Regional Tariff Response Initiative investment will help overcome challenges resulting from evolving global trade realities and strengthen Alberta businesses
Alberta's economy is built on exports, and businesses in the province, like those across Canada, are navigating increased uncertainty as tariffs and shifting global trade conditions impact their costs, customer bases and supply chains. To remain competitive and build long-term resilience, they must access new markets. That is why the Government of Canada is taking action through programs like the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) and by reaching more trade agreements with reliable trading partners.
Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced a federal investment of more than $5.8M through the RTRI for five projects in southern Alberta. The aim is more resilient businesses that are better equipped to compete and overcome global trade pressures.
Nearly $4.5M of this investment will be allocated to three not-for-profit organizations to deliver business support services and enhance collaboration with a goal of advancing the export readiness of Alberta businesses. This includes $1.5M for Mount Royal University to launch the Alberta Logistics Centre of Excellence which will deliver specialized programming to help prove and commercialize innovative transportation and logistics products and technologies. Also included in not-for-profit funding is nearly $1.5M for the Alberta Food Processors Association to provide tailored advice to help food and beverage businesses improve performance and productivity by adopting new technologies and scaling-up operations.
Two businesses will also receive a total of more than $1.38M in direct support to expand sales in new national and global markets. Funding will help these businesses expand product lines, establish reliable supply chains, expand production capacity for Canadian goods and provide quality jobs for Albertans.
