Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA)
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The Canada-Alberta Western
Economic Partnership Agreement |
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Message from the Ministers responsible for the Canada-Alberta Western Economic Partnership Agreement
The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification |
The Honourable Doug Horner, Minister of Alberta Advanced Education and Technology |
The Governments of Canada and Alberta are pleased to be working together through the Canada-Alberta Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) to stimulate local economies and foster growth by supporting innovative, entrepreneurial and sustainable communities.
With its own unique strengths, opportunities and challenges, Alberta continues to be a place of great potential. It has a rapidly developing technology sector, a high proportion of small- and medium-sized businesses, and emerging opportunities for enhanced links with international markets. A diversified and dynamic economy is key to ensuring that Alberta remains a vibrant place to live and work.
The current WEPA builds upon a strong foundation of shared federal-provincial economic development initiatives. Through the Canada-Alberta WEPA, we are working with organizations in the community to invest in priorities and projects that support a stronger future for all Albertans.
Together, we will advance economic diversification, strengthen economic activity and improve the quality of life in communities across Alberta.
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About the Canada-Alberta Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA)
The Canada-Alberta Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) is a $50 million joint federal/provincial program that supports economic development in Alberta.
The Canada-Alberta WEPA, announced March 20, 2009, is jointly administered by Western Economic Diversification Canada and Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. WEPA is equally funded by both partners, with each contributing $25 million over four years. This WEPA builds on the success of prior Canada-Alberta WEPA agreements signed in 1998 and 2003.
The purpose of the Canada-Alberta WEPA is to:
- Provide a mechanism for achieving greater federal-provincial cooperation in realizing the economic and regional development potential of the Province of Alberta by way of collaboration; and
- Target the joint strategic priorities whereby Canada and Alberta will work together and with other interested stakeholders to help create innovative, entrepreneurial and sustainable communities.
Canada-Alberta WEPA Strategic Priorities
The Canada-Alberta WEPA will target priorities that address regional needs and are consistent with national and provincial economic development strategies. The Canada-Alberta WEPA has identified four priority areas of activity: Technology Commercialization, Business Productivity and Competitiveness, Trade and Investment, and Value Added Processing.
Technology CommercializationCreate and/or grow the knowledge-based economy in Alberta by commercializing new products, technologies and services for domestic and international markets. Initiatives will contribute to:
- Increased rate of technology development, commercialization and adoption;
- Increased rural innovation and rural capacity to commercialize technologies, products and services;
- Increased growth and creation of jobs in knowledge based sectors.
Strengthen small business development, growth and competitiveness in the global economy through initiatives that will contribute to:
- Increased productivity and efficiency of Alberta-based small and medium size enterprises (SMEs);
- Creating, expanding and retaining of Alberta SMEs;
- Increased investment and business opportunities for Alberta SMEs;
- Enhanced access to capital for Alberta SMEs.
Expand access to international markets and investments through initiatives that contribute to:
- Increased export readiness of Alberta SMEs;
- Increased export sales of Alberta technologies, products and services;
- Access to new markets for Alberta products and services;
- Development of international partnerships, alliances and initiatives to facilitate commercialization and adoption of Alberta technologies, products and services.
Increase revenues of traditional industries by adopting new technologies and processes that transform low value outputs into high value products. Systemic or industry-wide initiatives will contribute to:
- Increased value-added processing and manufacturing;
- Increased productivity and efficiency.
How to Apply
Before preparing an application for funding under the Canada-Alberta Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA), read the Project Proposal Application Guidelines below. Applicants must submit a completed Initial Application Form to Western Economic Diversification Canada and Alberta Advanced Education and Technology in printed and electronic format. An optional two or three page summary may also be included with your Initial Application. Mailing and electronic addresses are listed in the Project Proposal Application Guidelines.
Applicants will be contacted once an initial review is completed and applicants whose initial applications meet the pre-screening criteria will be invited to submit a Detailed Application Form along with a detailed proposal/ business plan. Further information on the application process can be found in the Project Proposal Application Guidelines.
Project Proposal Application Guidelines: English Document Document Français
Initial Application Form: English Document Document Français
Dates and Deadlines
Projects will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Please contact one of the program people listed below if you require further information. The WEPA Management Committee will meet regularly to review and select projects for funding.
Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers to common questions.
Media Centre
For the latest Canada-Alberta WEPA communications (news releases, speeches, photos, etc.)
Contact Us
For further information about WEPA, please contact:
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Rosy Amlani - Phone: 780-495-5779
Shelley Heidecker - Phone: 780-495-4438
Alberta Advanced Education and Technology
Sharlotte Weslosky - Phone: 780-427-2192
Current as of: Thursday, March 19, 2009
Maintained by: Communications branch, AET
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