Canada's defence minister hails Alberta's role in national security ahead of Oct. 19 referendum

Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-10-07 21:12:23.0
Tags: [National, Alberta, Defence, Infrastructure, Economy]

National Defence Minister David McGuinty and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced over $8 billion in federal defence investments aimed at modernizing and expanding military bases across Alberta ahead of an upcoming provincial referendum. The funding includes $4 billion for CFB Cold Lake to establish a new fighter squadron facility, $750 million for a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear laboratory at CFB Suffield, and $550 million to set up a western operating base for CC-330 Husky air-to-air refuelling planes. The joint infrastructure announcements are projected to create approximately 38,000 new jobs while bolstering national security and readiness.