Canada Opens Expanded Tariff Support Program for Prairie and Southern Ontario Businesses
Published Sept. 8, 2026
Key Points
- Applications are now open for the expanded Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in the Prairie provinces and southern Ontario.
- Eligible businesses can receive up to $3 million in non-repayable funding.
- Up to $2 million can support demonstrated liquidity needs.
- Prairie businesses can receive up to $1 million for pivot projects.
- The federal government added $1.5 billion to the RTRI, bringing total national funding to $3.45 billion.
- The program also provides support for eligible not-for-profit organizations.
- Note: GHY doesn’t assist with RTRI funding applications or eligibility; businesses and eligible not-for-profit organizations should contact their regional development agency directly.
The 
Government of Canada has opened applications for expanded tariff support for eligible businesses and organizations in the Prairie provinces and southern Ontario. The expanded Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) provides funding to help businesses manage tariff-related liquidity pressures and adjust to changing trade conditions. Eligible businesses can access up to $3 million in non-repayable funding, including up to $2 million for demonstrated liquidity needs. Prairie businesses can also receive up to $1 million for projects that help them pivot and strengthen their long-term market competitiveness.
What is the Expanded Regional Tariff Response Initiative?
The expanded RTRI is part of the federal government’s $7.5 billion package announced on August 25 to support Canadian businesses and workers affected by trade pressures.
The government added $1.5 billion to the RTRI, bringing total funding under the initiative to $3.45 billion nationally through Canada’s regional development agencies.
The broader support package also includes:
- $2 billion Canada Strong Diversification Fund
- $500 million in new BDC liquidity support
- $3.5 billion in Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers
- New flexibilities under the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility
Support for Prairie Businesses
Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) is accepting applications from eligible SMEs and organizations in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
Businesses can apply for:
- Up to $2 million in non-repayable liquidity support for demonstrated tariff-related pressures
- Up to $1 million for pivot projects
- Support for investments that improve competitiveness, diversify markets, and strengthen trade resilience
Businesses may review the Regional Tariff Response Initiative for the Prairie provinces for eligibility and application details.
Support for Southern Ontario
FedDev Ontario is accepting applications from eligible businesses and organizations in southern Ontario.
The expanded program provides up to $3 million in non-repayable funding, including up to $2 million for demonstrated liquidity needs. Funding also remains available for business pivots, productivity improvements, resilience initiatives, and capital investments.
The program continues to offer repayable funding for larger-scale projects that help businesses respond to changing trade and market conditions.
More information is available through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative in southern Ontario.
Contact the Government Agency Directly
The RTRI is administered by the Government of Canada through its regional development agencies. GHY International does not provide assistance with RTRI applications or funding eligibility. The information above is provided for general informational purposes only. Businesses interested in the program should contact PrairiesCan or FedDev Ontario, as applicable.
How GHY Can Help?
GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.
By partnering with GHY, your business gains access to the tools and expertise needed to streamline operations and stay competitive in a challenging trade environment.
Contact Us Today! Booking a Meeting, email consult@ghy.com, or call +1 (800) 667-0771.
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