Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Canada

• Total program funding of $1 billion distributed over three years nationwide.
• Up to $150 million allocated specifically for SME projects in the Canadian steel sector.

• The applicant must be an incorporated company, corporation, co-operative, Indigenous-owned business or organization, or a non-profit organization that supports businesses.
• The applicant must demonstrate that at least 25% of their sales are to the U.S. and/or China, or show that they or the businesses they support have been directly or indirectly affected by trade disruptions such as new U.S. or China tariffs or Canadian countermeasures.

Who is eligible?

• Incorporated companies
• Corporations
• Co-operatives
• Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations
• Non-profit organizations that support businesses

Eligible expenses

• Investments in digitization, automation, and technology upgrades.
• Market development and expansion activities.
• Optimization of supply chain logistics and compliance with market standards.
• Costs related to strengthening domestic supply chains and facilitating internal trade.
• Expenses for reshoring production, research and development operations.
• Recruitment of highly qualified personnel and expertise.

Eligible geographic areas

• Nunavut
• Northwest Territories
• Yukon

• The program dedicates a portion of its total funding specifically to projects in the Canadian steel sector.
• CanNor coordinates with other federal departments, Indigenous partners, and territorial governments for delivery and support.
• The initiative aims to foster long-term economic resilience for Canadian businesses in the face of global trade uncertainty.