A big boost from Ottawa for military-related investment in Atlantic Canada.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced in Halifax, Thursday morning, for $3 billion to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, which he says meets their NATO 2 per cent defence spending target.
“For the last ten months, Canada’s new government has been working with unprecedented speed and scale. In ten months, we have invested over $60 billion in our defence and security,” said Carney.
“That’s the largest year on year increase in defence investment in generations. So, the first time, as I said, since the fall of the Berlin Wall, we will be spending that 2 per cent of GDP on defence.”
PM Carney in Halifax. PHOTO: NATALIE CHIASSON/ACADIA BROADCASTING
Nova Scotia:
- $1.2 billion for upgrades to heating, electrical and fire protections at CFB Halifax Dockyard and Stadacona
- $648 million to build two new hangars and drone infrastructure at 14 Wing Greenwood, supporting the Air Force’s CP-8A Poseidon Fleet and CQ-9B Guardian
- Over $180 million to build the Combatant Training and Integration Centre
- $82.5 million to buy Halifax Gate – a 475-acre waterfront industrial site
- $60 million for a new 140-unit apartment for military members near 12 Wing Shearwater
New Brunswick:
- More than $1 billion for new ground-based sir defence systems sat CFB Gagetown Range and Training Area
- $20.2 million to upgrade transition centres at CFB Gagetown
While taking questions from reporters at the Halifax Dockyard, Carney was interrupted by the cannon on Citadel Hill to mark 12 p.m.
He was explaining how the federal government will reach 5 per cent of GDP by 2035 pointing to examples like northern operating support hubs, when the boom of the cannon sounded.
“That’s some of our investment in defence has been tested there,” Carney said. “Don’t be alarmed, it’s all part of the plan. But also, investment that’s relevant there.”
PM Carney in Halifax. PHOTO: NATALIE CHIASSON/ACADIA BROADCASTING
Carney said Ottawa will also spend on transportation corridors and artificial intelligence.
In a statement, Thursday, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said Nova Scotia is ready to lead.
“Nova Scotia has always answered the call. At sea, on land and in the air.
I’m sure in part that’s why the prime minister chose Nova Scotia to make this significance investment in defence.
We are Canada’s capital of defence and that didn’t happen by accident. It happened because of who and where we are.”
Houston said he’s “thrilled” Carney recognized what we have to offer.
The prime minister is expected to meet with Houston on Friday to talk about Wind West, an offshore development that would create enough energy to cover nearly a quarter of Canada’s needs.
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