Export Development Canada
Export Development Canada (EDC) is Canada’s export credit agency and a Crown corporation that helps Canadian companies grow internationally. EDC provides financing, insurance, bonding and guarantees, market knowledge, and working-capital solutions to support exports, foreign investment, and international supply chains. It operates on a commercial basis under the Export Development Act and reports to Parliament through the Minister responsible for International Trade.
| Type | Crown corporation (export credit agency) |
|---|---|
| Mandate | Support Canadian exporters, investors, and their international buyers with financing, insurance, guarantees, and knowledge |
| Legal framework | Export Development Act • OECD Arrangement disciplines • Anti-bribery, environmental & social due-diligence policies |
| Partners | Global Affairs Canada (incl. Trade Commissioner Service) • Canadian Commercial Corporation • Financial institutions & provincial agencies |
| Official site | edc.ca |
What EDC does
EDC supports Canadian companies of all sizes, from start-ups to multinationals, in sectors such as cleantech, agri-food, infrastructure, aerospace, natural resources, advanced manufacturing, and services/technology.
- Financing: Direct loans to Canadian companies for export growth; structured financing to foreign buyers of Canadian goods/services; project and limited-recourse finance; syndicated facilities with banks.
- Guarantees & bonding: Loan guarantees and performance/payment bonds that unlock working capital, bid/advance payment, and warranty obligations.
- Credit insurance: Accounts receivable insurance that covers non-payment due to commercial or political risks; single-buyer and multi-buyer options.
- Political risk insurance: Protection for Canadian investors and lenders against expropriation, currency inconvertibility, political violence, and related risks.
- Working capital & cash-flow solutions: Inventory and contract-financing support with partner financial institutions.
- Knowledge & connections: Country/sector insights, ESG guidance, introductions to vetted buyers and partners, and export readiness tools.
Risk, governance, and public policy
EDC operates on a self-sustaining basis with a Board of Directors and internal risk committees. Policy frameworks address:
- Environmental and social review of transactions, climate-risk considerations, and human-rights due diligence.
- Anti-bribery & sanctions compliance and know-your-customer standards.
- International disciplines (OECD Arrangement on officially supported export credits) and transparency practices.
Relationship with other organizations
- Works closely with the Trade Commissioner Service and Global Affairs Canada on market development.
- Coordinates with Canadian Commercial Corporation on government-to-government contracts.
- Complements private lenders/insurers; transactions often involve commercial banks and provincial agencies.
History (brief)
- 1944: Founded as the Export Credits Insurance Corporation (ECIC).
- 1960s–1970s: Expanded lending and guarantees; modern Crown corporation structure.
- 1990s–present: Broader sector coverage, project finance, political-risk products, and ESG policies.
See also
External links (official)
- Export Development Canada — Home: https://www.edc.ca/