer payments in support of this sub-program are made under the authority of the Western Diversification Program.

Sub-program 1.3.2: Economic Analysis

Description

Economic Analysis strives to increase understanding of western Canadian challenges, opportunities, and priorities through conducting research and disseminating results to support internal or external policy and program development. This is achieved through externally generated research; or in-house research and analysis involving economic overviews, environmental scans, analysis of federal or other government documents, and sectoral or issue analysis that supports departmental policy, planning, or program development. It includes external consultation on key economic issues or opportunities facing Western Canada with leaders from both the private and public sectors. Transfer payments in support of this sub-program are made under the authority of the Western Diversification Program.