On 17 December 2025, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) announced investments totaling $12,043,213 to support 19 projects across Quebec under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). The funding will benefit eight projects in the Mauricie region, six in Lanaudière, and five in Centre-du-Québec, helping businesses face challenges posed by tariffs.
The Government of Canada aims to assist businesses in diversifying their markets, reducing risk, strengthening economic resilience, and consolidating competitiveness. The CED funding will enable manufacturing businesses to enhance productivity, expand production capacity, and explore new markets, supporting long-term growth and stability.
In the current economic environment, initiatives like the RTRI reflect the government’s focus on structural measures to strengthen Canada’s economy. By supporting workers and businesses in strategic sectors, the program helps build a resilient economy that benefits regions across the country.
Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED, Mélanie Joly, emphasized that the government is equipping industries with the tools needed to remain competitive, strengthen supply chains, and innovate. She highlighted that the RTRI helps SMEs adapt, diversify markets, and support sustainable growth. Caroline Desrochers, Member of Parliament for Trois-Rivières, noted that the investments will enhance productivity and market diversification for businesses, reinforcing the economic vitality of the Mauricie, Centre-du-Québec, and Lanaudière regions.
The RTRI is part of a broader Government of Canada tariff response plan, which includes over $6.5 billion in new measures such as the Strategic Innovation Fund, labour market development agreements, and the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility. With a $1 billion budget over three years, the initiative provides SMEs with non-repayable contributions of up to $1 million to help them overcome tariff-related challenges and remain competitive.
CED, through its 12 regional business offices, plays a central role in Quebec’s regional economic development, supporting businesses and organizations across the province to adapt, innovate, and grow in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
