Pacific Economic Development Agency Added

Summary#

The Order Amending Schedule I.1 to the Financial Administration Act: SOR/2021-185 adds a Pacific-focused federal office to the list of departments covered by the Financial Administration Act. The office is formally named the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada and the change came into force on August 6, 2021.

What it does#

• Adds the Office of the Assistant Deputy Minister, British Columbia (part of the Department of Western Economic Diversification) to Schedule I.1 of the Financial Administration Act.
• Gives that office the formal departmental name Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada / Agence de développement économique du Pacifique Canada for the purposes of the Act.
• Identifies the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages as the appropriate minister for the new department.
• The order took effect on August 6, 2021.

Who's affected#

• The most directly affected entity is the newly named Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (formerly an office within Western Economic Diversification).
• People who work for that office and the ministerial staff supporting it.
• Communities, businesses, and organizations in British Columbia and the Pacific region that receive federal economic development programs from that office may see administrative or reporting changes.
• It is unclear from the notice whether this change by itself changes funding levels or program rules.

Why it matters#

• Being listed as a department under the Financial Administration Act means the office is treated like other federal departments for budgeting, spending controls, and financial reporting.
• That formal status can affect how the agency manages money, signs contracts, and reports to Parliament.
• For local businesses and communities, the change could mean clearer accountability and a more visible federal presence focused on Pacific economic development.