The following provides an overview of current and upcoming funding opportunities relevant to railway companies across federal and provincial programs. From infrastructure and safety initiatives to innovation and economic development funding, this page highlights key programs, eligibility considerations, and application timelines to help organizations navigate available support. As funding streams evolve and new opportunities emerge, this page will be regularly updated to ensure you have access to the latest information.
Transport Canada
The $5 billion Trade Diversification Corridors Fund (TDCF) was launched on March 4, 2026, with a funding window of 2026-27 to 2031-32. It is intended to build and improve trade infrastructure (both physical and technological) that connects Canada and opens up access to new global non-U.S. markets.
Transport Canada has published a TDCF Application Guide, that is available upon request, and developed a secure TDCF Application Portal.
The TDCF consists of three funding streams:
- Stream 1 (Invitation based): Strengthening Canada’s Core Trade Corridors through a Systems-Based Approach
Invited applicants have until March 27, 2026, at 5:00 pm ETS to submit their Expression of Interest through the application portal. If screened in, applicants will have until June 26, 2026, at 5:00 p ETS to submit a project proposal.
- Stream 2 (targeted call): Unlocking Opportunities and Connectivity Through Collaborative Trade Corridor Solutions
Applicants will be invited to submit a project proposal by July 31, 2026, at 5:00 pm EST.
- Steam 3 (Open call): Supporting Regional Growth
Applicants will be invited to submit a project proposal by September 25, 2026, at 5:00 pm EST.
The $1 billion Arctic Infrastructure Fund (AIF) was launched on March 4, 2026, with a funding window of 2025-26 to 2028-29. It is intended to build and expand dual-use transportation infrastructure (serving both defense and community priorities) in the Arctic that will strengthen Canada’s sovereignty and defense readiness, and support economic growth and communities.
Transport Canada has published both an AIF Application Guide, that is available upon request, and developed a secure AIF Application Portal.
The AIF consists of two funding streams:
- Stream 1 (Invitation based): Dual‑Use Transportation Infrastructure
Invited applicants have until May 22, 2026, at 5:00 pm EST to submit a project proposal.
- Stream 2 (Open call): Industry and Community‑Led Transportation Infrastructure
Applicants will be invited to submit a project proposal by June 5, 2026, at 5:00 pm EST.
The Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) was launched in 2016, and provides funding for projects that increase safety at high-risk grade crossings and along rail lines, including investments in infrastructure, technology, research, education, and awareness initiatives. There is $500,000 budgeted for 2026-2027[1].
There is $41 million budgeted for 2025-26 and $44 million for 2026-27[2].
The Rail Climate Change Adaptation Program (R-CCAP) is a component of RSIP and is not accepting application at this time.
The Program to Enhance Rail Safety Engagement (PERSE) provides funding to increase capacity for Indigenous and local communities and organizations to engage with Transport Canada regarding the rail transportation system. It is not accepting applications at this time.
Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Canada
The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) is delivered through bi-lateral agreements with the provinces and territories and is intended to reduce pollution, increase resilience to climate change and create a clean-growth economy. There are four funding streams: (1) Public Transit, (2) Green Infrastructure, (3) Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure and (4) Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure.
This program is funded into, at least, into 2029-2030[1].
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
The Strategic Response Fund (SRF) is intended to continue commitments under the Strategic Innovation Fund and to support industries affected by trade disruptions and tariff challenges. There are two categories for funding: (1) Business Innovation and Growth projects, this relates to the research, development, piloting and implementation of technology, and (2) Collaborations and Networks projects. ISED has information on the application and funding process as well as a tool to check eligibility.
This is $2 billion budgeted for 2025-25 and $3 billion for 2026-27[1].
[1] Main Estimates 2026-27
Prairies Economic Development Canada
The Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program is directed at small to medium-sized businesses that have been operating for at least 2 years that are high-growth enterprises (a company with 20% year over year revenue growth). There is a help guide for applicants.
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) is for businesses where 25% of their sales are in impacted markets or can demonstrate that they or the businesses they support have been directly impacted by trade disruptions. The program is open for applications until December 31, 2027 (or until all funding is committed). There is an application portal for submitting an Expression of Interest.
Province of Saskatchewan
Based on the 2025-26 Main Estimates, it is funded at $1 million for 2025-2026.