2017-18 Departmental Results Report - Minister's message

I am pleased to present the 2017-18 Departmental Results Report for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

Over the past year, through integrated work across the various organizations of the Innovation, Science and Economic Development portfolio, the Government of Canada worked very hard to improve Canada’s global competitiveness while creating jobs, nurturing growth and strengthening our country’s middle class.

In 2017-18, the portfolio continued to implement the Innovation and Skills Plan to promote innovation and science, including support for scientific research and the commercialization of research and ideas. The Plan also encourages Canadian small businesses to grow, scale up, and become more productive, more innovative and more export-oriented. An important area of this work included promoting increased tourism in Canada and the creation of new opportunities in our tourism sector. The Plan’s overarching aim to position Canada as an innovation leader has been the driving focus of the portfolio’s programs.

During the past year, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency continued to promote sustainable and inclusive economic development in Atlantic Canada. The Agency supports the innovation and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, and helps communities to further develop and diversify their economies. Through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, the Agency and its federal and provincial partners are helping the region’s economy to evolve and become more globally competitive. The strategy will continue to play a key role in building a robust and skilled Atlantic workforce and in creating meaningful employment for the middle class, now and in the years to come.

Through deep collaborations and inclusive partnerships, the Innovation, Science and Economic Development portfolio organizations have embarked on a shared journey to stronger, cleaner and more inclusive economic competitiveness that benefits all Canadians. This report documents the contributions that the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is making towards this important work.

The Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development