Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Act

Marginal note:Powers

13 In carrying out its object, the Agency may

• (a) in concert with other concerned departments and agencies of the Government of Canada, formulate plans and integrated federal approaches to support opportunity for economic development of Atlantic Canada;

• (b) plan, direct, manage and implement programs and projects intended to contribute directly or indirectly to

  • (i) the establishment, development, support and promotion of enterprises, and more particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, in Atlantic Canada,

  • (ii) the development of entrepreneurial talent in that region, and

  • (iii) the economic prosperity of that region;

• (c) plan, direct, manage and implement programs and projects to improve the business environment in Atlantic Canada, including programs and projects

  • (i) of support to business associations, conferences, studies, consultations, trade shows, demonstration projects and market research,

  • (ii) related to the development of business opportunity data banks and networks,

  • (iii) to improve business communication and cooperation, and

  • (iv) to promote scholarship related to business and investment;

• (d) assist investors to locate enterprises, and more particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, in Atlantic Canada, consistent with Atlantic Canada and federal investment requirements;

• (e) make loans to any person with respect to the establishment and development of enterprises, and more particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, in Atlantic Canada;

• (f) guarantee the repayment of, or provide loan insurance or credit insurance in respect of, any financial obligation undertaken by any person in respect of the establishment and development of enterprises, and more particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, in Atlantic Canada;

• (g) in accordance with terms and conditions approved by Treasury Board, make grants and contributions in support of programs and projects undertaken by the Agency or the Minister;

• (h) enter into contracts, memoranda of understanding or other arrangements in the name of Her Majesty in right of Canada or in the name of the Agency;

• (h.1) enter into an arrangement with the Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation that allows that corporation, within the limits of its objects and powers as set out in sections 33 and 34 of the Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation Act, to exercise the powers or perform the duties or functions of the Agency under this section, including the power to enter into agreements that commit moneys appropriated by Parliament for the purposes of the Agency; and

• (i) do all such other things as are necessary or incidental to the attainment of the object of the Agency.