(REGINA, SK) Economic Development Regina (EDR) has unveiled the six Regina-area companies selected for Cohort 1 of Upscale – a new business development program designed to accelerate high-potential local businesses. 

Over the coming months, each company will work closely with EDR to build and implement a tailored strategic growth plan. Upscale offers professional services and one-on-one guidance to enable long-term, scalable success. From expanding operations and entering new markets to refining strategy, cohort companies will receive the support they need to take the next step.  

Cohort 1 companies include: 

• The Corner Office CFO 

• Crazy Ape Extreme Equipment 

• Greenwave Innovations 

• Intriquip Instruments Inc. 

• Prometal Industries Ltd. 

• Sticks and Doodles 

More information about Upscale can be found at upscalesk.ca. 

For More information, contact 

Mattea Columpsi 

Manager, Communications 

Economic Development Regina  

306-565-6338 

About Upscale 

Launched by Saskatchewan Regional Economic Development Agency (SREDA) and Economic Development Regina (EDR), and supported by Prairies Economic Development Canada, Upscale delivers expert guidance, market insight, and high-value resources to help companies scale with confidence – driving economic growth and reinforcing Saskatchewan’s reputation as a thriving hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. Upscale is designed for for-profit, privately held businesses located in the Saskatoon or Regina Regions that meet the following criteria: 

• Incorporated and operational for at least two years 

• Fewer than 150 employees 

• Annual revenue between $1 million and $50 million 

• A clear and established business plan 

• Operating in one of the following key industries: agriculture, mining, manufacturing, energy, technology, and/or life sciences/biotechnology 

About Economic Development Regina Inc.  

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGINA INC. (EDR) is the lead agency for economic development for the Greater Regina Area (GRA). 

EDR provides leadership to the community with specific accountability for the following core functions: 

• Support industry growth and diversification through retention, development, and attraction of industry. 

• Find innovative ways to promote sustainable growth while effectively addressing the challenges associated with it. 

• Market and promote the Greater Regina Area for business and investment. 

• Ensure the Greater Regina Area offers a vibrant and diversified economy for investors, a climate of growth for business and works toward a high quality of life for residents. 

(Regina) Small businesses are the backbone of communities and economies worldwide, and Regina is no exception. Today, Economic Development Regina (EDR) released its State of Small Business report, an in-depth analysis of the small business ecosystem in Canada, Saskatchewan, and the Greater Regina Area (GRA).

“Small businesses are the cornerstone of Regina’s economy,” said EDR President and CEO Chris Lane. “This report not only underlines the vital role small businesses hold in our economy, it also emphasizes the importance of supporting them as they – and Regina’s economy – grow and adapt.”

The report, supported by data, highlights three key trends – adaptability & innovation, cultural & community impact, and future challenges – while showcasing the indispensable role of small businesses in the region:

• 98% of businesses in the GRA are small, employing 1 to 99 people.
• These small businesses generate $4.6 billion annually, contributing $4.4 billion to Regina’s GDP—an impressive 25% of the total GDP.
• Since 2019, the GRA has welcomed 368 new small businesses, demonstrating growth and innovation despite economic pressures.
• They contribute $567 million in total tax revenue, reinforcing their significance in supporting public services.

“The State of Small Business Report offers valuable data, analysis, and context for our small business community,” Regina Chamber of Commerce CEO Mike Tate said. “The report is a significant tool that enables small business to continue driving innovation, create local employment opportunities and foster development in the local community. EDR’s leadership continues to be an important resource for small business in Regina.”

The State of Small Business report is a call to action for community leaders, policymakers, and residents to recognize and champion small businesses as key contributors to Regina’s success.
“Regina is fortunate to have a broad range of supports in place for entrepreneurs, but some gaps still remain,” Lane said. “In the coming months, EDR will announce a renewed strategy to support high-potential companies and remove barriers from choosing Regina.”

View EDR’s full State of Small Business report here.

For additional information, please contact:

Mattea Columpsi
Manager, Communications
Economic Development Regina
mcolumpsi@economicdevelopmentregina.com

About Economic Development Regina Inc.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGINA INC. (EDR) is the lead agency for economic development for the Greater Regina Area (GRA).
EDR provides leadership to the community with specific accountability for the following core functions:

• Support industry growth and diversification through retention, development, and attraction of industry.
• Find innovative ways to promote sustainable growth while effectively addressing the challenges associated with it.
• Market and promote the Greater Regina Area for business and investment.
• Ensure the Greater Regina Area offers a vibrant and diversified economy for investors, a climate of growth for business and works toward a high quality of life for residents.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Regina) The Greater Regina Area (GRA) and Saskatchewan could face significant economic challenges if the United States imposes a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, as threatened by President-elect Donald Trump.

