Chamber offers support for government defence sector spending
Chamber offers support for government defence sector spending
Chamber offers support for government defence sector spending
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on May 13, 2026.
The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce says it supports a recent funding announcement by the provincial government to increase spending to grow the aerospace and defence sector in southern Alberta.
Last week the province announced $200,000 to support the development of a long-term operating model for the drone test range in Foremost.
The test range, run by non-profit Community Futures Entre-Corp, has not been operational since September 2025. There were concerns the range would close after funding from the federal government ran out in September.
The chamber says these investments play a critical role 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,” reads a press release. “The Chamber is especially encouraged by the funding to support a feasibility study for the Foremost Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Range.”
Foremost is one of Canada’s only two dedicated beyond-visual-line-of-sight testing ranges.
The chamber says the range represents a strategic economic asset for southeast Alberta and has the potential to support more commercialization and advance manufacturing while creating high-skilled jobs.
“Supporting small and medium enterprises, rural innovation infrastructure and organizations like Community Futures Entry-Corp helps ensure these opportunities translate into real economic growth for our communities.”
During the same announcement the province also announced more than $1 million to support the new Leading Industry Forward Together initiative (LIFT) that supports defence producers economic opportunities aimed to create jobs and increase the investment in construction, manufacturing and technology.
The province says the new LIFT initiative will equip a total of 40 small- and medium-sized businesses with training, certification support and mentorship.
“Allowing Alberta Aviation, Aerospace & Defence, the provincial industry council, to bridge the gaps of structural and geographical isolation that have historically hindered the aviation, aerospace and defence sector in Alberta,” said Kendra Kincade, president and CEO of Alberta Aviation, Aerospace and Defence. ” The LIFT Initiative will enable Alberta companies with defence-relevant technology to overcome barriers to entry and upskill for the defence market while also creating a united provincial voice that will drive regional prosperity and attract high-skilled talent to Alberta.”
The chamber says it will continue advocating for more collaboration with the province, Alberta Aviation and the Aerospace and Defence Council with regional businesses.
Online link: https://medicinehatnews.com/news/local-news/2026/05/13/chamber-offers-support-for-government-defence-sector-spending/