SURREY, BC, Sept. 8, 2026 /CNW/ -- British Columbia is one of Canada's most dynamic economic regions. Across the province, businesses, workers, and communities are building prosperity through innovation, entrepreneurship, and strength in diverse sectors from advanced manufacturing and natural resources to life sciences and clean technology. However, B.C. businesses and workers are navigating ongoing uncertainty as tariffs and rapidly changing trade conditions increase costs, disrupt supply chains, and threaten jobs.

As global trade pressures persist, the Government of Canada is protecting Canadian workers and businesses, defending industries harmed by unjustified U.S. tariffs, and helping Canadian producers compete with U.S. products in the Canadian market. On August 25^th, the government announced a $7.5 billion package of new and enhanced measures for workers and businesses, including an additional $1.5 billion for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). The RTRI is already providing support to businesses to help them adapt to changing market conditions, strengthen their competitiveness, and diversify into new markets. Now businesses can build greater trade resilience with new support to address liquidity pressures.

Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced that businesses in British Columbia can now apply for the enhanced RTRI program through PacifiCan. Through the expanded initiative, eligible businesses can now access up to $3 million in non-repayable support, including up to $2 million for liquidity support and up to $1 million for pivot projects. Repayable support over $1 million is also available for businesses undertaking larger transformation projects.

PacifiCan will work with businesses to understand their unique circumstances and connect them with other federal supports, ensuring there is no wrong door for businesses needing help.

Delivered by Canada's Regional Development Agencies, the RTRI is part of the Government of Canada's strategy to defend Canadian jobs, industries and supply chains. It is part of a coordinated effort to protect Canadian businesses and workers from the impacts of tariffs. To learn more about the RTRI, visit PacifiCan's website.

Quotes

"B.C. businesses are the backbone of our economy, and many are facing real pressures from tariffs and trade uncertainty. Through the enhanced Regional Tariff Response Initiative, the Government of Canada is providing new, non-repayable liquidity support to help businesses strengthen supply chains, improve productivity, and pursue new market opportunities. By investing in B.C. businesses, workers and communities, we are protecting jobs, supporting long-term growth, and building Canada strong."

-    The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

Quick facts

• The RTRI provides $3.45 billion over 4 years to support businesses impacted by tariffs to help them adapt to changing market conditions, strengthen their competitiveness, diversify into new markets, and build greater trade resilience with more flexibility to address liquidity pressures.
• The Government of Canada's new $7.5 billion package, building on the nearly $25 billion in supports the government has provided since the implementation of the U.S. unjustified tariffs, includes a new $500 million liquidity stream under the Business Development Bank of Canada's Pivot to Grow program, a new Canada Strong Diversification Fund backed by $2 billion in funding, enhancements to the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility, and a new suite of $3.5 billion in Rapid Response Benefit Program for Workers and Employers.

Associated Links 

• PacifiCan 
• Regional Tariff Response Initiative
• Canada Strong - Canada.ca
• Canada announces targeted countermeasures and substantive support for workers and businesses in response to U.S. tariffs

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Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378 
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SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada