8.1 – People and Administration: How WD Works
Information on setting up the Minister’s office, WD’s internal operations, and how the department works with the public
Ministerial Handbook
A quick overview of WD operations, policies that apply to the Minister’s office, and departmental contacts for assistance
WD Budget and Operations
Financial information and how projects receive funding
Departmental Budget
WD receives two types of departmental funds through Parliament:
1. Operating Resources
- Includes employee salary dollars and office needs (e.g. travel, training, communications, and professional services)
2. Grants and Contributions Resources
- Used to fund projects through WD programs
WD’s 2019-20 budget is $305 million:
- Operating: $42.1 million
- Grants and Contributions: $258.1 million
- Statutory Funding: $4.8 million (employee pension & benefits)
There is an additional $9.7 million in other items expected later this fiscal year (pending parliamentary approval).
How Project Investment Decisions are Currently Made
How WD receives, assesses, and recommends project proposals
- Applicants obtain information on WD’s programs and how to apply through the department’s website and outreach activities.
- Once received, WD assesses all funding requests against assessment criteria and reflecting Ministerial priorities.
- After completing due diligence, the department sends project recommendations and supporting documentation to the Minister’s office.
- If the Minister approves, WD informs the successful applicant and enters into a contribution agreement with the client (including terms for communications and public announcements).
- In some cases, the Minister or their office will want to advise the applicant of success, subject to conclusion of a contribution agreement.
Accounts Receivable Management
Handling repayment of contributions
- WD provides both non-repayable and repayable contributions to businesses in western Canada.
- The nature of making higher-risk investments to stimulate business scale-up and productivity means some repayment will lapse.
- However, repayable contributions allow WD to reinvest repaid funds into new economic activity in the West.
- WD employs various collection methods for its receivables, and exhausts all possible means before debts are recommended to the Deputy Minister for write-off.
- Debt write-offs are disclosed publically each year.
WD Public Reporting
Plans, results, and spending information, as well as how WD works with the public
Service Standards and Public Reports
Accountability on expenditures and performance results
- WD reports annually on spending and priorities, planned results, and resource requirements for a three year period. Two main public reports provide this information:
- Departmental Plan
- Departmental Results Report
- WD also has service standards that specify how quickly the department contacts clients regarding:
- funding requests and decisions;
- grants and contributions payments; and,
- web-based inquiries.
WD Authorities and Legislation
Powers, duties, functions, and what they mean
Key Legislation
How it applies to WD’s work, expenditures, and communications in Canada’s official languages
Western Economic Diversification Act
- WD’s mandate to develop the western Canadian economy and advance its interests in Ottawa
Financial Administration Act
- The collection and expenditure of public funds
Official Languages Act
- The status and use of French and English in the Government of Canada
Access to Information Act and Privacy Act
- How government handles personal information and disclosure of government records
Primary WD Contact
Andrew Fraser, Departmental Concierge
Deputy Minister’s Office
andrew.fraser@canada.ca | 613-325-9159
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