McGuinty touts $8B in military spending ahead of Alberta referendum
The federal defence minister appeared alongside Premier Danielle Smith at CFB Edmonton days before Albertans vote on a 10-question referendum on Confederation.
Why it matters
The visit comes as Albertans prepare to vote on questions about the province's future within Canada.
Federal Defence Minister David McGuinty visited Canadian Forces Base Edmonton on Oct. 7 to deliver a pro-Canada message ahead of Alberta's Oct. 19 referendum, standing beside Premier Danielle Smith as he highlighted billions in military investment in the province.
McGuinty said Alberta is receiving $8 billion in ongoing federal spending, including $550 million to establish a western operating base for the Air Force's CC-33 Husky fleet. He described Alberta as a national example of how to think big and build big, and called Confederation a bargain renewed across generations through what Canadians do for one another, especially in wartime.
Smith said the funding puts Alberta at the forefront of air defence, and agreed the announcement also demonstrates that Alberta and Ottawa can work together.
The referendum includes 10 questions for Alberta voters, among them whether the province should remain in Canada or hold a second, binding referendum on leaving the country.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.