Economic Development Regina (EDR) conducted an in-depth analysis, revealing that this potential policy could result in a $174M direct economic loss for Regina and an export reduction of nearly $4B across key provincial sectors, including agri-food, agricultural equipment, energy and raw materials.

If the proposed 25% tariff remains in place, total exports from these key sectors could decrease 10-25% by 2029, factoring in market changes and potential retaliatory measures.

“With Saskatchewan’s economy heavily reliant on trade, these tariffs pose a serious threat,” said EDR President & CEO Chris Lane. “Our agricultural, manufacturing, and energy sectors are crucial to the province’s economic health, and a disruption in trade with the U.S. could have a devastating impact. The potential loss of billions in exports, combined with resulting job cuts and rising costs, would not only affect businesses but also put a strain on everyday life for families and communities across the province”.

Under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), Saskatchewan exported $49.3B worth of goods to the U.S. in 2023, with the GRA contributing substantially. Global businesses headquartered in the GRA such as Brandt and AGT Foods export and invest in the U.S., creating jobs at home, and markets abroad for Saskatchewan products. Beyond the immediate $174M economic hit, the GRA could also see broader impacts, including the loss of 600 full-time jobs by the end of 2025 (mainly in transportation, warehousing, and manufacturing), and a potential 4-5% rise in inflation by late 2025.

“While these tariffs are not yet certain, it’s essential we understand their potential impact and take action,” said Lane. “We are always working to diversify trade and explore new markets for Regina-based companies, but the United States remains our most important partner. EDR supports and encourages leaders in politics, policy and industry to work together quickly to ensure the continued free trade of Saskatchewan products.”

To read the full analysis, please click here.

For additional information, please contact:

Mattea Columpsi
Manager, Communications
Economic Development Regina
mcolumpsi@economicdevelopmentregina.com
306-565-6392

About Economic Development Regina Inc.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGINA INC. (EDR) is the lead agency for economic development for the Greater Regina Area (GRA).

EDR provides leadership to the community with specific accountability for the following core functions:

• Support industry growth and diversification through retention, development, and attraction of industry.
• Find innovative ways to promote sustainable growth while effectively addressing the challenges associated with it.
• Market and promote the Greater Regina Area for business and investment.
• Ensure the Greater Regina Area offers a vibrant and diversified economy for investors, a climate of growth for business and works toward a high quality of life for residents.

Regina, Saskatchewan will host the Western Canada Economic Forum 2025 on January 29-31 at the Hotel Saskatchewan.

The Western Canada Economic Forum (WCEF) is a not-for-profit organization created to showcase the strength of the Western Canadian economy and to create new partnerships for growth. Government and business leaders from across the West will gather at WCEF 2025 to discuss economic growth strategies that strengthen the economy and create jobs.

WCEF will convene key Western Canada business leaders to discuss how a strong Western Canadian economy strengthens the Canadian economy and, vice-versa, how a strong Canadian economy supports growth in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

The lineup of speakers includes established business leaders and economic experts such as:

• Candace Laing (Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
• Dr. Trevin Stratton (Americas Economic Advisory Leader & Partner, Deloitte)
• Mark Parson (Vice President & Chief Economist, ATB Financial)
• Laurel Broten (Chief Executive Officer, Invest in Canada)
• Karina Gistelinck (President, Potash, BHP)
• Justine Hendricks (Chief Executive Officer, Farm Credit Canada)
• Cadmus Delorme (Chief Executive Officer, OneHoop)

WCEF 2025 is focused on discussions on the themes of economic outlook for the West, provincial economic growth plans, opportunities and challenges to economic growth, policy transformation, financing business growth across the West, trade and investment attraction, and First Nations economic development.

Economic Development Regina (EDR), Regina Hotel Association (RHA), and Tourism Saskatchewan partnered to successfully bring WCEF to Regina.

“Hosting this event isn’t just about showcasing our city’s strengths; it’s about bringing together the brightest minds and leaders from across Western Canada to tackle the challenges and opportunities we all share,” said CEO of EDR, Chris Lane. “By hosting the forum, we’re putting Regina at the center of critical conversations that will shape our region’s economic future and drive meaningful growth for our communities.”

