The federal government is providing $11.6 million to support Saskatoon businesses facing uncertainty and disruption due to U.S. tariffs. The announcement was made by Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson on behalf of PrairiesCan Minister Eleanor Olszewski. Through this funding, Ottawa will support 10 projects led by eight Saskatoon-based organizations. The federal government says the money is being provided through Prairies Economic Development Canada’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative and will support projects aimed at expanding production, improving productivity, modernizing operations and reaching new markets. “This new $11.6 million investment will help Saskatoon companies build more here at home and find new customers around the world,” Belanger said Wednesday. “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 federal government says Washington imposed additional tariffs last month, increasing costs and creating uncertainty for businesses. Ottawa says it will match the new U.S. tariffs and has announced a broader $7.5 billion support package for affected workers and businesses across the country. “Saskatchewan businesses have always found ways to overcome challenges, from fluctuations in commodity prices to extreme weather events,” Olszewski said. “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.” Among the largest recipients is Drake Meat Processors Inc., which will receive $3.2 million to expand and automate sausage, beef and cured pork production lines in Saskatoon. Doepker Industries Ltd. will receive about $2.7 million to install production equipment and implement a new enterprise resource planning system. RMD Engineering Inc. is receiving $1 million to install production equipment aimed at improving productivity and diversifying markets. The funding will also support projects at Biktrix Enterprises, Croatia Industries, Great Western Brewing Company, Superior Millwork and Tritana Holdings. According to the federal government, the projects are expected to support more than 137 jobs. Saskatchewan’s manufacturing sector employed about 30,400 workers as of June 2026.
