Minister of National Defence concludes visits to Canadian Armed Forces bases in Edmonton and Cold Lake
News release
August 15, 2025 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Over the past two days, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, has concluded visits to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) establishments in western Canada. On August 13, he visited with CAF leaders and members posted to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton, accompanied by the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Centre. On August 14, he visited CFB Cold Lake, home to the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 4 Wing, located in Alberta.
These visits follow the Government of Canada’s announcement to increase the pay and benefits for CAF members, which will directly benefit members of the Regular Force, the Primary Reserve, the Canadian Rangers, and the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service.
To ensure Canada maintains a highly trained and operationally ready military, the Canadian Armed Forces’ enhanced compensation and benefits package is an investment in the well-being, resilience, and effectiveness of our members. It acknowledges the unique sacrifices they make — from frequent relocations and long separations from loved ones, to the demands of 24/7 readiness. It also reflects the realities of training and operations in challenging and often harsh environments.
As Minister McGuinty emphasized during discussions with military leaders and members in Edmonton and Cold Lake, this package includes a new allowance for Domestic and Arctic Operations, recognizing the vital role our members play in protecting Canada’s sovereignty in the North and in providing life-saving disaster relief to communities across the country.
Quotes
“While touring bases in western Canada, I met with members of our Armed Forces whose dedication and professionalism are evident in everything they do. Their daily sacrifices keep Canadians safe, and we owe them our full support. This increase in pay and benefits for our soldiers, sailors, and aviators is about more than numbers — it’s about honouring their service, supporting their families, and giving them the stability and resources to focus fully on their mission. By investing in our people, we are investing directly in Canada’s security and the enduring strength of our Armed Forces.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“Canadian Armed Forces members stationed at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton play a key role in supporting operations in Canada’s North. The new Domestic Operations and Arctic allowances are welcome additions that help recognize the unique challenges our members face when operating in remote and adverse conditions. These new benefits are a necessary step in recognizing our soldiers, sailors, and aviators who are there for Canadians in times of need.”
Colonel Robert Tesselaar, Commander 3rd Canadian Division Support Group, Edmonton
“4 Wing can launch fighters at a moment’s notice on international or domestic operations, including forward deployments to the North in defence of Canada’s sovereignty. We recognize the challenges our dedicated members face on these operations, in remote parts of Canada and around the world.”
Colonel Mark C. Hickey, Wing Commander, RCAF 4 Wing, Cold Lake, Alberta
Quick facts
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CFB Edmonton (commonly referred to as Edmonton Garrison) plans and manages the delivery of a range of support and services that are needed by other CAF units and their members.
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More than 15 CAF units are located within CFB Edmonton.
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4 Wing Cold Lake is under the operational command of 1 Canadian Air Division. It is the busiest fighter base in Canada, providing general purpose, multi-role, combat-capable forces in support of domestic and international roles of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
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4 Wing is currently home to the 401 Tactical Fighter “Rams” Squadron, 409 Tactical Fighter “Nighthawk” Squadron, and 410 Tactical Fighter (Operational Training) “Cougar” Squadron, all of which fly the CF-18 Hornet. It is also home to the 417 Combat Support Squadron, flying the CH-146 Griffon helicopter.
Associated links
Contacts
Laurent de Casanove
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: laurent.decasanove@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca