The Government of Canada is ensuring our Reserve Force is well trained, equipped and prepared for operations at home and abroad.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, alongside Matt DeCourcey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and Alaina Lockhart, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, announced a new Reserve infrastructure investment program that will see approximately $250 million in repairs and upgrades to Reserve armouries and training facilities across Canada over the next five years. Approximately $38 million is expected to be invested in immediate maintenance and repairs across the country this year.
These strategic investments will ensure our facilities can accommodate future growth in the Reserves, as well as new capabilities and equipment to support the evolving needs of a modern Reserve Force. These infrastructure projects will also help create economic opportunities for local businesses in communities across the country.
National Defence is also analyzing its Reserve infrastructure to help define Reservists' longer-term infrastructure needs. The results of this study will inform future plans to modernize facilities across the country.
Quotes
"Our government is focused on supporting our women and men in uniform with what they need to carry out the challenging work we ask of them. A strong, modern, and capable Reserve Force is critical to our military's operational success. That is why our government is investing in functional and green infrastructure upgrades to support the training and future growth of the Reserves."
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
"I am pleased to have been a part of this announcement today, which will see benefits for both our Reserve Force and the larger communities they are part of. By increasing investment in Reserve infrastructure across Canada, this program will bring with it economic opportunities for businesses in surrounding regions and support for middle class jobs."
Matt DeCourcey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
"Today's announcement marks an important investment in our military's Reserve Force. Over the next five years, these investments will help local businesses and will ensure our Reservists have the infrastructure they require to continue their mission well into the future."
Alaina Lockhart, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
Quick facts
-
Projects will be identified with Reserve units and prioritized based on their infrastructure needs identified in an annual call-out.
-
Approximately $3.7 million is proposed for investment in Reserve infrastructure across Atlantic Canada in 2019-20.
-
Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, commits to increasing the size of the Primary Reserve Force by 1,500 to a total force of 30,000. This investment program will help ensure Reservists have the infrastructure required to support the vital role they play in representing Canadian interests at home and overseas.
-
A Reserve infrastructure study is underway in Edmonton, with another study in the Metro Vancouver area planned for 2019-20.
Contacts
Todd Lane
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
