The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce welcomes the Government of Alberta’s announcement to grow the province’s aerospace and defence sector, particularly funding that supports small- and medium-sized businesses and strengthens innovation infrastructure in southern Alberta.

Investments such as the Leading Industry Forward Together (LIFT) Initiative recognize the critical role SMEs play in building a resilient, diversified economy. Helping Alberta businesses access training, certification, and market visibility is essential if local companies are to successfully compete for national and international aerospace and defence contracts.

The Chamber is especially encouraged by the funding to support a feasibility study for the Foremost Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Range and congratulates Community Futures Entre-Corp and the Village of Foremost in being awarded this opportunity. As Foremost is currently one of Canada’s two only dedicated beyond visual line of sight testing sites, the Foremost range represents a strategic economic asset for Southeast Alberta, with the potential to support commercialization, advanced manufacturing, and high-skilled job creation across the region.

As defence and aerospace investment accelerates nationally, Southeast Alberta has the land, expertise, and entrepreneurial capacity to contribute meaningfully to Canada’s defence supply chain. Supporting SMEs, rural innovation infrastructure, and organizations like Community Futures Entre-Corp helps ensure these opportunities translate into real economic growth for our communities.

The Chamber looks forward to continued collaboration with the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Aviation, Aerospace and Defence Council, and regional partners to ensure businesses in Southeast Alberta can fully access these opportunities and that policy implementation reflects regional strengths and realities.