As businesses continue to navigate an unpredictable global trading environment, the Government of Canada is investing in British Columbia companies to help them strengthen operations, diversify markets and remain competitive.
Announced in Burnaby on August 10, the federal government is providing more than $30.5 million through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) to support 24 businesses and organizations across British Columbia. The funding is designed to help companies improve productivity, modernize operations, strengthen supply chains, reduce costs and expand into new domestic and international markets, while protecting jobs in industries affected by global trade disruptions, including advanced manufacturing, forestry, and steel and aluminum.
Making the announcement at Burnaby clean technology company Quadrogen, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, emphasized the importance of helping Canadian businesses adapt to changing economic conditions:
“Trade disruptions are creating real challenges for the B.C. businesses that are the backbone of our economy. That is why the Government of Canada is stepping up with investments – to help these businesses build more resilient supply chains, grow productivity, and open doors to new markets. By investing in B.C. businesses, we’re creating the conditions they need to thrive, succeed, and build Canada strong.”
Quadrogen is receiving $3.6 million to design, manufacture and demonstrate a more affordable biogas clean-up and upgrading system for deployment in developing markets, including India. The project is expected to support skilled jobs in British Columbia, strengthen Canadian clean technology exports and contribute to reducing methane emissions.
For Quadrogen President & CEO Alakh Prasad, the investment represents an opportunity to accelerate the global adoption of Canadian clean technology:
“We sincerely thank PacifiCan for its support through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. PacifiCan has been an important partner in our growth, and this funding will help us accelerate the advancement of biogas clean-up and upgrading systems for developing countries. Our goal is to make renewable natural gas production more accessible worldwide while showcasing Canadian clean technology on the global stage.”
The announcement also included support for Mahler Machining and COTA Aviation, two manufacturers expanding their advanced production capabilities.
Coquitlam-based Mahler Machining will receive $1 million to modernize its facility with advanced equipment, automation and software, improving productivity while supporting growth into new markets. The company manufactures complex metal and plastic components for sectors including aerospace, defence, medical devices, robotics, clean technology and forestry.
Meanwhile, Parksville-based, majority Indigenous-owned COTA Aviation is also receiving $1 million to purchase and install advanced equipment that will enable the production of specialized gears for aircraft and defence systems manufactured in British Columbia.
The investments reflect the federal government’s broader effort to help Canadian businesses respond to trade uncertainty by strengthening domestic capabilities, improving competitiveness and positioning companies for long-term growth in international markets.
