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. 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: 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 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: Associated links Stay connected Follow PrairiesCan onFacebook,InstagramandLinkedIn Toll-free number:1-888-338-9378TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired):1-877-303-3388 SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada