The Strategic Response Fund (SRF) helps Canadian industries innovate, adapt and compete in a changing global economy. The SRF supports large-scale, transformative projects that build economic resilience, strengthen supply chains and protect good jobs in key sectors such as steel, aluminum, automotive, forest products, AI and advanced technologies.
Building on the success of the former Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), the SRF not only continues existing commitments but also expands support for industries affected by trade disruptions and tariff challenges.
On this page
- Check your eligibility and start the application process
- Key investment priorities
- Services and information
- How the SRF supports Canadian businesses
- Benefits for Canadians
- Related links
- Latest news
Check your eligibility and start the application process
Find out if your project qualifies for SRF support in just a few steps:
- Review the project requirements to ensure your project is admissible
- Understand the program's key investment priorities to align your project with Canada's current goals
- Check your eligibility to be able to request a consultation
Are you eligible for the Strategic Response Fund?
Key investment priorities
The SRF supports projects across three main priorities that reflect Canada's industrial and economic goals:
Tariff response
Funding to help Canada's industries including steel, aluminum and forest products recover from U.S. tariffs and strengthen resilience
Innovation
Support for large-scale R&D and innovation projects in key sectors including critical minerals, aerospace, cleantech, biomanufacturing and life sciences
AI Compute Challenge
Investment in Canada's artificial intelligence infrastructure to expand compute capacity, boost competitiveness and drive commercialization
See the full list of key investment priorities
Services and information
Investments
Find out what projects have received SRF support
How the SRF supports Canadian businesses
The SRF supports innovation and industrial transformation by helping businesses:
- modernize operations and adopt new technologies to boost productivity and competitiveness
- invest in R&D to accelerate technology transfer and the commercialization of new products, processes and services
- diversify and expand into new markets to reduce reliance on vulnerable trade partners and strengthen domestic capacity
- attract and retain large-scale investments that drive industrial growth and job creation across Canada
- collaborate with research institutions and non-profit organizations to build innovation networks and share expertise
- build workforce skills and industrial capacity to support long-term business growth and competitiveness
Benefits for Canadians
SRF investments support a stronger, more resilient Canada by:
- creating and protecting good jobs across regions
- building cleaner, more competitive industries
- strengthening domestic supply chains
- fostering innovation that keeps Canada prosperous
Every SRF-supported project builds a foundation for Canada's long-term growth and global leadership.
Latest news
- Prime Minister Carney launches new strategy to transform Canada's auto industry
- Prime Minister Carney announces new measures to make groceries and other essentials more affordable for Canadians
- Prime Minister Carney launches new measures to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries
- Prime Minister Carney announces new measures to protect and strengthen Canada's steel industry
- Government of Canada opens applications for the AI Compute Access Fund
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