Thursday, October 8, 2026
During a visit to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton, David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, highlighted defence investments across the province. that are supporting the modernization of military infrastructure, expanding industrial capacity, advancing defence innovation and equipping the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
Worth approximately $8 billion, these ongoing investments include:
- nearly $4 billion to support future fighter capabilities at CFB Cold Lake;
- $750 million for a new Chemical and Biological Laboratory and Blast Assessment Centre at CFB Suffield;
- $550 million to establish the western operating base for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) CC-330 Husky fleet; and
- over $580 million over the next three years for maintenance and repair work across CAF bases situated in Alberta.
“Alberta’s military bases and key infrastructure are essential to Canada’s defence, serving as training and logistics hubs that support and prepare the Canadian Armed Forces for operations at home and around the world, while also generating thousands of well-paying jobs and supporting the region’s economic growth. As we continue making investments to rebuild, rearm and reinvest in our military, Alberta’s role will continue to grow,” said McGuinty.
Added Smith: “Investments such as this are making important modernizations that will both improve Canada’s defence capabilities while also bringing substantial economic benefit. Alberta stands ready to harness its strengths and help deliver the defence infrastructure that will support our security and prosperity for years to come.
McGuinty also highlighted that the Government of Canada is re-opening the Defence Drone Initiative Marketplace (DDIM) Request for Supply Arrangement (RFSA), providing more Canadian companies with the opportunity to pre-qualify to supply the Department of National Defence autonomous systems capabilities and related services.
Featured image: (Government of Canada)
