Regional Tariff Response Initiative
The Government of Canada is helping Canadian businesses respond to global trade pressures.
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), delivered by Canada's regional development agencies, is part of the broader Government of Canada tariff response plan to protect Canadian businesses and workers.
On May 4, 2026, the Government of Canada announced additional funding under the RTRI. There is now $1.5 billion available to help businesses overcome trade disruptions. This includes support for businesses across all sectors, including in the steel, automotive and food security industries. It invests in targeted, time-sensitive activities that boost productivity, lower costs, strengthen supply chain resilience, and open doors to new markets, enhancing overall competitiveness.
The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) will deliver funding under this initiative in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon. CanNor collaborates with other federal departments, Indigenous partners, and territorial governments so that businesses have access to the full range of supports available to them.
Who can apply for RTRI funding?
Eligible recipients include:
- Incorporated companies, corporations, and co-operatives;
- Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations; and,
- Non-profit organizations that support businesses.
Applicants must show they, or the businesses they support, have been directly or indirectly affected by ongoing trade disruptions.
What types of activities are eligible for funding?
Eligible activities focus on boosting productivity, driving growth, and diversifying markets for SMEs and sectors affected by tariffs or countermeasures. Examples include:
- Investing in digitization, automation, and technology to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
- Developing and expanding markets to help SMEs find new customers.
- Optimizing global supply chain logistics and ensuring compliance with standards to gain market access and/or enhance sales.
- Strengthening domestic supply chains and facilitating internal trade to increase the resilience and competitiveness of SMEs and the reliability of domestic markets.
- Reshoring production, research and development operations, and recruiting highly qualified personnel and expertise.
To apply
If you feel that the Regional Tariff Response Initiative is right for you, contact operations@cannor.gc.ca to express interest or for more information.