WINNIPEG, MB, Feb. 23, 2026 /CNW/ - Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is pleased to announce that Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) is investing more than $3 million from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028 through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) to support manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

The investment will enable CME to expand delivery of industry-leading training and competitiveness programming designed to help Prairie manufacturers navigate ongoing trade volatility, tariff pressures, and shifting market conditions while strengthening long-term productivity.

Through this initiative, manufacturers will gain access to:

• Training for Operational Excellence, including Lean 101, Supervisory Leadership 101, AI 101, HR 101, Safety 101 and additional foundational programs (CME Training Sessions)
• Company-specific competitiveness assessments
• An Operational Excellence Conference, including the Advanced Manufacturing Summit Series (Advanced Manufacturing Summit)
• Export readiness and market diversification support (From Tariffs to Trade Workshop)
• Expert consultations and regional networking opportunities

"Prairie manufacturers are facing ongoing trade volatility and competitive pressure. This investment gives CME the ability to provide practical tools that strengthen productivity, develop leadership capacity, and help companies adapt to changing market conditions. We are proud to partner with PrairiesCan to deliver meaningful support that helps manufacturers compete and grow."
— Jillian Einarson, Vice President, Policy & Government Relations, Prairies, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

CME's Operational Excellence and leadership development programming has helped manufacturers across Canada improve efficiency, reduce costs, and build stronger teams. With support from PrairiesCan, these services will now be expanded to reach more manufacturers across the Prairie region.

This initiative is expected to support more than 400 SMEs across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba over the program duration.

Manufacturers interested in participating can learn more at: Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.

About Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

From the first industrial boom in Canada, CME has advocated for and represented member interests. 150 years strong, CME has earned an extensive and effective track record of working for and with leading companies nationwide. More than 85 per cent of CME's members are SMEs and collectively account for an estimated 82 per cent of total manufacturing production and 90 per cent of Canada's exports.

SOURCE Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters