Minister of National Defence makes first official visit to Winnipeg on national support tour

Canada’s Minister of National Defence, David McGuinty made his first official visit to Winnipeg on Tuesday as part of a cross-country tour aimed at offering increased federal support and hearing concerns from local communities.

Minister McGuinty says his visit to Winnipeg was an educational one, where he learned not only about the capabilities of Canada’s infantry, but also their needs.

“It’s always impressive to meet the active members of the Canadian armed forces,” said McGuinty. “We talked about housing. We talked about infrastructure. We talked about childcare. We talked about spousal employment. We talked about those conditions that will help contribute to, the betterment of the forces.”

Lieutenant-general Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, with the Royal Canadian Air Force, says investments are being made by the federal government, including the revitalization of training for the RCAF. The federal government says in the fall, Canada is expected to receive five new fleets.

“There’s a lot of work to continue because we want to ensure that we have all of the right equipment and modernized training and things in place so that we can properly support these members. We’re committed to continuing to work on that,” said Speiser-Blanchet

“I’m looking forward to making further investments with the the good guidance and the help of the general and her team here to know where we should invest in what order, right here on this base, to make it even stronger,” said McGunity.