Export Development Canada (EDC; French Exportation développement Canada) is Canada's export credit agency and a State-owned enterprise wholly owned by the Government of Canada. Its mandate is to support and develop trade between Canada and other countries and Canada's competitiveness in the international market-place. EDC products and services include trade credit insurance, export financing for Canadian companies and for their foreign customers, bonding solutions, international market expertise, as well as information on opportunities in international markets. EDC was founded in 1944. Its corporate headquarters is located in Ottawa and has 17 regional offices across Canada and permanent representations in 12 foreign markets. EDC operates at arm's length from the federal government and according to commercial principles. EDC's mandate is spelled out in the Export Development Act. In response to the global credit crunch, in 2009 the Government of Canada broadened EDC's mandate and scope of activity for a two-year period to include support for domestic trade and domestic business opportunities.