Alex Fallon, Founder & Chair, WCEF said, “WCEF brings together the Western Canadian provinces to discuss how we can better support each other with partnerships for economic growth. WCEF 2025 in Regina will help showcase the role Regina and Saskatchewan as a whole plays in the economic strength of Western Canada.”

The full program, including all confirmed speakers, offsite tours, and networking opportunities can be found at www.WCEF.ca.

For additional information, please contact:

Alex Fallon
Founder and Chair
Western Canada Economic Forum
Alex.Fallon@wcef.ca

Mattea Columpsi
Manager, Communications
Economic Development Regina
mcolumpsi@economicdevelopmentregina.com

With the very real prospect of a labour disruption in Canada’s rail transportation system, now is a good time to provide some context on this vital service for Canada, Saskatchewan, and Regina.  

Our economy runs on the rails. Canada’s rail system carries $380 billion worth of goods every year. With $49.3 billion of that coming out of Saskatchewan, it’s fair to say our province has an outsized reliance on a fully functioning, efficient rail system.  

Put simply, a rail stoppage put’s our economy in harm’s way – and that hurts everyone. 

In the short term, a supply chain disruption of this scale could deepen Canada’s existing productivity issues, potentially lowering GDP growth. It could also create shortages of key goods, leading to higher consumer prices at a time when they are just coming under control. The long-term impacts of a rail service disruption may be even more concerning and more widely felt, including diminishing Canada’s reputation as a reliable supplier in key sectors like agriculture, energy and mining. If international customers can’t get Canadian products, they will look elsewhere for the goods they need.  Provinces whose economies depend on trade in those and other sectors will be on the losing end.   

For Regina, a major centre for value-added agriculture, manufacturing, and an emerging biomass hub, prolonged rail service disruption could have a significant impact. More directly impacted though, would be the 4,100 people working in Regina’s transportation and logistics sector, which is responsible for $1.3 billion in sales annually.   

There is no winner in a rail strike, but the potential for collateral damage is real – and significant. In a time when the world is demanding what Canada, Saskatchewan and Regina offer, we should be working together to deliver those things.  

We encourage all sides in this issue to continue working toward a constructive, workable solution that, first and foremost, keeps the trains moving.  

Chris Lane
President & CEO
Economic Development Regina Inc.  

(Regina) EDR is making a pitch for Regina in one of the world’s largest gatherings for businesses and investors in agriculture and agtech.

The World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit, held September 26-27 in London brings together leading agribusiness, co-operatives, consumer packaged goods brands, entrepreneurs, investors, and policy makers to accelerate the transition to sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. The summit provides a critical stage for Regina to share its story of innovation and opportunity with businesses and investors from the UK and Europe.

“Each year, businesses and investors from the UK and Europe invest billions into the global ag and food sector,” Economic Development Regina CEO Chris Lane said. “Now, we’re making the case that Regina is the place of opportunity unlike any other. Whether it’s food, ingredients or an emerging renewable energy sector, few locations in the world are better positioned to prosper than Regina.”

Lane notes that the pathway to success for UK businesses in Regina is short. Close to home, public agencies like Innovation Saskatchewan and Prairies Economic Development Canada contribute to a robust innovation ecosystem. At the same time, Innovate UK, which plays a similar role in that country, is already a key partner in Regina’s Agtech Accelerator. That partnership, Lane says, is living proof that our ag innovation systems can grow and thrive together.

What’s more, Regina has what investors are looking for.

“For UK and European businesses looking to establish a hub for the North American market, Regina is a safe, secure, welcoming environment,” Lane said. “Regina also offers a unique location for ag and agtech businesses – surrounded by 80 million acres of premium cropland, and within two days of more than 270 million customers and multiple ports.”

During the London summit, EDR will:

• Promote Regina as an investment option to global companies looking to establish a North American presence and to foreign investors looking to buy equity in North American start-ups
• Alongside key Agtech Accelerator partners, participate in a panel discussion on how different stakeholders find success through collaboration
• Build and grow relationships with global agriculture and agtech companies
• Support existing partners in London, including Regina’s Agtech Accelerator, the Ministry of Trade and Export Development, Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority, Global Affairs, and the Canadian High Commission in London

“Regina, and Saskatchewan, will have a strong presence in London,” Lane said. “We’re excited to get on the ground and share Regina’s amazing story of innovation and opportunity with the world.”

