Who We Are

A stronger West. A stronger Canada.

Here at Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) we are committed to develop and diversify the economy of Western Canada to its full potential. We focus on three main areas: Innovation, Business Development, and Community Economic Development. These programs and services are supported by WD’s  Policy, Advocacy and Coordination activities. 

We are the only federal department with a Headquarters office in Edmonton, Alberta. We also have regional offices located in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Edmonton, Alberta; and Vancouver British Columbia. WD also has an Liaison Office in Ottawa.

WD administers grant and contribution programs that support the productivity and competitiveness of the economy in the four Western provinces. But we don't do this alone. We work closely with our partners in the public and private sectors, other levels of government, academic and financial institutions, and research centres to make the most of our investment in Western Canada.

For additional information on WD and our work, see the What We Do and About Us sections.

Did You Know?

• WD is the only federal government department with headquarters in the West.
• WD levers investments through partnerships with other government departments, financial institutions, universities and research centres, and the private sector.
• Since 1987, WD has invested roughly $4 billion in Western Canada.
• WD has invested over $550 million for 1,638 projects under the Infrastructure Canada Program.
• Between 1995 and 2007, every dollar WD invested under our Western Diversification Program generated another $1.89 from other sources.
• In 2007 WD approved $43 million for science and technology projects, leveraging an additional $122 million from our public and private sector partners.
• WD's Western Canada Business Service Network has more than 100 organizations that gave 1,313 loans totaling $54.8 million to grow small business.
• To gain a better understanding of Western Canada's needs, WD supports research in small business trends, infrastructure capacity, urban growth challenges, and economic and social trends.