By David Boles, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, St. Albert Gazette
May 29, 2026
The Alberta government says its latest investment will help put the province at the forefront of Canada’s defence sector.
The province announced on Tuesday that $21-million will be used to finance a program that would see Alberta companies and universities advance the speed of which defence technologies can be brought to market.
The program, called DEFENDS, will see several agencies involved, including the Edmonton-based University of Alberta, which the province says in a statement will be leading the initiative.
The initiative will see three new facilities built, which the provincial government says will allow it to expand Alberta’s capacity to test advanced manufacturing components.
Multiple national military bases have been established in Alberta, including 4 Wing Cold Lake and Defence Research and Development Canada Suffield.
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