Alberta’s government is investing more than $1 million in the Alberta Aviation, Aerospace and Defence Council to support the new Leading Industry Forward Together (LIFT) Initiative. A new focus on defence produces economic opportunities that will create jobs and increase investment in construction, manufacturing and technology. This funding will help position Alberta-based businesses as key players in growing the sector and competing for national and international defence industry contracts.
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 (UAS) Test Range. The work will help unlock new opportunities for testing, innovation and commercialization, particularly in southern Alberta.
As Canada ramps up defence spending, meets its two per cent NATO spending targets and acts on its Defence Industrial Strategy, it is more important now than ever to highlight Alberta’s workforce, businesses and landscape as top reasons for investing here.
“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. 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.”
It is anticipated that LIFT will equip a total of 40 small- and medium-sized businesses with the training, certification support, mentorship and market visibility needed to be seen as viable options for investment.
“Alberta has the talent, the technology, and the industrial base to be a serious player in the defence and aerospace sector. These investments will ensure Alberta’s brightest innovators have the support they need to lead the way.”
Funding for LIFT includes a $550,000 grant from the Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration and $500,000 from the Ministry of Technology and Innovation through Alberta Innovates. It will be formally announced in Edmonton at the Aberta Aviation, Aerospace and Defence Summit, which brings together industry leaders, innovators and partners to strengthen Alberta’s role in Canada’s defence and aerospace industries.
“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. 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.”
Regarding the Community Futures Entre-Corp, Foremost is currently one of Canada’s two dedicated beyond visual line of sight flight-testing sites. It has not been in operation since September 2025. The $200,000 grant will support a feasibility study to explore opportunities for increased range utilization and revenue certainty, and identify potential roles in Canada’s growing defence sector.
“The Foremost UAS Test Range is a critical infrastructure asset that has facilitated growth of the drone industry in southeast Alberta and beyond. 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. We are grateful to the Government of Alberta for funding that will enable us to evaluate sustainable new business models for the test range.”
“We always appreciate the ongoing support from Community Futures Entre-Corp to help the Village of Foremost in our efforts to support industry and diversify our rural economy. We look forward to implementing recommendations from the study.”
Alberta’s aerospace and defence industries are built on a diverse industrial base that includes advanced manufacturing, unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, aerospace maintenance and repair, secure energy infrastructure and northern operations expertise. With key Canadian Armed Forces bases and world class testing and training environments, Alberta plays an important role in supporting Canada’s defence, security and economic resilience.
Quick facts
- The Alberta Aviation, Aerospace & Defence Council was established in 1962 and is the provincial hub connecting Alberta’s aviation, aerospace and defence stakeholders.
- Community Futures Entre-Corp is a not-for-profit community-based economic development organization based in Medicine Hat that supports economic growth in southeast Alberta by assisting entrepreneurs with business advice, training and small business loans.