Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Ontario Firms May Seek Trade Challenge Aid
Eligible southern Ontario businesses can now apply for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative support to respond, adapt and compete amid shifting market conditions
The Government of Canada is focused on protecting Canadian workers, reinforcing the competitiveness of Canadian businesses and building one strong Canadian economy.
Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced that the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) is open in southern Ontario.
The RTRI is a three-year, $450-million national initiative, delivered through Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), to help businesses overcome trade challenges. FedDev Ontario will deliver nearly $160 million in southern Ontario, with targeted support available for businesses in the steel and automotive industries.
The RTRI will invest in Canadian businesses affected by trade challenges by helping them improve productivity, expand and diversify markets, and strengthen domestic supply chain and trade resilience.
The Minister made the announcement while visiting Hooper Welding, a manufacturer of pressure vessels and custom steel fabrication for the oil, gas and nuclear sectors.
Canada’s new government is building big, building bold, and building the strongest economy in the G7 using our homegrown industry, workforce and talent.
https://www.canada.ca/en/economic-development-southern-ontario/news/2025/08/southern-ontario-businesses-facing-trade-challenges-can-now-apply-for-funding.html