Today, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, concluded a two-day trip to Alberta, where he met with Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, researchers, industry leaders and community partners to highlight investments in innovation, defence research, military infrastructure and Canadian industry that are strengthening Canada's defence capabilities and supporting military readiness.
On August 6, Minister McGuinty met with Calgary business leaders at the University of Calgary to highlight Alberta's important contribution to Canada's defence ecosystem. As part of a keynote address, he announced a $20.3 million investment in launching the Quantum Defence Innovation Secure Hub (DISH) under the Bureau of Research, Engineering and Advanced Leadership in Innovation and Science (BOREALIS). Quantum technologies support capability priorities that are key to the Defence Industrial Strategy and have the potential to transform Canadian defence. The Quantum DISH will provide a secure setting for government, industry, and academia to collaborate on advancing emerging quantum technologies toward operational capability.
Hosted by Commander 3rd Canadian Division, Major-General Wade Rutland, Minister McGuinty continued his Alberta tour at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Suffield where he met with reservists undertaking summer training and toured the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) Suffield Research Centre. At the Suffield Research Centre, he met with defence scientists and engineers to discuss ongoing research and future CAF capability requirements in areas including autonomous systems, counter-uncrewed aerial systems, advanced energetics, and chemical, biological, and radiological defence.
At the Suffield Research Centre, Minister McGuinty also participated in industry engagement sessions where QinetiQ, Amtech Aeronautical, UVAD Technologies, and Landing Zones Canada provided an overview of innovative technologies and their potential defence applications. The Medicine Hat based company, Landing Zones Canada, is receiving advisory services and up to $415,000 in funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). The company is receiving this funding to advance the defence readiness of their projects and further develop their Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) flight control software. These investments will support their overall focus on strengthening capabilities for defence applications and operational deployment.
The Minister's engagement with Canadian defence companies highlights the important role small and medium-sized enterprises play in delivering innovative solutions to defence and security challenges.
On August 7, Minister McGuinty attended the Bold Eagle graduation parade, an Indigenous summer program run by the Canadian Army at CFB Wainwright. This was followed by a tour of CFB Wainwright, including a visit to the Military Family Resource Centre. Many of the Base's facilities are being upgraded through the recent award of an Energy Performance Contract (EPC) to MCW Custom Energy Solutions Ltd., valued at $12.7 million. Completion of the project is forecasted for December 2030.
The Minister's visit highlighted Alberta's important contribution to Canada's defence through military training, defence research, industrial innovation, and infrastructure modernization that support the readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces.
