Alberta’s government announced this week that it is investing more than $1 million in the Alberta Aviation, Aerospace, and Defence Council.
The capital will support the new Leading Industry Forward Together Initiative, a provincial effort to equip 40 small- and medium-sized businesses with training, certification, and market visibility to enhance viability for investment.
Formally announced in Edmonton at the Aberta Aviation, Aerospace, and Defence Summit, funding for LIFT consists of a $550,000 grant from the Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration as well as $500,000 from the Ministry of Technology and Innovation through Alberta Innovates.
“Alberta’s government is investing in defence and dual-use industry development to help grow innovation, support jobs and position Alberta companies to compete in domestic and global markets,” commented Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration.
“With strong industrial capabilities, skilled labour and innovation capacity, Alberta is well-positioned to support Canada’s defence and security objectives while building a more resilient and diversified economy,” Schow stated.
“The funding from the Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration and Alberta Innovates is a vital catalyst for the LIFT initiative, 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,” remarked council chair Kendra Kincade.
“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,” Kincade said.
In addition, Aberta’s government is providing $200,000 to Community Futures Entre-Corp to support development of a sustainable, long-term operating model for the Foremost Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Range.
Foremost is currently one of Canada’s two dedicated beyond visual line of sight flight-testing sites but has not been in operation since 2025.
“Alberta has the talent, the technology, and the industrial base to be a serious player in the defence and aerospace sector,” posits Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation. “These investments will ensure Alberta’s brightest innovators have the support they need to lead the way.”
“With the recently accelerated focus on Canada’s domestic drone capabilities, now is an opportune time to reimagine how the range can be used optimally,” added Sean Blewett, general manager of Community Futures Entre-Corp.
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