Mandate

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) was established in 1987 to help lessen Western Canada's (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba) strong economic dependence on natural resources.  Under the Western Economic Diversification Act, 1988, the Department is mandated to "...promote the development and diversification of the economy of Western Canada and to advance the interests of Western Canada in national economic policy, program and project development, and implementation."

Since 1987, WD has worked on behalf of western Canadians to ensure the long-term development and diversification of a dynamic regional economy.  Western Canada's rich and diverse natural heritage, coupled with a growing innovation and entrepreneurial culture, contributes to the region's economic stability and prosperity.

In order to achieve its mandate, WD continues to work to help address the challenges faced by western communities and business.  The Department's role of supporting economic diversification and investing in innovation and economic development will help to effectively bridge the gap between economic downturn and a sound economic future.

The Department organizes its programs and services to effectively pursue its mandate through the following Strategic Outcomes:

• The western Canadian economy is competitive, expanded and diversified (Entrepreneurship and Innovation);
• Communities in Western Canada are economically viable (Community Economic Development); and
• Policies and programs that strengthen the western Canadian economy (Policy, Advocacy and Coordination).

WD's strategic investments in these areas will help to fulfill WD's vision to be a leader in creating a more diversified western Canadian economy that has strong, competitive and innovative businesses and communities.

2008-2009 Privacy Highlights and Accomplishments

The number of Privacy requests received by WD in 2008-2009 increased over the previous fiscal year, from 0 to 2.  The Department, however, has not historically received many Privacy requests.  The department did not receive any privacy complaints, was not subject to any investigations, and there were no appeals or applications submitted to the Federal Courts.

Specific highlights for WD in 2008-2009 include:

• The Department's Executive Committee approved a new Privacy Protection Policy in November 2008.
• A new Privacy Protection Procedures Manual was developed and copies provided to Regional ATIP Liaison Officers, and made available to all staff on WD's internal website.
• Privacy awareness sessions were conducted in all regional offices, with approximately two-thirds of all staff attending.
• WD recognized Data Protection Day on January 28, 2009, with staff messages and "Think before you bin it!" posters placed throughout all WD offices.  WD continued to focus on individual responsibility for security and protecting and handling information during Security Awareness Week, and built on the theme established on Data Protection Day by noting that Canadians expect that the information that we collect, create and handle, is treated with the utmost care and respect.