Tariff response: Government of Canada invests over $950,000 in Apex Precision to help it face current challenges

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 10:30 AM PDT

CED will enable aerospace business affected by U.S. tariffs on aluminum to remain competitive in uncertain and changing market conditions.

SAINT-LAZARE, QC, May 19, 2026 /CNW/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Peter Schiefke, Member of Parliament for Vaudreuil, today announced, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED, a non‑repayable contribution of $957,500 for Apex Precision, a tariff-impacted business in the aluminum industry. This support is being granted under the Government of Canada's Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), delivered by Canada's regional development agencies.

Through this action, CED is helping the Montérégie business, which specializes in the manufacture, processing and assembly of precision material for the aerospace and health sectors, to improve its productivity and production capacity. Thanks to this funding, Apex Precision will be able to acquire production equipment and implement a marketing strategy aimed at diversifying its markets, thereby helping to attenuate the impact of tariffs on its competitiveness. Implementing this project will also make it possible to consolidate close to 80 well-paying jobs in the region.

Peter Schiefke also took the opportunity to highlight the $1.5 billion in new measures announced on May 4, 2026, by Minister Joly. These measures aim to counter the tariff pressures resulting from the adjustment as of April 6, 2026, of U.S. tariffs on Canadian products containing steel, aluminum and copper. These measures include an additional $500 million through the RTRI and a new $1 billion financing program through the Business Development Bank of Canada. This program will enable SMEs to meet their urgent liquidity needs, maintain their operations and adapt to this unprecedented trade climate.

In the current economic context, the Government of Canada is focusing on structural measures to strengthen the Canadian economy. This involves supporting businesses as they diversify their markets in order to reinforce their economic resilience and consolidate their competitiveness to help them face tariff pressures. By investing in workers and businesses in strategic sectors such as the aluminum industry, the Government of Canada is helping to build a more resilient economy that is better able to adapt to market fluctuations, to the benefit of the entire country.

Quotes

"The aluminum industry is central to Quebec's manufacturing ecosystem and is an essential contributor to the economic vitality of several regions. In a climate where tariffs are placing increased pressure on this pillar of our economy, it is crucial to support businesses in this industry. Through CED, our government is helping SMEs so they can strengthen their competitiveness, evolve their business models and seize new market opportunities. This funding is a direct investment to ensure that the aluminum industry continues to play a key role in the Canadian economy."

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic–Cartierville, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED

"For over a year now, our businesses in the aluminum industry have demonstrated exceptional resilience. However, they need a helping hand to face fluctuating tariffs. Today, I am pleased to announce CED funding for Apex Precision, a manufacturer in Vaudreuil-Soulanges' aerospace sector. Thanks to this valuable support, the business can increase its production capacity, improve its productivity and, above all, diversify its markets. This investment not only enables it to focus concretely on the future, but also provides positive spin-offs for the region, for Quebec and for Canada."

Peter Schiefke, Member of Parliament for Vaudreuil

"We have dedicated much energy over the past year to develop new markets, in particular aerospace. CED's funding will enable us to accelerate our positioning in this sector and increase our capacity and productivity by acquiring new precision equipment. The business is growing quickly, and we are adding talent to the team to enable us to meet the demand."

Shadi Farha, President, Apex Precision

Quick facts

CED is taking action to support aluminum processors. Quebec has over 1700 aluminum processing businesses, representing 30,000 jobs. These businesses generate a total of $11.6B in sales annually.
The funds have been provided under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), which is part of CED's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
With a budget of $1.5 billion, this national initiative aims primarily to help SMEs negatively affected by tariffs to overcome their challenges to commercialization and to transform in order to remain competitive in the long term.
The RTRI aligns with a broader Government of Canada tariff response plan, which includes over $6.5 billion in new measures to protect Canadian businesses and workers, including an expansion of the Strategic Innovation Fund, labour market development agreements, and the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility.
CED is a key federal partner in Quebec's regional economic development. With its 12 business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow's economy.

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