The Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) has announced more than $20.2 million in support for Quebec aluminum processors affected by economic disruptions generated by tariffs, including a new $1.485 million non-repayable contribution to industry cluster AluQuébec.
The funding is provided through CED under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI).
The announcement highlights the economic weight of Quebec’s aluminum industry. The province is home to more than 1,700 aluminum processing businesses, representing 30,000 jobs and generating $11.6 billion in annual sales.
Besides announcing the contribution for AluQuébec, CED provided a broader update on its investments in Quebec’s aluminum sector.
To date, 27 organizations connected to the sector, including AluQuébec, have received a combined total of $20,275,574 under the RTRI. The government says this support is expected to help consolidate approximately 1,775 jobs across several regions of Quebec.
The funding supports projects aimed at improving productivity, optimizing processes, strengthening competitiveness, and helping businesses diversify markets in response to tariff-related pressure.
The RTRI investments are part of a larger package of federal measures announced on May 4, 2026, to support Canadian businesses that are affected by tariff-related disruptions. Those measures include a $500-million top-up to the RTRI and a new $1 billion financing program through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).
Together, these measures total $1.5 billion and are intended to provide liquidity support to eligible businesses that manufacture and export products containing steel, aluminum, or copper.
At Cole International, we offer trade consulting services to help Canadian businesses navigate changing trade measures and their effect on their supply chains.
Reach out to one of our trade professionals to discuss how this announcement may affect your business.