For more information, contact:

Chris Bonk
Director, Marketing & Communications
cbonk@economicdevelopmentregina.com
306-565-6388

(Regina, SK) It is time to end the disruption at BC’s port. Regina’s economy relies on the movement of goods – in both directions – and the strike, which has now been declared illegal, threatens large and small businesses alike. It also threatens to disrupt Canada’s long, hard fight to bring inflation under control, creating further hardship for businesses, employees, customers, and homeowners. 

In Regina, it’s easy to see and understand impact on major exporting companies like Viterra and AGT Food & Ingredients. These vital, local companies bring Saskatchewan-produced food to the world in a time of global food instability. The strike also risks Canada’s global reputation as a reliable shipper, with timely and predictable access to containerized shipping at a premium – with Saskatchewan’s harvest beginning in a matter of weeks.  

For smaller local businesses like The Rusty Shovel, which rely on the free flow of goods into Regina to do their work, a disruption in that flow has a real and immediate impact. Yesterday, owner @Sean Stefan noted losing a $6,000 sale due to material being stuck at port. This is a real and legitimate concern for thousands of small businesses still struggling to recover from the impact of the pandemic. 

The BC port strike needs to come to an end. The impacts on businesses and real lives here at home and around the world are unacceptable. Alongside political and business leaders from across Saskatchewan, we call for this action to end and for the free flow of goods through BC’s ports.  

Sincerely,

Chris Lane
President and Chief Executive Officer
Economic Development Regina

Quotes:  

Murad Al-Katib, President & CEO, AGT Food & Ingredients 

“The strike action of the union is further risking our global reputation as a reliable shipper.  Container and intermodal traffic has been disrupted, and we were just recovering from the supply chain disruptions of the covid pandemic. This adds costs to the system in a time where inflation and food inflation are high in the minds of everyone.    

We urge the govt to end this action and impose the settlement.” 

Sean Stefan, Owner, The Rusty Shovel 

“We need the BC port strike to end. The disruption it’s creating is frustrating for us and for our customers. Operating a small business is tough at the best of times, but this added stress is wrong – and avoidable, and it puts businesses like mine in unnecessary danger.” 

For more information, contact 

Chris Bonk 

cbonk@economicdevelopmentregina 

306-565-6388 

The humble and hard-working head of one of Saskatchewan’s most successful and fastest growing electrical companies leaves no doubt where he feels most comfortable on the job.

“I like to get to know our people, so honestly, I feel my favorite place is on the job site,” says Terry Tessier, President and CEO of Flyer Electric, the flourishing business majority-owned by a number of Indigenous Saskatchewan communities.

Despite its continuing growth to some 200 employees today, including 35 in its Regina office, Tessier, who joined the company as a journeyman electrician in 2005 in Birch Hills, still firstly regards Flyer Electric more as “a smaller tightly-knit group” rather than a sizable multi-layered business.

“Everyone can get in touch with me or have a chat with me at any point in time.  Most people I deal with see me many times throughout the year,” he says.  “We have good conversations.   It’s more of a family vibe, which is why I think the morale is really high with our employees.”

The Regina office, which opened in 2016, has been central to that success story.  Tessier believes the move was extremely wise because of the “deep pool of talent” and business contacts in the Queen City.   While the company workforce fluctuates depending on how many projects are on the go at any given time, the Regina office now is home to some three dozen permanent jobs, including administration staff, key electricians, foreman project managers and Flyer’s Vice President of Operations, Doug Lutz.

The City of Regina’s new procurement policy, which will prioritize Aboriginal involvement and spend, provides another growth opportunity for Flyer.

“The City of Regina has always been a top-notch client to work with.  They have treated our people very well and have been very fair to work with.  I’m confident that relationship will only continue to grow in the future.”

Since its formation back in 1982, the focus on strong relationships has served Flyer Electric well, particularly when the global economic turndown in 2007 affected its core business working on uranium mine sites.  The company was able to successfully transition to contracts serving potash mines, as well as to sewer and water infrastructure projects.  Today, Flyer’s extensive portfolio includes projects in mining, power generation, water treatment, and oil and gas as well as a recent focus on renewable energy such as wind and solar power.

