Federal government invests $5.8M to boost Alberta businesses and logistics innovation

Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, announced more than $5.8 million in federal funding for five projects in Southern Alberta aimed at strengthening business resilience and competitiveness amid global trade pressures.

Nearly $4.5 million will go to three not-for-profit organizations to deliver business support and advance export readiness. This includes $1.5 million for Mount Royal University to launch the Alberta Logistics Centre of Excellence, which will provide programming to help commercialize innovative transportation and logistics products and technologies. Nearly $1.5 million is also allocated to the Alberta Food Processors Association to help food and beverage businesses improve performance and scale operations.

“The world has changed. In a more uncertain global trade environment, businesses and not-for-profit organizations across Alberta are working hard to adapt and compete. Through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, our government is supporting their shift from reliance to resilience,” said Olszewski. “That means strengthening domestic capacity, securing supply chains, and opening new markets. Together, we are building a more secure and competitive economy that will help Alberta — and Canada — succeed in a changing world.”

Two Alberta businesses will receive more than $1.38 million in direct funding to expand national and international sales, improve supply chains and create quality jobs.

“Alberta businesses are navigating a rapidly changing trade landscape,” said Dr. Chad London, provost and vice-president, Academic, at Mount Royal University. “The Alberta Logistics Centre of Excellence will provide thought leadership, skills and talent development, and applied programming that helps companies test, refine and commercialize innovative transportation and logistics solutions. PrairiesCan’s support ensures that Alberta firms are better positioned to compete, diversify markets and build long-term resilience.”

“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,” Bianca Parsons, executive director, Alberta Food Processors Association. “This $1.4 million dollar 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. Alberta grows some of the best ingredients in the world. This funding helps ensure we also process, innovate, and create value here at home — protecting jobs, strengthening our supply chain, and keeping Alberta-made products on shelves across Canada.”