Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a major financial investment for New Brunswick. The federal government is directing over $1 billion to 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown. This funding forms part of a broader strategy to rebuild the Canadian Armed Forces and modernize military infrastructure across the country.

Upgrading Base Gagetown

The $1 billion investment targets several key areas at the military base. The funds will rebuild the primary army training area and introduce new ground based air defence systems. Carney stated the goal is to ensure soldiers train on infrastructure built to last the next century.

The government is also allocating $20.2 million specifically for personnel support services. This money will upgrade transition centres in the province. These centres help military members and their families transition smoothly to civilian life.

Thousands of New Soldiers Arriving

You will see significant population growth in the region. Base Gagetown already stands as the second largest public sector employer in New Brunswick. It currently supports about 6500 military members and 1000 civilians.

Lt. Col. Adam Siokalo serves as the deputy base commander. He confirmed a major increase in personnel over the coming years. Siokalo noted that the military will post 2000 additional soldiers to CFB Gagetown over the next decade to support training operations.

Provincial officials are preparing for this major expansion. Jean Claude D Amours is the provincial minister responsible for military affairs. He confirmed his team is working directly with the base commander. They are preparing the necessary housing, health care, and education requirements to support the new families moving into your communities.

Meeting International Defence Targets

This local funding arrives as Canada officially meets its NATO defence spending obligations. Carney confirmed that Canada has achieved the NATO target of spending two percent of its gross domestic product on defence. This marks the first time Canada has hit this target since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The federal government spent over $60 billion on defence and security in the past ten months. The Gagetown funding belongs to a larger $3 billion package dedicated to infrastructure and real property investments across Atlantic Canada. Carney emphasized the dual purpose of these investments. He stated, “In this century, the work of defending Canada is the work of building Canada.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money is CFB Gagetown receiving?

The federal government is investing over $1 billion into CFB Gagetown to upgrade training areas and introduce new air defence systems.

Will this investment bring more people to New Brunswick?

Yes. Military officials confirmed they will post 2000 additional soldiers at Base Gagetown over the next decade.

Did Canada meet its NATO spending targets?

Yes. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada has officially reached the NATO target of spending two percent of its GDP on defence.