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.
In August, Washington imposed additional tariffs on Canadian goods. The Government of Canada is now matching the new U.S. tariffs dollar for dollar and providing $7.5 billion in new and enhanced support for affected workers and businesses. As part of these efforts, 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 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.
On Sept. 8, Olszewski announced expanded support through RTRI, with applications now being accepted from eligible SMEs and organizations. In Saskatchewan, 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 across a range of industries.
Some of the supported projects include:
- Degelman Industries GP Inc., general partner of Degelman Industries Limited Partnership, is receiving $1,000,000 to strengthen its manufacturing capacity and optimize productivity to enhance competitiveness.
- Saskarc Inc. (operating as infraMOD) is receiving $1,000,000 to install processing and automation equipment which will increase its capacity and help diversify markets.
- Seedmaster Manufacturing Ltd. is receiving $596,347 to accelerate its export sales of agricultural equipment to international markets.