EDR Takes Action to Promote, Protect Regina Economy during Global Trade Turmoil

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March 20, 2025

(REGINA, SK) With tariffs from the U.S. and China threatening jobs and economic stability, Economic Development Regina (EDR) is taking action to protect Regina-area people and businesses – including a planned mission to Denver, Colorado.

“Prolonged tariffs with two major trading partners could devastate Regina’s economy, impacting businesses, jobs, and families,” said EDR President and CEO Chris Lane. “Now more than ever, it’s important to stand up and advocate for the opportunities in Regina and the local businesses, entrepreneurs and workers who call this city home.”

EDR has developed a four-part strategy to help protect Regina’s economy. The strategy includes:

1) U.S. Engagement

  • Lead a Regina delegation on a May 2025 mission to Denver. Partners include: Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership, University of Regina, Canadian Western Agribition, Pro Metal Industries, City of Moose Jaw, Global Transportation Hub, Regina Airport Authority, Regina Hotel Association and others.
  • EDR’s new U.S. Engagement Strategy aims at promoting trade and economic ties between major partner organizations in the United States.

2) Real-time Impact Analysis

  • EDR’s Economics, Data & Analytics teams provide Regina-focused analysis and recommendations for business decision-makers and policymakers, updated regularly as trade and tariff policies shift.

3) Partner Collaboration

  • Support for Mayor Bachynski’s attendance at the 2025 Mayors Summit, hosted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) in Washington DC, to advocate for Regina’s trade and economic interests.
  • Participation in a “Team Saskatchewan” delegation to Hannover, Germany, promoting Regina as a global trade and investment destination.

4) Economic Diversification & Business Growth

  • Launch a new Business Growth Program with the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority and Prairies Economic Development Canada, securing $1 million in support for high-impact Saskatchewan businesses.
  • Promote Regina as a top location to live, work, do business, and invest.

The impact of current trade disruptions is significant. EDR estimates that U.S. tariffs alone will create a $329 million hole in Regina’s GDP in 2025, with a potential loss of 730 jobs.

Saskatchewan’s agricultural, manufacturing, and energy sectors, all impacted by tariffs, are crucial to the province’s – and Regina’s – economic health. EDR will continue to seek opportunities to grow those sectors despite the current trade headwinds.

Partner Quotes on Regina’s U.S. Engagement Mission to Denver

James Bogusz, President and CEO · Regina Airport Authority
“Over the last decade, YQR has worked alongside our many partners to fulfill our community’s request to reintroduce direct, non-stop service to major US hubs. The reach this new Denver connection creates for our business community is a strategic and long-term benefit for many. We share the collective concern and frustration around the tariffs that have occurred in recent weeks, but we are looking forward to the positive economic impact that a carrier like United Airlines brings to all of southern Saskatchewan.”

Mark Brown, President, Pro Metal Industries, Ltd. / Chief Operating Officer, Pasqua First Nation Group of Companies
“I’m excited to join EDR and this dynamic group of Regina organizations on the upcoming trade mission to Denver. At this pivotal time for Regina’s economy, collaboration is more crucial than ever to drive growth, create jobs, and unlock new opportunities for our businesses and community.”

Maryse Carmichael, City Manager, City of Moose Jaw
“The City of Moose Jaw appreciates the chance to be a part of this trade mission, especially at this critical time. Moose Javians are not immune to the crippling economic effect of tariffs, and this is an avenue to create new partnerships and promote the #Notoriously unique qualities that make Moose Jaw, Regina, and the entire corridor, a prime area for investment. We thank Economic Development Regina for the invitation.”

Daniel Hersche, CEO of the Global Transportation Hub (GTH)
“Saskatchewan is an export economy that relies on our ability to move product as efficiently as possible to our trading partners. As Saskatchewan’s premier inland port we know that the free flow of Saskatchewan goods to the world can only be achieved through stable trade partnerships. We need to continue to engage with those partners to ensure that this happens.”

Sandra Jackle, President & CEO, Regina Hotel Association
“The launch of direct air service between Regina and Denver is a game-changer for our city’s tourism and hospitality industry. This mission is an opportunity to both celebrate this milestone and strengthen economic ties between our regions. By fostering connections with key stakeholders in Denver, we can drive business travel, attract new events, and highlight Regina’s unique offerings as a premier destination. The Regina Hotel Association is proud to support this initiative and looks forward to the opportunities it will create for our hotel and tourism sector.”

Dr. Jeff Keshen, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Regina
“This mission is important to maintaining strong connections with our academic partners in the United States. The University of Regina is committed to fulfilling our Memorandum of Understanding with the Colorado School of Mines, signed in 2022, to collaborate on research and other academic opportunities. Together, we have a shared commitment to energy and mineral resource sustainability, and this work is more important now than ever. Our commitment to this initiative will expand the province’s reach in innovation and strengthen the impact of our research globally.”

For additional information, please contact:

 

Chris Bonk
Director, Brand & Communications
Economic Development Regina
cbonk@economicdevelopmentregina.com
306-565-6388

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.