Defence Minister Bill Blair and Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault jointly announced a $45.3 million investment in infrastructure upgrades for the 3rd Canadian Division Support Base (3 CDSB) Edmonton. This significant investment aims to modernize and retrofit the 124 buildings at the military base while concurrently reducing energy costs. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Edmonton Garrison, where Brigadier-General Steve Graham, commander of 3 CDSB, also delivered remarks.
The Edmonton Garrison stands as the headquarters of the third Canadian division, encompassing the largest of the four divisions in the Canadian Army. General Graham highlighted the pivotal role of the Garrison, covering a vast expanse from Thunder Bay to Victoria and from Lethbridge to Resolute Bay, demonstrating its significance as the army’s stronghold in the West and North. He emphasized the division’s readiness to respond to both domestic and international missions, underscoring its deployments in operations like Operation Unifier and Operation Reassurance.
Minister Blair, acknowledging the Garrison’s crucial contributions, reiterated Canada’s commitment to bolstering its military infrastructure. He emphasized the government’s obligation to provide the necessary tools and facilities for the Canadian Armed Forces to carry out their duties effectively. The $45.3 million investment earmarked for the Edmonton base will facilitate comprehensive upgrades ranging from energy-efficient lighting to enhanced water fixtures, thereby fostering a more sustainable and cost-effective operational environment.
The infrastructure upgrades at the Edmonton Garrison are expected to yield substantial benefits, including a 21% reduction in energy costs and a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. Minister Blair underscored the broader significance of such investments in aligning with Canada’s defense policy objectives and the nation’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Moreover, the project is anticipated to sustain over 125 jobs during the construction phase, further contributing to economic growth and stability in the region.
Minister Boissonnault highlighted the Edmonton Garrison’s historic and ongoing contributions to Canada’s military operations, noting its pivotal role in initiatives like Operation Unifier and its support during natural disasters like the wildfires in Yellowknife. He commended the base’s efforts in fostering diversity and inclusion, citing the milestone of raising the pride flag in 2022 as a testament to its commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all personnel.
During the subsequent question-and-answer session, Ministers Blair and Boissonnault addressed various inquiries, including Canada’s support for Ukraine, the state of readiness in the Canadian Armed Forces, and the status of defense procurements. Minister Blair reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to assisting Ukraine and explained the efforts underway to expedite the delivery of air defense systems. Additionally, both ministers emphasized the government’s dedication to strengthening the Armed Forces and ensuring their preparedness for present and future challenges.
As Canada navigates evolving global threats and challenges, such investments play a pivotal role in enhancing the capabilities and resilience of the Canadian Armed Forces, ensuring they remain ready to protect and serve Canadians at home and abroad.