Canada invests $14M to help Nova Scotia businesses respond to tariffs
News release
Building Canadian strength at home and helping businesses compete around the world
September 2, 2026 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
As global trade pressures persist, Canada’s new government is protecting Canadian workers and businesses, defending industries harmed by unjustified U.S. tariffs, and helping Canadian producers compete with U.S. products in the Canadian market.
Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced federal investments totaling more than $14.1 million to support businesses in Nova Scotia. These investments are among the first being announced as Canada rolls out recently enhanced measures to deliver fast, simple, and agile support to workers and businesses affected by U.S. tariffs.
Minister Fraser made the announcement at Ace Machining Ltd. in Dartmouth, alongside Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth–Cole Harbour. Ace Machining received over $400,000 to purchase and install an automated CNC milling station. The new machine will increase productivity and efficiency, help the company meet growing demand and expand in the Canadian market, while strengthening its position as a premium supplier.
Today’s announcement includes investments for 26 additional businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia. These investments, through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), support businesses as they address tariff-related pressures while pursuing long-term growth opportunities, helping strengthen productivity, supply chains, and market reach. For a full list of projects, please see the backgrounder.
Canada’s new government recently announced an additional $1.5 billion for the RTRI as part of a broader $7.5 billion package of new and enhanced measures for Canadian workers and businesses affected by the unjustified U.S. tariffs. This additional investment will allow more businesses across Atlantic Canada to quickly access the help they need to adapt, invest, and pursue new opportunities at home and abroad.
Need help responding to tariffs? Businesses in Atlantic Canada can access the RTRI through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The Agency will also work with businesses to understand their circumstances and connect them with other federal supports, ensuring there is no wrong door for businesses needing help.
Quotes
“We’re helping businesses here in Nova Scotia, like Ace Machining, adapt to the unjustified U.S. tariffs. For Ace, that means buying a new CNC machine to boost productivity, expand in the Canadian market, and compete for new business around the world. The $14 million in direct support we’re announcing today will help Ace and 26 other businesses and organizations across the province. These are among the first investments we’re delivering, with more to come across Atlantic Canada. Our government will continue to make sure our response is fast and agile, so workers and businesses affected by these tariffs get the support they need.”
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“As global trade relationships shift, businesses here in Dartmouth need to be ready to compete and seize new opportunities. Of the $14 million our federal government is investing across Nova Scotia today, more than $400,000 is going right here to Ace Machining for a new CNC machine that will help them produce more, expand in the Canadian market, and compete for new customers around the world. This is the kind of immediate, targeted support Canada’s new government is delivering to help local businesses adapt to tariffs, grow and succeed in a changing global economy.”
- The Honourable Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour
“Trade wars have real consequences, affecting the jobs and livelihoods of hard-working people on both sides of the border. When the first round of U.S. tariffs was introduced, we decided to remove American suppliers from consideration during our equipment procurement process. We selected the Matsuura MX-420 distributed by Elliott Matsuura Canada, which is increasing our throughput, improving productivity, and enhancing our competitiveness on the world stage. Our purchase alone will not change the outcome of the trade dispute, but we hope that if enough Canadian companies make similar decisions, it will send a clear message.”
- Ron Wallace, President and Co-owner of Ace Machining Ltd.
Quick facts
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Through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), the Government of Canada is providing a total of $3.45 billion to help businesses boost productivity, lower costs, strengthen supply chain resilience, and open doors to new markets, enhancing overall competitiveness across all sectors, including steel, aluminum, copper, automotive, food security, and forestry.
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On August 25, 2026, the Government of Canada introduced a $7.5 billion package of new and enhanced measures that deliver fast, simple and agile supports to Canadian workers and businesses, building on the nearly $25 billion in supports the government has provided since the implementation of the U.S. unjustified tariffs.
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Contacts
Jeanne Joannie Fogue Mgamgne
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
joannie.fogue@justice.gc.ca
Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Ronald Wallace
President and Co-Owner
Ace Machining Ltd.
r.wallace@acemachining.ca
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