“If you do good solid work for companies, and you treat your employees and suppliers well, that reputation gets around,” Tessier says.  “Saskatchewan is a small province, almost like a city really, and word travels fast.  That’s a great advantage of being here.  People seek us out quite often.”

Tessier’s passion is just as evident when he discusses Flyer’s status as Indigenous-owned company.  Far from just focussing on the revenues being generated, he sees the company’s growth as a critical opportunity to transform lives for the next generation of Indigenous people.

“We can impact communities.  A real goal of our ownership is to train people.  Quite often, that leads to quality employment and giving them a career, where they can better their lives and the lives of their families.”

He’s equally enthusiastic about what makes for a great employee.

“I see a resume where a person might have a desire to be in the trades, but has no schooling yet.  I’m asked ‘should we give them a shot’ and my answer is ‘absolutely’.  The person will get the training as we go along. If you have that drive and ambition, then you’re going to succeed.”

He’s equally bullish on the future of Regina . . . and Saskatchewan for doing business.

“The amount of project work that has been announced already for the next five years is massive.  We have the best team I could imagine and we’re going to keep on building those client relationships and our reputation to get that work.”

“I’m very positive for the future of the province.”

Here’s the opportunity.

Electric vehicles (EV’s) are an inevitable part of our future. However, our electricity grid cannot meet the demand if everyone went and purchased an EV tomorrow and plugged it in overnight. It’s just not feasible. We’re taking steps to solve that problem – increasing our energy mix and building capacity. But it’s not there yet.  

EV’s may never be an all-encompassing solution to our transportation and logistics sector. Factors that limit usage and production include supply chain disruptions, critical mineral sourcing and infrastructure availability in terms of charge stations. And probably one of the biggest hurdles is that semi-trailers require an immense amount of battery capacity to carry large loads over long distances, increasing battery demands and weight, and therefore limiting distance. As it stands, heavy vehicles in this industry account for roughly 23% of Canada’s Green House Gas Emissions overall, 40% of which is freight transportation.1 So the problem to be solved? How about diesel that provides less carbon when burned in large and heavy vehicles and machinery.  

Done. It’s already a reality. But here’s the issue – not enough is being produced.    

Enter Saskatchewan agriculture.

Our farmers produce a ton of commodities. And a ton of canola. (Millions of tons actually!) Which equates to oil. Wait…what? You guessed it, renewable diesel, which can be swapped for traditional fossil fuels with zero adjustment to engine components to successfully eliminate approximately 80% of carbon. We have the first movers in this space already. AGT Foods and FCL (Federated Co-operative’s Limited) announced plans to build an Integrated Agriculture Facility producing 15,000 barrels a day of renewable diesel here in Regina. There’s a Cargill canola crush plant under construction in Regina that will increase the capacity for canola processing at the Global Transportation Hub (GTH). Not to mention innovative companies like Red Leaf Pulp and Prairie Clean Energy who have identified and are moving on the opportunity to utilize unsuspecting commodities like Flax and Wheat Straw to produce biomass products. 

Responding and adapting to industry and the rapidly changing energy landscape, the University of Regina has updated its Petroleum Engineering program with a commitment to climate action. They now offer a comprehensive undergraduate program under the U of R’s Energy Systems Engineering program that focuses on energy studies and prepares students for jobs that new and improving technologies will create titled the Bachelor of Applied Science in Energy Systems Engineering, Sustainable Energy Engineering Degree. Regina is also a leader in research in Clean Energy and is home to the Clean Energy Technologies Research Institute (CETRI) which centralizes all low-carbon and carbon-free clean energy research activities at the U of R. 

So we are training the people and doing advanced research in Regina. But is it fast enough? 

Industry is already asking – nay – demanding that these types of fuels be produced and available for purchase. In June of 2022 WestJet announced its first flight using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). It flew between Los Angeles (LAX) and Calgary (YYC) with SAF. They immediately noted that they were (and still are) “currently constrained by limited production and high costs” and called for “policy incentives and support to enable the transition to the widespread adoption of SAF.”  

Regina has an unparalleled eco-system to support production of biofuels and a cluster of businesses aimed to support this product. It’s not only good for our planet – it’s our next generation of leaders in agriculture, local farmers, petroleum engineers and AgriTech entrepreneurs.  

We have the business. The people. The knowledge. And the ability. Regina is the first mover in this space. And we are doing anything but waiting and watching. 

Want to talk more? 

Megan Bradshaw, Sector Growth Manager, Environment & Sustainability