Raison d’être, mandate and role: who we are and what we do – PrairiesCan 2023–2024 Departmental Plan

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Raison d’être

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) was established in 1987 to promote growth and diversification in the economy of the West. In August 2021, WD’s operating name was changed to Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). PrairiesCan promotes the economic growth and diversification in the economy of the prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba). PrairiesCan also advances the interests of the prairie provinces in national economic policy, program and project development and implementation.

The Minister of Northern Affairs is responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada.

Mandate and role

PrairiesCan’s mandate is to support economic growth and diversification in the Prairie provinces and advance the interests of the region in national economic policy, programs, and projects. The department fulfills this mandate through four key roles:

• Investor – create jobs and growth through strategic investments and targeted initiatives
• Convenor – connect economic actors to support collaboration and growth
• Advisor – inform economic decision-making and advocate for prairie interests
• Pathfinder – help people navigate federal economic programs and services

For more information on PrairiesCan mandate, structure, priorities, and the work we do, please visit the PrairiesCan website at the links below.

• Mandate and structure of PrairiesCan
• PrairiesCan 2023–2024 Departmental Plan
• PrairiesCan website
• News releases
• Success stories
• PrairiesCan funding programs
• PrairiesCan’s other departmental reports, strategies, and evaluations
• Policy and economic development publications from PrairiesCan
• Past Departmental Plans
• Past Departmental Results Reports

For more information on the department and Minister’s mandate letter commitments, see the Minister’s mandate letter.