Western Economic Diversification Act

Marginal note:Further duties and functions

• 6 (1) The Minister may

  • (a) formulate plans and integrated strategies to support development and diversification of the economy of Western Canada;

  • (b) oversee the implementation of programs and projects in pursuance of plans and strategies referred to in paragraph (a) and, where those programs and projects will not be undertaken by another Minister or department or agency of the Government of Canada, initiate or implement those programs and projects;

  • (c) 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 Western Canada, and

    • (ii) the economic prosperity of that region;

  • (d) plan, direct, manage and implement programs and projects to improve the business environment in Western 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, and

    • (iii) to improve business communication and cooperation;

  • (e) initiate, implement, sponsor, promote and coordinate policy research, policy development and economic analysis to support development and diversification of the economy of Western Canada;

  • (f) enter into any agreement with the government of any province, or with any agency of such a government, respecting the exercise of the Minister’s powers and the carrying out of the Minister’s duties and functions; and

  • (g) do all such other things as are necessary or incidental to the attainment of the purpose of this Act.

• Marginal note:Financial assistance

  (2) The Minister may, in accordance with terms and conditions approved by the Treasury Board, and with the approval of the Minister of Finance,

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

  • (b) 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 Western Canada.

• Marginal note:Idem

  (3) The Minister may, in accordance with terms and conditions approved by the Treasury Board, make grants and contributions in support of programs and projects undertaken by the Minister.