7.1 – Partnering to Advance the Interests of Western Canada
WD’s Advocacy Mandate
WD’s Minister is mandated through the Western Economic Diversification Act to work with various partners to advance western interests in Ottawa. This includes leading Government of Canada efforts to establish relationships with western provinces, businesses, and other public and private organizations.
To act on this mandate, WD’s Minister can:
- advance western interests in national policy discussions at the Cabinet table;
- raise issues of importance to the West in Parliament; and,
- integrate provincial and federal perspectives on issues by meeting with provincial counterparts in the West.
This work, while not as easily quantified as program dollars invested, is equally important to improve the lives of western Canadians. WD’s advocacy work leverages its unique regional presence to advance western perspectives in policy and program development discussions. This is done through various means at both the departmental and Ministerial levels.
Spotlight: Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM)
WD recently partnered with the Centre for Innovation Studies to conduct a Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) study in the West. The first of its kind in Canada, this study will collect regionally-tailored data on women and youth entrepreneurs. WD can use it to inform policy decisions related to its inclusiveness priority, make effective investments, and provide better advice to other government departments.
GEM is the largest study of entrepreneurship in the world. It is highly regarded by leading organizations like the World Bank and World Economic Forum. The Centre for Innovation Studies will use the western data to produce reports on the state of women and youth entrepreneurs in the region. These reports will be made public, extending the benefits beyond WD.
WD supports the Minister by gathering real-time information about what matters to the West, and why. The department:
- collects first-hand intelligence on the western perspective through relationship-building and meetings with businesses, other levels of government, community leaders, academia, and Indigenous partners;
- gathers data to support a factual western narrative by collaborating with think tanks and non-profit research centres such as the Canada West Foundation, Public Policy Forum, and the Centre for Innovation Studies;
- generates western-focused analysis on issues by working with multiple partners such as provincial governments and academia; and,
- convenes the right partners to shape federal policies and programs by leveraging local networks.
WD’s regional presence offers a distinct advantage in knowing the positions, interests, and roles of many different players on a variety of economic issues. This advantage positions the department to bring western and federal perspectives to discussions with municipal, provincial, Indigenous, and industry partners, serving as a key federal convener for federal actions and local results.
Spotlight: Prairie Water Summit
In June 2019, WD brought together over 130 stakeholders, thought leaders, and subject matter experts to the Prairie Water Summit to discuss the possible impacts of, and strategies to address, unreliable water access on the Prairies. Those in attendance represented a diverse range of interests and perspectives from across the Prairies.
Discussions from the Summit inform WD’s work to advance a potential pilot infrastructure project in southern Saskatchewan. This pilot project could be used as a test case to inform the development of critical water security infrastructure on the Prairies.
WD Needs To Do More
WD’s policy advocacy at the federal level is largely in reaction to other departments’ proposed policies. This is, in part, because of the lack of effective avenues for policy development to meet regional needs. Establishing these avenues would encourage place-based policy by considering regional factors at the start of policy development rather than the end.
The vast geography of western Canada hinders a small department with a small physical presence. WD makes do with only five offices across the 2.7 million square kilometers it serves. The reduced physical presence limits capacity to engage with partners.
The diverse priorities across this broad geography further challenges WD’s ability to effectively advocate for all western Canadians. The department often relies on third party organizations to help fill the gaps, but it is not enough. Expanding on-the-ground capacity will help WD and the Minister identify concerns in the West and take action on solutions.
Grow West: The Western Canada Growth Strategy
Grow West is a major advocacy opportunity for the Minister and WD. By developing stronger relationships with our federal partners, we can more effectively bring western perspectives into national decision-making. Ongoing engagement between western Canadians, WD, and federal partners will help the department to better fulfill its mandate.
- Date modified: