Audit of Loan and Investment Program

Evaluation of the Western Diversification Program Management Response and Action Plan October 31, 2008 Expected Recommendation Action Plan Responsibility Completion Date 1. The department needs to maintain the current flexibility within Agree. Executive Director, Ongoing the WDP in future design and delivery of the program. Policy, Planning & Stakeholders agreed that the flexibility of the WDP is key to be able The ability to adjust the program is very Performance to address the needs of the west, which change over time. important and WD will continue to consult Measurement The diversity within the WDP helped many projects to be funded in with stakeholders on changes to economic innovation, community economic development and entrepreneurship. needs and the impact on program design and delivery. Consultations take place with Flexibility will continue to be needed especially in community economic adjustment to mitigate economic crisis. The continued stakeholders throughout the annual planning dependence of the western provinces on resources and commodities process and with program recipients will mean that commodity markets will continue to have a major throughout the program delivery process. cyclical impact. The new Policy on Transfer Payments provides increased flexibility in program design, amendment and renewal which will accommodate changes to program design and delivery throughout the program term. WD will continue to ...