Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Canada-Alberta Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA)?
The WEPA is a four-year, cost-shared agreement, which will contribute to sustainable and diversified growth of the Alberta economy through federal-provincial cooperation.
WEPA provides $50 million in funding, which is cost-shared on a 50/50 basis by the Government of Canada and Government of Alberta.
What is the purpose of the WEPA? The purpose of the 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.
The objectives of the WEPA are to contribute to:
- Technology Commercialization – Create and/or grow the knowledge-based economy in Alberta by commercializing new products, technologies and services into domestic and international markets.
- Business Productivity and Competitiveness - Strengthen small business development, growth and competitiveness in the global economy.
- Trade and Investment - Expand access to international markets and investments.
- Value Added Processing - Increase revenues of traditional industries by adopting new technologies and processes that transform low value outputs into high value products.
Projects must clearly outline how they will achieve one or more of the desired objectives listed above. Eligible projects must also demonstrate:
- Potential significant measurable impact on economic development in a particular community.
- Environmental and economic sustainability.
- Start-up and long-term self-sufficiency.
- Consistency with obligations and policies related to international and domestic trade agreements.
- Objectives, expected results, and outcomes that incorporate clear performance measurements.
Applicants must be a legal entity and include:
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Post-Secondary Institutions
- Hospitals and/or Regional Healthcare Centres, for purpose of undertaking research, and for development of new technologies
- First Nations, Métis Settlements and other Aboriginal organizations
- Federal Crown Corporations
- Provincial Government Departments, Agencies and Crown Corporations
- Municipal Governments and organizations created by them
Note: For-profit entities are not eligible applicants.
Projects will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
What information should be included with WEPA applications? You should complete an Initial Application Form and submit it to WD and AET. You may also attach an optional two or three page summary of additional information.
Where should WEPA applications be sent?
A printed and electronic copy of the WEPA Initial Application Form and optional two or three page summary should be sent to each of the following addresses:
| Alex Umnikov |
David Woynorowski |
| Alberta Advanced Education and Technology |
Western Economic Diversification Canada |
| 5th Floor, Phipps-McKinnon Building |
Suite 1500 |
| 10020 - 101A Avenue |
and 9700 Jasper Avenue |
| Edmonton, Alberta |
Edmonton, Alberta |
| T5J 3G2 |
T5J 4H7 |
| TechComm.Services@gov.ab.ca |
David.Woynorowski@wd.gc.ca |
Applicants will be required to submit an Initial Application Form summarizing the project to both WD and AET. Applicants whose projects meet the pre-screening criteria will be invited to complete a Detailed Application Form and provide a detailed proposal or business plan. The WEPA Management Committee will meet regularly to review and select projects for funding.
Applications cannot be changed once received. However, WD and/or AET will contact project proponents if additional information is required.
When will applicants know if applications are successful or declined in receiving WEPA funding? Project contacts will be informed in writing of decisions relating to their applications.
Can WEPA funding be used for an investment outside Alberta? Funding support can be provided for activities that take place outside of Alberta provided that it can be demonstrated that substantive economic benefits will result for Alberta.
Are any costs considered ineligible under the WEPA? Costs to acquire or divest of land are not eligible costs under the WEPA.
Can funding support be extended over a number of years? Funding can be provided over a number of years. However, continued funding support may be contingent on the successful achievement of milestones and the provision of timely project cost reports.
Will proposed projects have to complete an environmental assessment? Proposed projects must be assessed under the Canada Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) prior to a Contribution Agreement being signed.
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