2018-19 Departmental Results Report
Minister’s message

I am pleased to present the 2018-19 Departmental Results Report for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

Over the past year, the various organizations in the Innovation, Science and Economic Development portfolio, together, have worked hard to make Canada a global innovation leader and to build an economy that works for everyone.

Our primary objectives were, and continue to be, to empower businesses to reach their innovation potential to compete in a global, knowledge-based economy; to enhance Canada’s economic strengths by supporting science and research; and to promote Canadian tourism. These objectives were supported by new and existing policies and programs designed to help Canadian entrepreneurs from across the country and from diverse backgrounds grow and reach new markets. We also continued to implement multi-year investments in science, including historic investments in fundamental research, while our robust tourism industry was bolstered by support for national initiatives.

In 2018-19, ACOA continued its work to advance a dynamic and diverse economy in Atlantic Canada by supporting businesses and by helping build strong communities across the region, including in rural areas. In addition to the Agency’s ongoing collaboration with federal and provincial partners to promote innovation, business growth, tourism and community development under the Atlantic Growth Strategy, ACOA was responsible for the regional delivery of new Innovation and Skills Plan initiatives, including:

• the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, to help businesses grow and become more innovative and competitive;
• the Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy, to support the development and growth of women entrepreneurs and their businesses;
• the Canada Coal Transition Initiative, to support workers and communities through the transition away from the coal industry; and
• the Steel and Aluminum Initiative, to help steel and aluminum manufacturers and users adopt new technologies to become more productive, competitive and able to create more highly skilled jobs.

These are just a few examples of ACOA’s work on behalf of Canadians through collaboration, dialogue and partnerships across the country. I invite you to read this report to learn more about how we are working with and for Canadians to build our innovation nation.

The Honourable Mélanie Joly
Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages