The Department of National Defence announces additional funding for temporary water treatment solution in Saguenay
News release
December 15, 2025 – Saguenay, QC – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Department of National Defence (DND) is committed to keeping Saguenay residents informed about the work underway to address the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) near Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Bagotville.
In 2024, in response to a request from the City of Saguenay, DND and the City of Saguenay entered into a $15.5 million contribution agreement to fund a short-term solution to address the presence of PFAS in municipal water. Today, through an amendment to the existing contribution agreement, DND is providing an additional $29.9 million, for a total of approximately $45.4 million, to continue funding the current temporary solution. This funding is being administered over a 10-year period.
DND remains committed to working with the City of Saguenay, provincial health authorities, and the Government of Québec on this issue and will continue to communicate openly and transparently about the work underway to address the impacts of PFAS near CFB Bagotville.
Quotes
“Today’s announcement reflects a continued investment in safeguarding the health of Canadians. Working with the government of Québec and the City of Saguenay to take concrete action on the water quality concerns of residents is a responsibility we take seriously. We will continue collaborating to address the operational legacy of the Canadian Armed Forces in the communities where we operate and support the well-being of Quebecers now and in the future.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“I want to highlight that collaboration with the Government of Canada is going very well and that we remain optimistic that a permanent solution will be in place in the coming months. From the beginning, communications and exchanges have been constructive and focused on finding long-term solutions.”
Luc Boivin, Mayor of Saguenay
Quick facts
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PFAS have been found in surface water, sediment, soil, and groundwater on CFB Bagotville property. The presence of PFAS at CFB Bagotville is thought to be related to the past use of firefighting foams for training and operations. From 1972 until the early 2010s, DND conducted firefighter training with foam. These activities were conducted according to the industry guidelines and accepted practices and regulations of the time.
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While water is now used for training at CFB Bagotville, firefighting foams containing PFAS are still used for emergencies, as they are the safest and most effective way to extinguish fuel fires. When used, DND follows standardized procedures to contain the foams and minimize their environmental impacts as much as possible.
Associated links
Contacts
Maya Ouferhat
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: maya.ouferhat@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca