Defence Minister David McGuinty and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith outlined investments to modernize the province's military infrastructure. Projects include facilities for F-35s, a laboratory and an air-refuelling fleet base.
Nearly C$4 billion is earmarked for future fighter capabilities at Cold Lake. Another C$750 million will fund a chemical and biological laboratory and blast assessment centre at Suffield. The government has also allocated C$550 million to establish a western operating base for the Royal Canadian Air Force's CC-330 Husky fleet.
Canada's Department of National Defence said the ongoing investments total about C$8 billion. They also include more than C$580 million over three years for maintenance and repairs at military bases across Alberta. The department estimates the projects will support between 29,000 and 38,000 jobs in the province over the next five to 10 years.
The site for the Husky base has not been confirmed. Radio-Canada reported that Edmonton International Airport is considered the leading candidate. McGuinty declined to specify a location and said an announcement would come later.
The announcement came less than two weeks before an October 19 referendum on Alberta's place in Canada. Smith said the investments showed the federal and provincial governments could work together. Edmonton is also being established as the headquarters of the 1st Canadian Division.
The federal government said funding will also support housing and operational facilities, logistics, training infrastructure, utilities and support services. It said the projects are intended to strengthen Canada's defence capabilities and local supply chains.