REGINA, Sask. – The federal government has announced more funding to Saskatchewan projects under PrairiesCan’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative.
At a media event at Degelman Industries north of Regina, Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger announced $5.3 million for six projects led by Saskatchewan firms.
Receiving funding are the following, according to that federal government’s news release:
Degelman Industries GP Inc., general partner of Degelman Industries Limited Partnership, who will be receiving $1 million to strengthen their manufacturing capacity and optimize productivity to enhance competitiveness.
Saskarc Inc. (operating as infraMOD) is also receiving $1 million to install processing and automation equipment which will increase its capacity and help diversify markets.
Seedmaster Manufacturing Ltd. is receiving $596,347, going to accelerate its export sales of agricultural equipment to international markets.
Big Sky Rail Corp. is receiving $1 million to enhance short line rail infrastructure and build supply chain resilience.
Inland Steel Products Inc. is also receiving $1 million going to new equipment for the expansion of their production capabilities at their Lloydminster facility.
Finally, Westman Steel Inc. will be receiving $754,500 to expand their production capacity at their manufacturing facility in Swift Current to provide new steel products for the construction industry.
The funding is part of the support package by the federal government aimed at businesses and industries hard hit by the tariff situation with the United States. The $5.3 million is part of an additional $1.5 billion from the federal government towards the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, or the RTRI, bringing its total support offered to $3.45 billion.
The announcement north of Regina follows a similar announcement of PrairiesCan funding that took place last week in Saskatoon, when the government announced $11.6 million towards 10 projects by eight Saskatoon-based businesses and organizations.
The news also comes on the same day that the federal government announced even more expanded support to businesses through RTRI, with applications now being accepted from those who qualify.
“PrairiesCan is accepting new applications now,” said Secretary of State Belanger at the announcement Tuesday.
“So it's important to share that message. If your business has been hit by these tariffs, if you need to reach new markets, increase productivity or adapt your operations, take a look at the support that is available and you can find out more information online. I would encourage those impacted by these unjustified tariffs, just search Regional Tariff Response Initiatives and PrairiesCan for more information.”
Belanger added that his message to the “people impacted and challenged by this new way of doing business with the US: we have your backs. And as Secretary of State for Rural Development, I want to make sure that rural businesses get their fair share of the support because our smaller communities need to be part of Canada's response.”
