Eligible businesses in the Prairies can now apply for tariff support under the enhanced Regional Tariff Response Initiative
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Expanded program will help Prairie businesses manage immediate pressures, adapt to trade disruptions and build a stronger Canada
OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 8, 2026 /CNW/ -- U.S. tariffs are increasing costs, disrupting supply chains, and creating new uncertainty for businesses and companies across the Prairies. Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are responding by investing in new equipment and automation, expanding production, bringing more work in-house and pursuing new markets to stay competitive. These efforts are helping strengthen domestic supply chains and build greater resilience for businesses across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba as well as the broader Canadian economy.
Last month, the United States imposed additional unjustified tariffs on Canadian goods. The federal government is now matching the new U.S. tariffs dollar-for-dollar and is providing $7.5 billion in new and enhanced support for affected workers and businesses. As part of these efforts, Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) and Canada's other Regional Development Agencies are now delivering $3.45 billion in an expanded Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) to help more businesses affected by tariffs to address liquidity pressures, strengthen competitiveness, diversify markets, and build resilience. Support is also available for not-for-profit organizations that help businesses adapt, grow, and expand domestic trade opportunities.
Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced that PrairiesCan is now accepting applications for the expanded RTRI from eligible SMEs and organizations.
The enhanced initiative expands the support available to tariff-affected businesses. Businesses across the Prairie Provinces may apply for immediate liquidity support to help manage tariff-related pressures, and for funding to make investments that help them adapt to changing market conditions, strengthen competitiveness, diversify into new markets and build greater trade resilience.
Through the expanded initiative, eligible businesses may now receive up to $3 million in non-repayable support, including up to $2 million for demonstrated liquidity needs and up to $1 million for pivot projects.
Quotes
"Prairie businesses are facing real challenges as unjustified U.S. tariffs create uncertainty and add costs. The enhanced Regional Tariff Response Initiative will help businesses weather the storm, protect good paying jobs, and make the investments needed to grow, compete, and reach new markets all across the globe. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient Prairie economy and a stronger Canada."
-The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
Quick facts
- On August 25, 2026, the Government of Canada announced a $7.5-billion package of new and enhanced measures to support Canadian workers and businesses. The package included an additional $1.5 billion for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, bringing the total investment in the initiative to $3.45 billion nationally.
- The package also includes a $2 billion Canada Strong Diversification Fund, $500 million in new BDC liquidity support, $3.5 billion in Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers, and new flexibilities under the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility.
Associated links
- Canada Strong - Canada.ca
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in the Prairie provinces
- Government of Canada announces support for Prairie businesses facing trade challenges
- Prairie businesses impacted by global trade disruptions can now apply for funding through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)
Stay connected
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Toll-free number: 1-888-338-9378
TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388
SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada
Contacts: Soraya Lemur, Press Secretary, Office of the Hon. Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, [email protected], 343-574-6781; David Lauer, Manager, Communications, Prairies Economic Development Canada, [email protected], 343-549-1816
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