Ottawa commits nearly $6 million for five projects in southern Alberta

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 18, 2026.

The federal government announced Tuesday a new investment of nearly $6 million to support businesses in southern Alberta.

Eleanor Olszewski, the federal Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, and the minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, was in Calgary on Tuesday to announce the funding, which will be divided among five projects in the southern Alberta region.

The funding is being drawn from the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, a federal program launched in September.

The measure is aimed at supporting Canadian businesses and workers facing the impact of U.S. tariffs. The federal government earmarked $1 billion over three years for the program.

Tuesday’s recipients represent the first RTRI-approved projects in southern Alberta.

A total of $4.5 million will be allocated to three not-for-profit organizations to support the goal of advancing the export readiness of Alberta businesses, with $1.5 million of that granted to Mount Royal University to launch a new centre focused on transportation and logistics innovation.

Nearly $1.5 million more will be invested in the Alberta Food Processors Association, supporting new efforts to advise food and beverage businesses on technological improvements and scaling-up operations.

The remaining $1.38 million in federal funds will be divided among two businesses to expand sales in new national and global markets.

The Canadian Heritage Roasting Company is receiving $384,000 for strengthening supply chains for coffee beans sourced from South America and Asia and roasted in Alberta.

Columbia Seed Co. Ltd. And XPT Grain Inc are receiving $1 million to add a second production line to meet market demand for high-quality, Canadian-made plant-based food ingredients.

Bianca Parsons, executive director of the Alberta Food Processors Association, said this investment comes at a critical time for Alberta’s food and beverage industry.

“Rising tariffs, global uncertainty and increasing production costs are putting pressure on the very businesses that turn Alberta’s world-class agriculture into the food Canadians enjoy every day,” she said.

“This $1.4 million investment gives our processors the tools to adapt and compete – through expert trade and productivity support, direct-funding for tariff-impacted businesses, and smarter technology through an upgraded, AI-powered AB Food Connect platform.”

The investment is designed to bolster Alberta industry against global trade pressures as trade uncertainties with the U.S. continue.

The Prairies generate nearly 25 per cent of Canada’s GDP.

PrairiesCan says it is continuing to accept RTRI applications from eligible businesses and organizations operating in the Prairie provinces.