Government of Canada investments defend Saskatchewan workers and businesses from U.S. tariffs

PrairiesCan support is helping more businesses across the Prairies respond to global trade pressures

REGINA, SK, 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 Saskatchewan businesses and the Canadian economy.

Regional Tariff Response Initiative. $5.3 million to help Saskatchewan businesses respond to global trade pressures

Last month, Washington imposed additional unjustified tariffs on Canadian goods. The Government of Canada 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 expanded support through RTRI, with applications now being accepted from eligible SMEs and organizations. In Saskatchewan, the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, also announced, on behalf of Minister Olszewski, $5.3 million for six RTRI projects led by firms across Saskatchewan.

The projects will build long-term greater economic resilience and help manufacturers grow, improve productivity, strengthen domestic supply chains through new equipment, automation, marketing, market diversification, and expanded production over a range of industries.

Some of the supported projects include:

• Degelman Industries GP Inc., general partner of Degelman Industries Limited Partnership, is receiving $1,000,000 to strengthen its manufacturing capacity and optimize productivity to enhance competitiveness.  
• Saskarc Inc. (operating as infraMOD) is receiving $1,000,000 to install processing and automation equipment which will increase its capacity and help diversify markets.
• Seedmaster Manufacturing Ltd. is receiving $596,347 to accelerate its export sales of agricultural equipment to international markets.

A full list of the six projects receiving support through PrairiesCan can be found in the linked backgrounder.

Quotes

"Saskatchewan businesses have always persevered through tough times. Today, they are responding to unjustified U.S. tariffs with that same determination--investing in their operations, strengthening domestic supply chains and finding new markets. Their work is helping protect jobs and build a stronger Canadian economy. Through PrairiesCan, our government is standing with them and investing alongside them as they adapt, grow and compete."
-The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

"Saskatchewan is a trading province, and our world-class businesses and workers make products that can compete with anyone, anywhere. In the face of unjustified tariffs, today's investment of $5.3 million through Canada's Regional Tariff Response Initiative will help companies across Saskatchewan build more here at home and find new customers around the world."
-The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development

 "We're proud to grow our manufacturing right here in Regina. This investment sharpens our competitive edge, creates new opportunities for our employees, and reinforces our commitment to delivering the dependable, high-quality equipment our customers expect from Degelman."
-Richard Greenough, VP Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Degelman Industries GP Inc.

"SeedMaster is proud to build world-class agricultural equipment in Saskatchewan and take it to farmers around the world. This investment will help us accelerate export growth, strengthen our international dealer network, and create more opportunity for the skilled people who design and build our products here at home."
-Allan Wiens, CEO, Seedmaster Manufacturing Ltd.

Quick facts

• According to a June 2026 labour force survey, Saskatchewan's manufacturing sector employed 30,400 workers, about 4% of the province's total workforce.
• Funding announced today flows through PrairiesCan's Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) program.
• The Government of Canada's $3.45 investment in RTRI funding is part of a new $7.5 billion package for workers and businesses affected by U.S. tariffs. 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.
• Today's RTRI investments will strengthen competitiveness and help each of these organizations achieve tangible outcomes. In total, these projects support more than 70 jobs.

Backgrounder

Today, the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, on behalf of the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced $5.3 million in non-repayable funding for six projects led by organizations across Saskatchewan through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). The projects will help manufacturers grow, improve productivity, strengthen domestic supply chains, and reach new markets.

Projects receiving support include:

• Big Sky Rail Corp. is receiving $1,000,000 to enhance short line rail infrastructure to build supply chain resilience.
• Degelman Industries GP Inc., general partner of Degelman Industries Limited Partnership, is receiving $1,000,000 to strengthen its manufacturing capacity and optimize productivity to enhance competitiveness.
• Inland Steel Products Inc. is receiving $1,000,000 to invest in new equipment that will expand production capabilities at their Lloydminster facility.
• Saskarc Inc., operating as infraMOD, is receiving $1,000,000 to install processing and automation equipment that will increase their capacity and help diversify their markets.
• Seedmaster Manufacturing Ltd. is receiving $596,347 to accelerate its export sales of agricultural equipment to international markets.
• Westman Steel Inc. is receiving $754,500 to expand production capacity to provide new steel products for the construction industry at its manufacturing facility in Swift Current.

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)

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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; Tunde Oyateru, Manager, Communications, Prairies Economic Development Canada, [email protected], 639-382-3753