Canada Opens Applications for Enhanced Tariff Response Initiative in Southern Ontario and the Prairies
The Government of Canada has opened applications for the enhanced Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in Southern Ontario and the Prairies, offering up to $3 million in non-repayable funding to eligible businesses affected by U.S. tariffs.
On September 8, 2026, the Government of Canada announced that applications are now open for the enhanced Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in Southern Ontario and the Prairies. This expansion is part of a broader $7.5 billion federal package announced on August 25, 2026, designed to support Canadian workers and businesses impacted by U.S. tariffs.
The enhanced RTRI includes an additional $1.5 billion investment, bringing the total national investment delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies to $3.45 billion. Eligible small and medium-sized enterprises can access up to $3 million in non-repayable funding through this initiative.
Within the $3 million cap, up to $2 million is available for demonstrated liquidity needs. In the Prairies specifically, eligible businesses may receive up to $1 million for pivot projects within the non-repayable support framework. Support is also available for not-for-profit organizations that help businesses adapt, grow, and expand trade opportunities.
The broader $7.5 billion package includes several other measures, such as a $2 billion Canada Strong Diversification Fund, $500 million in new Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) liquidity support, and $3.5 billion in Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers. These initiatives aim to help businesses manage immediate liquidity pressures caused by tariffs, support adaptation to trade disruptions, strengthen competitiveness, and protect Canadian jobs.