Introduction

The Access to Information Act (R.S. 1985, c. A-1) came into force on July 1, 1983.

The purpose of the Act is to extend the present laws of Canada to provide a right of access to information in records under the control of a government institution in accordance with the principles that government information should be available to the public, that necessary exceptions to the right of access should be limited and specific, and that decisions on the disclosure of government information should be reviewed independently of government.

The Act provides every person who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident with a right of access to any record under the control of a government institution, with some specific, limited exceptions.

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is committed to both the spirit and the intent of the Access to Information Act to ensure openness and transparency within the department. This report summarizes WD’s implementation of the Act, and fulfils the requirement under Section 72, which stipulates that, “The head of every government institution shall prepare for submission to Parliament an annual report on the administration of this Act within the institution during each financial year.”

WD will post the annual report to Parliament on its public web site (www.wd.gc.ca/eng/59.asp) once it is tabled in the House of Commons and Senate. Alternatively, a request may be submitted to:

Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Suite 1500, Canada Place
9700 Jasper Avenue N.W.
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 4H7
atip-aiprp@wd-deo.gc.ca

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.”

To support these outcomes, WD’s programs encourage business development, innovation and community economic development in rural and urban communities. The department plays an important leadership and coordination role in furthering western interests and responding to regional challenges. WD works strategically through partnerships with all orders of government, academic and research institutes, industry associations and non-profit organizations to implement initiatives that leverage funds and expertise for the benefit of the West and western Canadians.

The department organizes its programs and services to pursue its mandate effectively through the following Strategic Outcome: “The western Canadian economy is developed and diversified,” and specifically through program activities that include:

WD’s strategic investments in these areas will help to fulfill its vision:

To be leaders in creating a more diversified western Canadian economy that has strong, competitive and innovative businesses and communities.