2015-16 DPR - Supporting Information on Lower-Level Programs

Sub-program 1.1.1: Trade, Investment and Market Access

Description

Trade, Investment, and Market Access enhances western Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME), research institutes and industry associations' international business engagement and attracts investment to the region, including opportunities linked to government procurement. It focuses on increasing Western Canada's participation in global markets (both to source and supply goods and services); strengthening international partnerships; and attracting new foreign investment as well as Canadian Direct Investment Abroad to support access to and participation in global value chains. It also strives to strengthen trade-related infrastructure to enhance trade flows in and out of Western Canada, and promotes Western Canada as an attractive destination for international visitors (tourists, students, researchers, and investors). In addition, it supports international research and development (R&D) partnerships to enhance awareness of Western Canada's technology capabilities abroad. Transfer payments in support of this sub-program are made under the authority of the Western Diversification Program.

* WD projects are multi-year in nature and results are sometimes realised or reported earlier or later than anticipated. The variance for the indicator, value of improvements to trade infrastructure, is due to one project for which delivery of results is taking longer than anticipated.

Sub-program 1.1.2: Business Productivity and Growth

Description

Business Productivity and Growth supports western Canadian businesses, business service providers, industry, and research organizations to undertake initiatives to enhance business productivity, competitiveness, and growth of western Canadian SMEs. This is achieved through promoting awareness and adoption of sound management and business practices, and current technology, as well as access to skilled labour. In addition, this sub-program supports some members of the Western Canada Business Service Network and related partners in providing business services and access to capital to targeted client groups such as women, persons with disabilities, and Aboriginal people. Transfer payments in support of this sub-program are made under the authority of the Women's Enterprise Initiative and the Western Diversification Program. Support of the Canada Business Network is provided through operations and maintenance funding.

Sub-program 1.1.3: Innovation Capacity Building

Description

Innovation Capacity Building strengthens the overall innovation system in the West through capacity building in support of commercialization of knowledge-based products, processes and services. It supports research institutions in acquiring necessary space and equipment to engage in applied R&D or in the development of highly qualified personnel; or to conduct applied research and technology development from proof of concept to validation. It also supports not-for-profit institutions to undertake pre-commercialization activities such as triage, patenting, licensing, disclosures, and bundling of technologies; or to develop and demonstrate the potential of research in pre-commercial applications in order to engage commercial partners. In addition, it supports relevant industry skills training for engineers and scientists, as well as technology skills training for non-technical professionals. Transfer payments in support of this sub-program are made under the authority of the Western Diversification Program.

* The variance for the indicator, number of prototypes ready for demonstration in operational environment, is largely attributed to one project which delivered results significantly exceeding its target. The variance for the indicator, number of HQP trained, is attributed to adjustments to one project.

Sub-program 1.1.4: Technology Commercialization

Description

Technology Commercialization aims to increase the commercialization of knowledge-based products, processes, and service. It supports either not-for-profit entities, which assist SMEs, or SMEs directly to engage in advanced technology development, access incremental investments, or sell knowledge-based products, processes, and services. It supports the development and production of prototypes, and demonstration of products, as well as third party certification, testing and quality assurance of specific products. In addition, it supports outreach and promotional activities to attract investment. It also supports the validation of market potential and end-user acceptance, as well as facilitating market-ready knowledge-based products, processes, and services. Transfer payments in support of this sub-program are made under the authority of the Western Diversification Program.

^* WD projects are multi-year in nature and results are sometimes realised or reported earlier or later than anticipated.

Sub-program 1.2.1: Infrastructure Programming

Description

Infrastructure Programming provides community infrastructure funding in Western Canada to meet the Government of Canada's commitment to growth and the quality of life of Canadians. It builds and renews infrastructure in rural and urban municipalities across Canada allowing them to compete in the regional, national, and global economy. WD delivers infrastructure programming directly or in partnership with Infrastructure Canada and the four western provincial governments. Transfer payments in support of direct delivery of this sub-program are made through designated program authorities, excluding the Western Diversification Program. Transfer payments in support of delivery of this sub-program in partnership are made through Other Government Suspense accounts originating from Infrastructure Canada under various funding authorities. WD receives operations and maintenance funding for the delivery of partnership programming.

