PrairiesCan support will help defend 8 Saskatoon businesses against U.S. tariffs
SASKATOON, SK, Sept. 2, 2026 /CNW/ — U.S. tariffs are increasing costs, disrupting supply chains and creating new uncertainty for Saskatoon businesses. In response, Canada is controlling what we can control: companies are investing in new equipment and automation, expanding production, bringing in 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.
Last month, Washington imposed additional unjustified tariffs on Canadian goods. Canada negotiated intensively and in good faith toward a fair and comprehensive agreement. However, the terms proposed by the United States asked too much of Canada and offered too little in return. Canada therefore suspended negotiations rather than accept a bad deal that would undermine Canadian workers, businesses, strategic industries and national sovereignty.
In response, Canada will match the new U.S. tariffs dollar for dollar and is providing $7.5 billion in new and enhanced support for affected workers and businesses. As part of these efforts, the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, and the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), today announced $11.6 million for 10 projects led by 8 Saskatoon-based organizations through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI).
The projects will help manufacturers grow, improve productivity, strengthen domestic supply chains and reach new markets. By supporting productivity, modernization and market competitiveness, the federal government is helping Saskatchewan businesses respond to the immediate pressures created by U.S. tariffs while building greater economic resilience over the long term. Today’s investments will support new equipment, automation, marketing, market diversification, and expanded production across a range of manufacturing industries.
Some of the supported projects include:
- Doepker Industries Ltd. is receiving support for two projects:
- $1,711,153 to install production equipment to expand the number of different trailer products manufactured to include Peerless and Scona brands, to increase capacity and diversify markets.
- $1,000,000 to implement a new enterprise resource planning system to improve productivity.
- Drake Meat Processors Inc. is receiving support for two projects:
- $2,200,000 to purchase equipment to expand and automate a sausage and beef production line in Saskatoon.
- $1,000,000 to purchase equipment to expand and automate a cured pork production line in Saskatoon.
- RMD Engineering Inc is receiving $1,000,000 to install production equipment to improve productivity and diversify markets.
A full list of the 10 projects receiving support through PrairiesCan can be found in the backgrounder below.
Quotes
“Saskatchewan businesses have always found ways to overcome challenges, from fluctuations in commodity prices to extreme weather events. Today, they are responding to unjustified U.S. tariffs with that same resilience by investing in their operations, strengthening domestic supply chains, and expanding into new markets. In doing so, they are protecting jobs and helping build a stronger Canadian economy. Through PrairiesCan, our government is proud to stand with them through investments supporting their efforts to adapt, grow, and compete.”
–The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
“No matter what, our Plan A was always to defend Canadian workers, businesses and industries and help them become more prosperous and independent – because we can give ourselves more than anyone can take away. Growing up on the Prairies, it has been clear to me my whole life that Saskatchewan is pivotal to the Canadian economy, and I am proud to stand with them against tariffs in the short-term, while helping them pivot, grow, and thrive in the long-term.”
–The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“Saskatchewan is home to world-class businesses and workers who make products that can compete with anyone, anywhere. This new $11.6 million investment will help Saskatoon companies build more here at home and find new customers around the world. In the face of unjustified tariffs, Saskatchewan businesses and workers are stepping up — and our government is going to keep showing up for them”
–The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development
“Saskatchewan is full of high-end machine shops, and we’re not one of them — we build what isn’t there. Twice now, a crisis has shown up uninvited. When Canada needed ventilators, we became Saskatchewan’s first licensed medical device manufacturer and built them here; this investment lets us answer tariffs the same way. Same purpose both times: drive change to make the world better.”
–Jim Boire, P. Eng., PMP, President and Founder, RMD Engineering Inc.
“Drake Meats is in the final stages of constructing its new federally inspected plant in Saskatoon, scheduled to open in December 2026. The new Saskatoon facility will increase Drake Meats production capacity and deliver high-quality, Canadian-produced products to consumers across the country. Drake Meats appreciates the strong support provided by the PrairiesCan RTRI investment, along with our other key partners–FCC, Westcap and a local group of Saskatoon investors–especially during this challenging time for the Canadian ag sector due to trade issues and global conflicts.”
–Caileigh Beckman, Director of Operations, Drake Meat Processors
Quick facts
- As per the June 2026 labour force survey, Saskatchewan’s manufacturing sector employed 30,400 workers, about 4 % of the province’s total workforce.
- Funding announced today flows through PrairiesCan’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) program.
- On August 25, 2026, the Government of Canada announced an additional $1.5 billion through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, bringing RTRI support to a total of $3 billion to help tariff-affected small and medium-sized businesses manage immediate pressures, diversify markets, boost productivity, reduce costs and strengthen domestic supply chains.
- The additional RTRI funding is part of a new $7.5 billion package for workers and businesses affected by U.S. tariffs. The package also includes a $2 billion Canada Strong Diversification Fund, $500 million in new BDC liquidity support, $3.5 billion in Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers, and new flexibilities under the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility.
- Today’s RTRI investments will strengthen competitiveness and help each of these organizations achieve tangible outcomes. In total, these projects support more than 137 jobs.
Backgrounder
Today, the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, and the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced $11.6 million for 10 projects led by 8 Saskatoon-based organizations through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). The projects will help manufacturers grow, improve productivity, strengthen domestic supply chains and reach new markets.
Projects receiving support include:
- Biktrix Enterprises Inc. is receiving:
- $683,500 (non-repayable) to expand e-bike manufacturing capacity and scale-up marketing.
- Croatia Industries Ltd. is receiving:
- $1,000,000 (non-repayable) to advance productivity improvements and manufacturing capacity in the Canadian steel sector.
- Doepker Industries Ltd. is receiving:
- $1,711,153 (repayable) to install production equipment to expand the number of different trailer products manufactured to include Peerless and Scona brands, to increase capacity and diversify markets.
- $1,000,000 (non-repayable) to implement a new enterprise resource planning system to improve productivity.
- Drake Meat Processors Inc. is receiving:
- $2,200,000 (repayable) to purchase equipment to expand and automate a sausage and beef production line in Saskatoon.
- $1,000,000 (non-repayable) to purchase equipment to expand and automate a cured pork production line in Saskatoon.
- Great Western Brewing Company Ltd. is receiving:
- $1,000,000 (non-repayable) to install production and packaging equipment to improve productivity and diversify markets.
- RMD Engineering Inc. is receiving:
- $1,000,000 (non-repayable) to install production equipment to improve productivity and diversify markets.
- Superior Millwork Ltd. is receiving:
- $1,000,000 (non-repayable) to increase capacity and efficiencies in home cabinet manufacturing.
- Tritana Holdings Ltd. is receiving:
- $1,000,000 (non-repayable) to expand its welding facility, integrate advanced laser welding technology into its equipment inventory, upgrade and consolidate its powder coating line, expand market access into South America, and enhance productivity to compete with lower-cost manufacturers.
Associated links
- Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in the Prairie provinces
- Government of Canada announces support for Prairie businesses facing trade challenges
- Prairie businesses impacted by global trade disruptions can now apply for funding through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)
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SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada
