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Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Canada — Pivot projects

Funding for pivot projects by tariff-affected businesses and business-support organizations in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Yukon to improve productivity, diversify markets and strengthen supply chains.

Offered by
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
Official source: cannor.gc.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 20,000,000
Up to 25% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, Canada
Who can apply
Incorporated for-profit businesses located and operating in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories or the Yukon
See full eligibility

Overview

CanNor supports pivot projects that improve productivity, competitiveness, market diversification and supply chain resilience in Northern Canada.

  • For business pivot projects with local or regional benefits, non-repayable contributions can reach $1 million and cover up to 50% of eligible costs.
  • For larger transformative business pivot projects, interest-free repayable contributions over $1 million can cover up to 75% of eligible costs.
  • Projects must be completed by March 31, 2029. Funding is assessed according to demonstrated need and the proposed response to tariff impacts.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$20,000,000
Maximum share of project costs
25%
Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Automate business operations
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Conduct research and development activities
  • Optimize production processes
  • Obtain certifications or accreditations
  • Access new markets

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Rural or Northern Residents
  • Canadians
Legal structures
Financial cooperative, Non-financial cooperative, For-profit business, Non-profit

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

RTRI expanded for Northern businesses

RTRI now sets out new eligibility, funding, project timing, and application instructions for businesses in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon.

See more

The RTRI page now sets out detailed eligibility for incorporated for-profit businesses in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon, including a normal minimum annual revenue of $1 million and tariff-impact requirements. It also adds new scope for not-for-profit organizations that support businesses in the North. Funding terms are now spelled out for liquidity assistance and pivot projects, including up to $2 million at up to 50% for liquidity assistance, up to $1 million at up to 50% for non-repayable pivot projects, up to 75% for repayable pivot projects over $1 million, and up to $20 million in total RTRI funding. Project timing is also defined, with liquidity assistance ending no later than March 31, 2028 and pivot projects completed by March 31, 2029. The application process now requires the RTRI guide, PDF application form, supporting documents, and online submission steps, replacing the simpler email-interest approach. The page also adds contact instructions through oper

Official source: cannor.gc.ca
September 16, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Incorporated for-profit businesses located and operating in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories or the Yukon
  • Not-for-profit organizations in the North whose primary focus is to support businesses
  • Businesses in all tariff-impacted sectors

Who is not eligible

  • Businesses that are unable to demonstrate direct or indirect tariff exposure

Eligible expenses

  • New and additional costs directly related to eligible pivot projects that improve productivity, competitiveness, supply chain resilience, market diversification or growth.
  • Costs must be justified by the proposed project and assessed by CanNor.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Unreasonable, non-incremental costs or costs not directly related to project activities.
  • Land and building acquisition, entertainment expenses, motor vehicle costs and refinancing existing debt.
  • Requests to support ongoing operating costs.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Nunavut
  • Northwest Territories
  • Yukon

Activities funded

  • Productivity improvements and process modernization
  • Equipment and technology adoption, including automation and digitization
  • Market diversification and export development
  • Supply chain resilience
  • Activities that increase competitiveness and reduce trade-related risks

How to apply

  • Step 1: Express Interest
    • Contact the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) by emailing operations@cannor.gc.ca.
    • Indicate your intention to apply for funding under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI).
  • Step 2: Request Information and Guidance
    • Request additional information or clarification regarding the application process if needed.
    • Obtain guidance on eligibility and required documentation directly from CanNor representatives.
  • Step 3: Prepare Your Application
    • Prepare all required documentation and detailed project information as specified by CanNor in their response.
    • Ensure all activities align with program criteria and that your application clearly demonstrates your organization's needs and project objectives.
  • Step 4: Submit Application
    • Email your completed application and all supporting documents to operations@cannor.gc.ca.

Documents Needed

  • Corporate information and a business profile
  • Financial statements for the past two years
  • Evidence of tariff impacts, such as export sales information
  • Project schedules for pivot project requests; information regarding other government funding received; incorporation documents, including amendments and ownership information; biographies of key management and project team members for pivot project funding

Selection criteria

  • Program criteria
  • Demonstrated need
  • The business's proposed response to tariff impacts

Additional information

  • The program now includes additional support across all sectors.
  • CanNor delivers funding in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon.
  • Applicants may contact operations@cannor.gc.ca for more information.

Contacts

operations@cannor.gc.ca

Official sources

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in the North

Program guide

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) Application Guide

Application form

FDO0091E - APPLICATION FOR FUNDING Regional Tariff Response Initiative
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Canada — Pivot projects Program

What is the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Canada — Pivot projects?

CanNor supports pivot projects that improve productivity, competitiveness, market diversification and supply chain resilience in Northern Canada. For business pivot projects with local or regional benefits, non-repayable contributions can reach $1 million and cover up to 50% of eligible costs. For larger transformative business pivot projects, interest-free repayable contributions over $1 million can cover up to 75% of eligible costs. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2029. Funding is assessed according to demonstrated need and the proposed response to tariff impacts.

How much funding can be received?

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Canada — Pivot projects Funds up to 25% of admissible expenses, capped at $20,000,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Canada — Pivot projects program?

To be eligible for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Canada — Pivot projects program, you must: The applicant must be an incorporated for-profit business located and operating in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories or the Yukon. The business must have a minimum of $1 million in annual revenue in one or both of its last two fiscal years. The business must have been viable prior to tariffs. The business must demonstrate that it has been affected by ongoing trade disruptions, including U.S. tariffs, Canadian countermeasures or countervailing duties. Support is also available for not-for-profit organizations in the North whose primary focus is to support businesses.

What expenses are eligible under Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Canada — Pivot projects?

New and additional costs directly related to eligible pivot projects that improve productivity, competitiveness, supply chain resilience, market diversification or growth. Costs must be justified by the proposed project and assessed by CanNor.

Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Canada — Pivot projects?

You can contact Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) by email at operations@cannor.gc.ca.

Where is the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Canada — Pivot projects available?

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Canada — Pivot projects program is available the province of Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon.