A look at today’s announcements from the Government of Canada, from defence investments in Alberta to a new scholarship for Saskatchewan students.
1. Defence Minister visits CFB Edmonton to highlight Alberta investments
Defence Minister David McGuinty visited Canadian Forces Base Edmonton to highlight Canada’s defence investments in Alberta, the Department of National Defence announced.
The visit comes as Canada works toward its NATO commitment of spending two per cent of GDP on defence. Recent federal defence announcements have included a $3.7-billion plan for 6,000 new military housing units across 25 communities, with Edmonton among the bases set to receive more than 1,000 units.
CFB Edmonton has taken on added significance this year: on September 10, the Canadian Army stood up its new 1st Canadian Division headquarters at the base, replacing the 3rd Canadian Division in one of the largest organizational changes in the Army’s history.
2. New leadership announced at VIA Rail and CATSA
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon announced new leadership appointments at VIA Rail and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, Transport Canada said.
VIA Rail is Canada’s national passenger rail service, operating intercity routes from coast to coast. The Crown corporation has been in the spotlight this year, with its CEO set to retire and the federal government advancing plans for Canada’s first high-speed rail network.
CATSA is the Crown corporation responsible for security screening at Canadian airports.
3. Trade tribunal continues order on steel pipe imports
The Canadian International Trade Tribunal continued its order in part on oil country tubular goods from eight countries: Chinese Taipei, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, Turkiye, Ukraine and Vietnam.
Oil country tubular goods are steel pipes and tubes used in oil and gas drilling. The order, which dates back to a 2015 tribunal finding, keeps anti-dumping duties in place to protect Canadian producers from unfairly priced imports.
4. Legislation introduced to cut red tape and boost competitiveness
The government introduced legislation aimed at reducing red tape and supporting economic growth and competitiveness, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat announced.
The bill is part of the government’s broader push to modernize regulation, including a “tell us once” approach so businesses don’t have to submit the same information to multiple departments.
5. 2027 Saskatchewan agriculture scholarship applications open
Applications are now open for the 2027 Saskatchewan Agriculture Student Scholarship, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced.
The scholarship supports students pursuing agriculture-related studies. Details and application deadlines are available through the department.
