Government of Canada helping Edmonton-area businesses modernize operations and increase sales
News release
Regional Tariff Response Initiative investments will enable Alberta businesses to adapt to tariff related challenges and expand into allied markets
April 17, 2026 – Edmonton, Alberta – PrairiesCan
Alberta’s economy is powered by exports, and businesses across the province—like those throughout Canada—are facing heightened uncertainty as tariffs and evolving global trade conditions affect costs, customer bases, and supply chains. To remain competitive and build long‑term resilience, they must adapt. That is why the Government of Canada is taking action through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), supporting businesses as they diversify markets and strengthen their operations amid ongoing trade uncertainty.
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 $8.4 million through the RTRI to support seven projects in the greater Edmonton area.
These investments will help small- and medium-sized businesses expand operations, build resilience, and strengthen their capacity to navigate in a more competitive global market.
Funding announced today will support more than 150 jobs in Alberta while advancing innovation and manufacturing efficiency across a range of sectors, including homebuilding, cooling products, and steel parts manufacturing. These investments will help businesses integrate automation into production lines, adopt artificial intelligence tools to improve productivity, hire more staff to increase production capacity, and expand sales of Alberta-made products in new international markets. A full list of projects receiving PrairiesCan investment can be found in the associated backgrounder.
Through targeted investments like these, the Government of Canada is helping Alberta businesses adapt, grow, and lead—creating good jobs and building a stronger, more resilient, and more competitive Canadian economy.
Quotes
“In a more uncertain world, Canada’s new government is focused on what we can control—building a stronger and more resilient economy here at home. That means investing in Canadian businesses so they can innovate, compete, and succeed globally. Through PrairiesCan’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative, we are helping small‑ and medium‑sized businesses in Alberta and across Western Canada scale up production, strengthen operations, and access new markets. The result is good jobs, stronger supply chains, and a stronger Canada.”
–The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
“This federal investment comes at a critical time for Edmonton-area businesses facing global trade uncertainty. We're encouraged to see the Government of Canada partnering with manufacturers and builders who are adapting, innovating, and creating jobs right here in our region. When businesses can modernize and diversify, our entire economy becomes more resilient.”
–Heather Thomson, Vice President of Economy and Engagement, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
“PrairiesCan’s support through the RTRI program allows us to accelerate critical automation and manufacturing upgrades that we would have otherwise phased in over several years. We’re increasing our in-house capability, improving productivity, and positioning the business to scale globally while keeping high-value engineering and manufacturing jobs in Canada. This puts us in a stronger position to compete internationally and expand into new export markets.”
–Jon McCallum, CEO, Flexxaire Inc.
Quick facts
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The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) is a $1 billion national program aimed at helping Canadian businesses impacted by global tariff disruptions.
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The Regional Tariff Response Initiative includes targeted funding for key areas of Canada’s economy, including up to $150 million to support the steel sector.
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PrairiesCan continues to accept RTRI applications from eligible businesses and organizations operating across the Prairie provinces.
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The RTRI aligns with a broader Government of Canada tariff response plan, which includes new measures to protect Canadian businesses and workers, including an expansion of the Strategic Innovation Fund, labour market development agreements, and the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility.
Related products
Associated links
Contacts
Soraya Lemur
Press Secretary
Office of the Hon. Eleanor Olszewski
Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
Soraya.Lemur@ps-sp.gc.ca
343-574-6781
Narmin Hassam-Clark
Acting Communications Manager
Prairies Economic Development Canada
Narmin.Hassam-Clark@prairiescan.gc.ca
587-532-7170
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