Defence boost could mean good things for SE Alberta
More money and new steps toward modernizing capabilities for Canada’s military could mean more money and a boost to the defence research industry in southeastern Alberta.
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan outlined Wednesday the government defence priorities for the next decade, and a $62 billion boost in spending over the next 20 years.
Along with money to pay for new budget estimates for fighter jets and patrol ships, unmanned drones would be added to the Canadian arsenal. Programs would seek to partner with private-sector contractors and other member’s-benefits measures were also outlined.
That could mean momentum added the commercial drone sector, which for years has been a target for local economic developers.
The southeast corner is home to advanced commercial drone test facilities, military contractors and CFB Suffield, which includes a major defence research facility and weapons proving ground.
Member of Parliament Glen Motz told the News he is not prepared to take the document at face value. However, if spending takes place, it should benefit the riding which has research facilities and military infrastructure in place.
“There are some big promises in it but I’m concerned this government will fail to deliver,” he said in phone interview from Ottawa.
“Given (former Liberal government’s) history on defence, I’m suspect.”
Motz said the defence document mimics the general budget in that it includes spending increases announced today for new money further down the road.
In the case of defence, most major increases wouldn’t take effect until the 2020-21 budget year, after the next federal election.
“I think and Conservatives believe that military equipment, training and ... substantial investments need to be made today,” said Motz.
“Drones and research and development would be very promising for the area,” he added. “I hope they’ll invest in these systems and do it in the shortterm rather than the long-term.”
Invest Medicine Hat general manager Ryan Jackson said after years of waiting for the drone research industry to blossom, it is now advancing quickly.
The Canadian Centre for Unmanned Vehicle Systems in Foremost was certified last fall to conduct longer-range testing for the company’s developing commercial applications for the machines.
The Department of National Defence’s entry into the field should add more heat, he said.
“We’re already seeing a significant uptick,” said Jackson. “They’re now commercially viable ... and in the age of innovation that we’re in, I would expect the industry to make gains.”
Sajjan said his ministry would begin buying drones to carry out search and rescue missions as well as patrols of the high Arctic, where testing has already taken place.
The military would also use the aerial machines to gather intelligence in forward operating areas and in armed strikes.
The overall plan would add $62 billion to current spending plans over the course of 20 years, though most would be used to cover new, higher cost estimates on scheduled ship and aircraft replacements. The incremental increases would see the defence budget be about $14 billion higher in 2026 than planned for today.
The military would also add 5,000 full-time personnel and reservists, change some benefits for those serving in combat, and add some new supports for those returning from deployments.
Earlier this month, the government announced it would raise armed forces pay for most members by six per cent over 2014 rates, retroactive to that time.
Most recent employment numbers from CFB Suffield state that in 2013, full-time military, civilian and permanent British Army personnel at the base totalled 1,300.
The general economic spin-off from the base “is probably the best kept secret in Medicine Hat but it contributes significantly to the local economy,” said Jackson.