• Carney appoints astronaut Jeremy Hansen to advise government on new space strategy

  Source: CBC Politics
  Date: 2026-10-21 22:01:14.0
  Tags: [National, Technology, Infrastructure, Defence, Trade, Governance]

  Prime Minister Mark Carney appointed Artemis II astronaut Jeremy Hansen as a special adviser on space strategy to counsel the Prime Minister and Industry Minister Mélanie Joly on national sovereignty, security, and global contributions. The appointment coincides with Canada shifting its space partnerships toward the European Space Agency and away from American private firm SpaceX, drawing commentary from U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra. Additionally, Defence Minister David McGuinty announced a $20-million agreement for a space launch complex in southern Newfoundland to ensure independent and reliable orbital access during geopolitical tensions.

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• Defence minister delivers pro-Canada message in Alberta, highlights $8B in funding

  Source: Global News Politics
  Date: 2026-10-07 19:50:14.0
  Tags: [National, Alberta, Defence, Infrastructure, Governance]

  Federal Defence Minister David McGuinty announced $8 billion in ongoing military spending for Alberta during a visit to Canadian Forces Base Edmonton alongside Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The funding package includes $550 million dedicated to establishing the western operating base for the Royal Canadian Air Force's CC-330 Husky fleet. The announcement coincides with an upcoming provincial referendum in Alberta featuring questions regarding Confederation and future relations with the federal government.

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• Ottawa gives defence buying agency more muscle — and more independence

  Source: CBC Politics
  Date: 2026-10-06 21:31:19.0
  Tags: [National, Defence, Governance, Economy, Infrastructure]

  The federal government tabled Bill C-40 in the House of Commons to transform the Defence Investment Agency from an entity within Public Services and Procurement Canada into an independent Crown corporation with its own board, CEO, and permanent structure. The newly structured agency will report to an associate minister of defence and is empowered to negotiate complex procurement contracts, engage in defence production, and invest in strategic industries to accelerate military purchases. Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr and Defence Minister David McGuinty stated the changes are designed to handle an expected historic defence spending surge projected by the Parliamentary Budget Office to reach over $163 billion annually by 2035. Critics, including federal Conservative defence critic James Bezan and Carleton University defence expert Philippe Lagassé, raised concerns that the arm's-length structure could obscure parliamentary accountability and lead to institutional finger-pointing regarding procurement decisions.

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