The global economy is more uncertain, with tariffs and trade disruptions putting pressure on businesses, supply chains, and workers in Alberta and across Canada. In response, the Government of Canada said it is supporting businesses in their efforts to adapt and meet this moment.
Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, announced this week a combined federal investment of more than $7 million through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) for five Edmonton-based organizations.
“Alberta businesses are working hard to adapt to a more uncertain global economy. Through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, Canada’s new government is helping them move from reliance to resilience. Businesses across our province have the talent and drive to compete globally, but in a more uncertain world they need the right tools and support to reach new markets, strengthen supply chains, build up domestic capacity, and keep growing. That is exactly what these investments will help do while creating good jobs and positioning Alberta for long-term economic success along the way.”
Eleanor Olszewski
This includes $3.5 million for the Alberta Chambers of Commerce to deliver strategic trade missions as well as initiatives to support more efficient supply chains for tariff-impacted businesses, initially targeting the manufacturing and value-added agriculture sectors. Together, these investments will support projects focused on trade expansion, advanced manufacturing, production growth, and digitization to help businesses strengthen supply chains, boost productivity, and pursue new opportunities in domestic and international markets, said the government.
“These investments will help Alberta businesses respond to tariff-related trade disruptions and grow in a changing global economy. They will also support stronger domestic capacity, improve competitiveness, and position Alberta firms for long-term success while creating good jobs here at home,” it said.
The five projects:
- Alberta Chambers of Commerce
Deliver domestic trade missions and supply chain and productivity enhancing activities for small- and medium-sized businesses. This project will initially target tariff-impacted businesses in the manufacturing and value-added agriculture sectors to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, strengthen supply chains, and position Prairie businesses for global success. PrairiesCan is investing $3.5 million in this project.
- Apollo Machine & Welding Ltd.
Integrate advanced process sensors and machine learning into the manufacturing and repair of complex metal components. This project will support transformative growth of Apollo’s manufacturing capacity through seamless integration of data-driven decision-making and automation to create efficiencies and reduce production costs. PrairiesCan is investing $1 million in this project.
- Cast Steel Products
Enhance operational capacity and manufacturing processes to expand domestic and international sales of Canadian-made steel components used in mining operations. Productivity investments and the adoption of AI tools will improve cost efficiency, competitiveness, and production output. PrairiesCan is investing $964,217 in this project.
- Demir Engineering Ltd.
Acquire advanced manufacturing equipment and develop processes to efficiently and reliably produce a new alloy product line in Alberta. This project will position Demir as a Canadian supplier for industrial customers in the mining, energy, aerospace, petrochemical, and manufacturing sectors. PrairiesCan is investing $1 million in this project.
- RAM Elevators & Lifts Inc.
Digitize product manufacturing, diversify markets, and build supply chain resilience. This project will improve productivity, expand markets, and strengthen supply chains to reduce exposure to tariffs by focusing on large dealers, digitization of product drawings and designs, and a new client support team. PrairiesCan is investing $1 million in this project.
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024, 2025 and 2026.
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