The federal government has announced a $9.3 billion investment in six Alberta businesses operating in the defence innovation and manufacturing sectors. Calgary MP Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, made the announcement on Tuesday at the offices of VizworX, a Calgary-based software company.
The funding will be delivered through the Regional Development Investment Initiative, a three-year federal program designed to align long-term military needs with regional defence investments. This initiative aims to support innovation in drone services, power-amplifier technology for Arctic monitoring, military virtual technology, and local talent development in defence manufacturing.
Supporting Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
Hogan emphasized that the investment will generate economic activity for small- and mid-size Alberta businesses. “The global security environment is rapidly evolving, and Canada must be prepared to defend our sovereignty and uphold our values alongside our allies,” he stated.
The funding is administered by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), a federal department focused on economic diversification in the Prairie provinces. Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience Eleanor Olszewski oversees PrairiesCan.
Breakdown of Investments
- Canadian UAVs – $3 million to enhance drone technology for reconnaissance and situational awareness.
- MicroLynx Systems – $2 million to improve high-power frequency amplifiers for Arctic domain awareness.
- VizworX – $2 million to develop a Virtual Operations Environment (VOE) platform for collaborative mission planning and monitoring.
- Technalogix (Red Deer) – $1 million for high-frequency power-amplifier products to monitor airspace and waterways in extreme conditions.
- MRO Electronic Supply (Calgary) – $1 million to develop local technical and engineering talent in defence manufacturing and electronics.
- 3-Ci Manufacturing (Calgary) – $300,900 to develop military-grade cable and wiring systems.
These investments are expected to bolster Canada's defence capabilities while creating jobs and fostering innovation in Alberta's industrial sector.
