Minister McGuinty visits CFB Edmonton to learn about Army of the West operations
August 27, 2025 - Western Sentinel
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Canada’s new MND, made his first visit to CFB Edmonton as MND on Aug. 14, to learn more about the CAF’s infrastructure and operational capabilities.
Having first visited CFB Cold Lake, Edmonton was the Minister’s second stop on his two‑day tour of military establishments in Western Canada.
Minister McGuinty was joined by the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Member of Parliament for Edmonton‑Centre.
Brigadier‑General Wade Rutland, Commander 3rd Canadian Division and Joint Task Force (West), explained the visit was an opportunity to highlight the Division’s operational capabilities, readiness and force generation role within the CAF.
“We were able to show what the Canadian Armed Forces does every day here in the Army of the West,” he said during a media scrum following the visit.
Upon arrival, Minister McGuinty met with BGen Rutland; Chief Warrant Officer Rob Clarke, 3rd Canadian Division Sergeant‑Major; and 3rd Canadian Division leadership to get a year‑in‑review update on the Division’s activities over the past 12 months. The update also included a breakdown of the Division’s current and upcoming activities. The briefing also discussed the Division’s personnel and equipment status.
Caption
Minister of National Defence (MND) David J. McGuinty speaks with soldiers while on his first official visit to Canadian Forces Base Edmonton as MND on Aug. 14.
Photos by MCpl Rob Mitchell, 3rd Canadian Division Public Affairs
Following the meeting with Division leadership, Minister McGuinty moved to meet with 1 CMBG leadership at the Warrant Officer Trevor ‘Trapper’ Allen Building, which now hosts the LdSH(RC) Leopard 2 tank fleet.
There, Minister McGuinty observed 1 CMBG’s warfighting capabilities via a walkthrough of each phase of a combined arms attack.
The demonstration began with a reconnaissance element, followed by the artillery with a C2 howitzer. The attack continued with firebase/breaching tanks, an assault with a LAV 6.0, and support from an Armoured Combat Support Vehicle ambulance and other support trades.
The presentation ended with a technical briefing of 1 CMBG’s recent accomplishments, future projects and key challenges.
Minister McGuinty’s final stop with 1 CMBG was a tour of the Leopard 2’s maintenance section and a tour of the LdSH(RC) tank training simulation centre.
In the afternoon, following a haybox lunch with soldiers, Minister McGuinty’s tour continued with a stop at the CFB Edmonton firehall and a visit to the new Residential Housing Units currently under construction.
The final stop on Minister McGuinty’s tour of CFB Edmonton was the Military Family Resource Centre, which serves as a cornerstone of support for military families—offering essential services that help members and their loved ones navigate the unique challenges of military life.
In a statement released following the conclusion of his tour of CAF bases across Western Canada, Minister McGuinty expressed his admiration for the dedication and professionalism of Canadian Armed Forces members.
“I met with members of our Armed Forces whose dedication and professionalism are evident in everything they do,” he said. “Their daily sacrifices keep Canadians safe, and we owe them our full support.”
Caption
Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty is shown a piece of equipment during his visit to Canadian Forces Base Edmonton on Aug. 14.
Caption
Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty speaks with staff at the Edmonton Military Family Resource Centre during his visit to Canadian Forces Base Edmonton on Aug. 14.
Caption
Brigadier‑General Wade Rutland, Commander 3rd Canadian Division and Joint Task Force (West) (right) and Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty serve lunch to soldiers on Aug. 14 during Minister McGuinty’s visit to Canadian Forces Base Edmonton.
Caption
Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty (centre right) and Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience (centre left) speak while touring the new Residential Housing Units currently under construction at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton on Aug. 14.
Page details
- Date modified: