Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) is investing $8,439,279 in seven defence-related projects in Alberta through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII), the Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program and the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI).
PrairiesCan is the regional development agency (RDA) that helps to strengthen and diversify the economies of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba by supporting businesses, communities and innovation.
RDII funding
The RDII is a $379.2 million, three-year national initiative delivered by Canada's seven RDAs to accelerate the integration of businesses into defence supply chains and strengthen their industrial and innovation capacity in support of Canada's defence and security needs. The RDII is part of the Government of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy, which aligns long-term federal defence investments with Canadian industrial capabilities.
Today, PrairiesCan announced $4,989,279 in RDII funding for three projects in Alberta:
- Alberta Aviation, Aerospace and Defence, $1.2 million
Strengthen the defence ecosystem in Alberta by delivering the Lead Industry Forward Together (LIFT) initiative. LIFT will provide small- and medium-sized enterprises in Alberta with access to education, investment opportunities and mentorship so they can capture opportunities in the defence industry.
- Jones Microwave, $1,789,279 in repayable funding
Expand manufacturing capacity for its advanced microwave switching products that operate at significantly higher frequencies and speeds than existing technologies. Switches manufactured by Jones Microwave could support transformative advancements in radar, satellite and communications technologies.
- Pegasus Imagery, $2 million in repayable funding
Develop a next-generation version, validate hardware, and scale production of its Moisture Ice Detection Alert Systems (MIDAS), which provide aircraft operators with real-time monitoring of ice buildup so they know where they can safely fly crewed and uncrewed aircraft. This project will enable Arctic use of MIDAS, resulting in potential economic and security benefits.
RIE funding
The RIE program helps create, grow and nurture inclusive regional ecosystems to support inclusive business growth and innovation. Through RIE, targeted investments in not-for-profit organizations assist businesses in priority sectors to innovate, grow and compete globally.
Today, PrairiesCan announced $450,000 in RIE funding for one project in Alberta:
- Village of Foremost, $450,000
Enhance and promote advanced flight-testing services that the Foremost Uncrewed Aircraft System Test Range makes available to small- and medium-sized businesses developing defence and dual-use drone technologies and equipment. The test range is one of only two spaces in Canada that provides beyond visual line of sight testing, enabling organizations to test, improve, and validate Canadian-made drone innovations.
RTRI funding
The RTRI is a $3.45-billion initiative to help businesses affected by tariffs address liquidity pressures, strengthen competitiveness, diversify markets and build resilience. RTRI is one component of the Government of Canada's broader tariff response plan.
Today, PrairiesCan announced $3 million in RTRI funding for three projects in Alberta:
- Fidelity Manufacturing, $1 million
Expand precision manufacturing capabilities and establish in-house coating and processing services for aerospace and defence customers. The project will diversify revenue streams by increasing domestic production capacity and strengthening participation in allied supply chains.
- GKD Industries, $1 million
Expand precision machining capabilities to optimize production output of its steel products used in energy, aerospace and defence applications. The project will enable the company to pursue higher-value manufacturing opportunities and diversify into new markets.
- MRO Electronic Supply, $1 million
Modernize manufacturing operations for aerospace and defence cable assemblies, wire harnesses, and electronic systems. The project will expand domestic production capacity while improving quality control, shortening production time and reducing exposure to cross-border delays and tariffs.
Defence Drone Initiative Marketplace (DDIM)
Alberta is emerging as an important contributor to Canada's growing defence innovation sector, with 29 Alberta-based companies qualifying as DDIM trusted suppliers. Together with nearly 400 suppliers from every province and territory, they are helping build a strong Canadian ecosystem for drone and counter-drone technologies. To date, approximately $60 million in initial contracts have been awarded through the DDIM, creating new opportunities for Canadian businesses while strengthening Canada's defence industrial base.
