Regional Tariff Response Initiative in the Prairie provinces

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), delivered by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), is a $1-billion national initiative under the Government of Canada’s coordinated tariff response plan. It supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Indigenous businesses, and business-support organizations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba in adapting to global trade disruptions — particularly tariffs imposed by the U.S. and China — by strengthening competitiveness, diversifying markets, adopting advanced technologies, and building resilient supply chains.

Prairies Economic Development Canada

Overview of the Regional Tariff Response Initiative in the Prairie provinces program:

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) forms part of the Government of Canada’s national strategy to protect jobs, industries, and supply chains affected by foreign trade measures and tariffs, particularly those involving the U.S. and China. Administered by PrairiesCan and six other regional development agencies, the program supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and business-serving organizations across the Prairies that have been adversely impacted by recent tariff actions or global trade uncertainty. RTRI’s objective is to strengthen the long-term competitiveness and resilience of Canadian businesses by enabling them to diversify markets, create new export opportunities, adopt innovative technologies, and reinforce domestic supply chains. Funding under RTRI is intended to complement existing federal and provincial tariff-related support programs, such as the Strategic Response Fund and BDC’s Pivot to Grow initiative. The program supports activities related to productivity improvement, market diversification, and supply chain resilience. It emphasizes preference for applicants demonstrating significant Canadian ownership, use of Canadian inputs, and the capacity to leverage non-federal funding sources. Projects may span up to three years, with all activities to be completed by March 31, 2028.

Benefits of the Regional Tariff Response Initiative in the Prairie provinces program:

Total Initiative Budget: $1 billion nationally
For-Profit Businesses:
Contributions typically range from $500,000 to $5 million per project
Up to $1 million non-repayable for select cases
Normally repayable over five years, interest-free, beginning one year after project completion
Covers up to 50% of eligible project costs, with at least 50% funded from other sources
Not-for-Profit Organizations:
Non-repayable contributions covering up to 90% of eligible costs
Commercial not-for-profits: normally repayable, covering up to 75%
Indigenous Applicants:
Up to 80% coverage for commercial projects
Up to 100% coverage for non-commercial projects

Eligibility criteria of the Regional Tariff Response Initiative in the Prairie provinces program:

Eligible Applicants:
Incorporated businesses, corporations, and co-operatives
Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations
Not-for-profit organizations that support businesses
Business Eligibility:
1499 full-time employees
At least 2 years in operation
Incorporated and operating in Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba)
Viable prior to March 21, 2025
At least 25% of sales in tariff-affected markets, or evidence of direct impact from tariffs (e.g., higher input costs, lost sales, added import/export taxes)
Must demonstrate confirmed funding sources at the time of application
Capable of entering legally binding agreements
Not-for-Profits:
Must support Prairie-based businesses affected by tariffs
Must have a legal and operating presence in the region
Preference given to:
Majority Canadian-owned businesses
Projects using higher Canadian input proportions
Applicants leveraging non-PrairiesCan funding
Sectors most affected by tariffs