Note: In 2015–16, WD continued to process claims, monitor and follow-up on contributions made under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF) and Building Canada Fund (BCF).

* No results for infrastructure programming were expected for 2015–16.

Sub-program 1.2.2: Community Development

Description

Community Development strengthens the viability of the local economy, enhances community capacity, and increases the participation of community members by encouraging and supporting them in grass roots economic development. This sub-program assists communities, including the Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs), to assess the communities' needs and develop a community strategic plan in response to those needs. It also provides funding for the implementation of projects, normally identified through community planning, that stimulate economic development and capitalize on the communities' capacity, strengths, and opportunities. This is achieved through direct funding support for community planning and development projects. Transfer payments in support of this sub-program are made under the authority of the Western Diversification Program.

* The variance for the indicator, value of community-based projects, is largely attributed to one project for which delivery of results is taking longer than anticipated.

Sub-program 1.2.3: Community Futures Program

Description

The Community Futures (CF) Program builds the capacity of rural communities to realize their full economic potential by aiding the development and implementation of local solutions to local problems. This sub-program provides financial support to CF organizations to deliver a range of small business services including information, counseling, training, and referrals to stimulate small business growth and local employment. In addition, CF organizations provide repayable financing to new and existing enterprises, through locally controlled investment funds. In collaboration with partners and stakeholders, CF organizations also assess the communities' needs, develop strategic plans in response to those needs, and implement community economic development projects identified in the plans. Transfer payments in support of this sub-program are made under the authority of the Community Futures Program.

* The variance for the indicator, value of community-based projects, is attributed to significantly greater leveraging of resources in support of CF projects. The variance for the indicator, number of businesses created, maintained or expanded through business services, is attributed to increased demand for CF services during period of economic slowdown.

Sub-program 1.2.4: Targeted Economic Initiatives

Description

Targeted Economic Initiatives supports economic activity in western Canadian communities, on a temporary basis through targeted economic stimulus or adjustment, to provide timely responses to the most pressing local needs, consistent with government priorities. Through this sub-program, WD is able to support western Canadian communities facing economic shocks, natural disasters, challenging economic circumstances with potential adverse effects, depressed economic conditions, or development opportunities with anticipated positive impacts. WD provides assistance through dedicated, temporary supplementary funding from the Government of Canada or through the Department's own special allocations. Transfer payments in support of this sub-program are made under the authority of the Western Diversification Program, as a temporary and targeted measure only, as well as other program authorities, as necessary.

* No results for targeted economic initiatives were expected for 2015–16.

Sub-program 1.3.1: Advocacy and Coordination

Description

Advocacy and Coordination aims to advance Western Canada's interests in national policies, priorities, and programs through coordinating effective responses by key stakeholders reflecting improved understanding and awareness of regional issues and opportunities. Stakeholders may include other government departments, industry and industry associations, academia, and the not-for-profit sector. Efforts in this sub-program lead to balanced, regionally-sensitive approaches to western Canadian priorities, coordinated economic development in the West, and increased procurement opportunities in Western Canada. Transfer payments in support of this sub-program are made under the authority of the Western Diversification Program.

Sub-program 1.3.2: Economic Analysis

Description

Economic Analysis strives to increase understanding of western Canadian challenges, opportunities, and priorities through conducting research and disseminating results to support internal or external policy and program development. This is achieved through externally generated research; or in-house research and analysis involving economic overviews, environmental scans, analysis of federal or other government documents, and sectoral or issue analysis that supports departmental policy, planning, or program development. It includes external consultation on key economic issues or opportunities facing Western Canada with leaders from both the private and public sectors. Transfer payments in support of this sub-program are made under the authority of the Western Diversification Program.