Alberta Defence Makers Get $6.5 Million From Federal Government to Boost Production

The federal government is giving $6.5 million to Alberta's defence industry. This is to help make more defence goods and protect Canada.
By Newsroom | Business, Alberta |

Federal investments totaling $6.5 million are being directed towards Alberta's defence manufacturing industry. This funding, announced through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), aims to enhance the province's capacity in producing defence technologies and strengthen national security supply chains. The initiative is part of a broader federal strategy to link defence spending with Canadian industrial capabilities.

Investment Details and Goals

The federal government has committed $6.5 million to support defence manufacturing in Alberta. This investment is channeled through PrairiesCan, an agency focused on economic development in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The stated goal is to bolster Canada's defence capabilities, reinforce national security, and stimulate economic growth within the province.

  • Total Investment: $6.5 million

  • Funding Agency: Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

  • Primary Focus: Defence manufacturing capacity and supply chain resilience.

  • Objective: Strengthen national security, create jobs, and foster innovation in advanced manufacturing and defence technologies.

Key Beneficiaries and Projects

Specific companies are set to receive significant portions of this investment. Logican Technologies, an electronics manufacturer with a history of defence sector work, is designated to receive $1.5 million. This funding will be used to expand their advanced manufacturing capabilities for defence-related items, including sonar technology.

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  • Logican Technologies: Receives $1.5 million for expanding advanced manufacturing of defence technologies, such as sonar systems for submarine detection.

  • Other Edmonton Companies: Two companies in the Edmonton region are highlighted as recipients, contributing to the creation and maintenance of over 145 jobs.

Broader Defence Industrial Strategy

This investment is framed within Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), which aims to align long-term defence investments with domestic industrial capacity. The strategy intends to boost manufacturing, fortify supply chains, and generate high-quality jobs. The Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) is also mentioned as a mechanism to integrate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and regional economic ecosystems into defence supply chains.

  • Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS): Connects defence spending with Canadian industry to enhance manufacturing and supply chains.

  • Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII): Focuses on integrating SMEs into defence supply chains.

  • Alberta's Role: Positioned as a growing center for defence manufacturing, innovation, and research, with existing collaboration between industry, academic institutions, and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The funding is expected to have a tangible impact on employment and economic activity. Over 145 jobs are projected to be created and maintained in the Edmonton region as a direct result of these investments. These positions are anticipated to support a skilled workforce in areas such as advanced manufacturing, research, and defence technologies.

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  • Job Creation Target: More than 145 jobs in the Edmonton region.

  • Skills Focus: Advanced manufacturing, research, and defence technologies.

Contextualizing Alberta's Defence Sector

Recent years have seen various federal investments aimed at strengthening Alberta's industrial sectors, including defence, aerospace, and clean technology. In October 2025, a federal investment was announced to support the ConvergX Xpand Commercialization Zone in Calgary. This initiative aims to accelerate the commercialization of Canadian-made defence technologies by providing testing and support services for SMEs. Separately, in November 2024, over $4.3 million was announced to grow Alberta's aerospace and aviation industry, fostering new technologies and connecting firms with procurement opportunities.

  • October 2025 Investment: Supported the ConvergX Xpand Commercialization Zone to accelerate defence technology commercialization.

  • November 2024 Investment: Provided over $4.3 million for Alberta's aerospace and aviation sectors, focusing on technology, procurement, and job creation.

Official Statements

Minister Eleanor Olszewski, responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, emphasized the link between security and economic prosperity, stating, "Security and our prosperity are now really inseparable, and national security really starts with industrial capacity." She made these remarks during the announcement at Logican Technologies' facility in Edmonton. The announcement highlights a federal perspective that national security is intrinsically tied to a nation's industrial capabilities.

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"Security and our prosperity are now really inseparable, and national security really starts with industrial capacity." - Minister Eleanor Olszewski

Evidence and Sources

Used Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the federal government giving $6.5 million to Alberta's defence industry?
The federal government is giving $6.5 million to Alberta's defence industry to help them make more defence goods and make Canada's supply chains stronger. This is part of a plan to use defence money to help Canadian businesses.
Q: Which companies in Alberta are getting money from the $6.5 million federal investment?
Logican Technologies is getting $1.5 million to make more defence items like sonar systems. Two other companies in the Edmonton area will also get money, helping to create and keep over 145 jobs.
Q: How will this $6.5 million investment help Canada's defence?
This money will help Canada make more of its own defence products and make sure it has the supplies it needs. It is part of Canada's plan to use defence spending to support Canadian factories and jobs.
Q: What is the goal of the federal funding for Alberta's defence manufacturing?
The main goal is to make Alberta better at making defence technology and to make sure Canada has a strong supply of defence goods. It also aims to create jobs and help businesses grow in this area.
Q: How many jobs will be created by the $6.5 million federal investment in Alberta?
More than 145 jobs are expected to be created or kept in the Edmonton region because of this federal funding. These jobs will be in areas like making advanced products and defence technology.