Eligible businesses and organizations in southern Ontario can now apply for support through the enhanced Regional Tariff Response Initiative
News release
Expanded program will help southern Ontario businesses and organizations manage immediate pressures, adapt to trade disruptions and build a stronger Canada
September 8, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario
As businesses and workers face challenges related to tariffs and trade uncertainty, the Government of Canada remains focused on protecting Canadian workers, reinforcing the competitiveness of Canadian businesses, and building one strong Canadian economy while helping businesses and communities continue to grow and succeed.
Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced that applications are now being accepted for expanded support through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in southern Ontario. This includes the provision of liquidity support to tariff impacted businesses.
Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies (RDAs), the RTRI is part of the broader Government of Canada tariff response plan to protect Canadian businesses and workers. The enhanced initiative provides increased support to help businesses address liquidity pressures, strengthen competitiveness, diversify into new markets, and build resilience in an evolving global economy.
As part of this expanded support, the Government of Canada is investing an additional $1.5 billion through the RTRI. Eligible businesses may now access up to $3 million in non-repayable funding, including up to $2 million for demonstrated liquidity needs, alongside existing support for business pivots, productivity improvements, resilience initiatives, and capital investment projects. The initiative will continue to offer repayable funding for larger-scale projects that help businesses adapt, improve resilience, and compete in response to evolving trade and market conditions. Support is also available for not-for-profit organizations that help businesses adapt, grow, and expand trade opportunities.
The Government of Canada remains focused on helping Canadian businesses grow, compete, and succeed while creating good jobs and strengthening economic resilience across the country.
Quotes
“Canada has the businesses, the skilled workers, and the expertise to compete and grow. Through the expanded Regional Tariff Response Initiative, we are providing additional support to help businesses respond to tariff pressures, strengthen supply chains, build resilience, and pursue new market opportunities. By investing in Canadian workers, businesses, and industries, we are helping protect jobs, strengthen our economy, and build a more competitive and prosperous future for Canadians.”
- The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Quick facts
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On August 25, 2026, the Government of Canada announced a $7.5-billion package of new and enhanced measures to support Canadian workers and businesses. The package included an additional $1.5 billion for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, bringing the total investment delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies to $3.45 billion nationally.
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The package also includes a $2 billion Canada Strong Diversification Fund, $500 million in new BDC liquidity support, $3.5 billion in Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers, and new flexibilities under the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility.
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FedDev Ontario is working to ensure businesses, organizations and communities across southern Ontario have the support they need to grow and compete. To learn more about our programming, please visit our funding page and explore our impact stories to learn more about some of FedDev Ontario's funding recipients.
Associated links
Contacts
Leela Polushin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Leela.Polushin@ised-isde.gc.ca
343-543-5391
Media Relations FedDev Ontario
media@feddevontario.gc.ca
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