(22 WING / CFB NORTH BAY) MP Pauline Rochefort, Wing Commander Col Joe Oldford, and Chief Warrant Officer Didier Pignatel were pleased to welcome the Hon. David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence to 22 Wing/CFB North Bay on Friday.
At a town hall meeting of local military personnel, MP Pauline Rochefort introduced Minister McGuinty, who spoke to a packed house about military pay raises (now in effect and retroactive to April 1), adding military housing, and expanding childcare, before fielding questions about what the future holds for 22 Wing (growth).
“This has been a very positive meeting and a very good opportunity to learn about the practical challenges that Pauline is bringing to my attention on a regular basis back at head office,” said Minister McGuinty.
"Defense investment in North Bay is essential to Canada's security and to our community's prosperity. When we strengthen defense capabilities at 22 Wing/CFB North Bay's, we strengthen our nation - and we ensure this region continues to grow and lead for years to come," said Pauline Rochefort, Nipissing - Timiskaming MP.
The defence sector across Canada accounts for over 81,200 direct and indirect jobs.
BACKGROUNDER:
Budget 2025 proposes to provide $81.8 billion over five years on a cash basis, starting in 2025-26, to rebuild, rearm, and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). This includes over $9 billion in 2025-26 that was announced by the Prime Minister in June 2025. Key investments include:
- $20.4 billion over five years, to recruit and retain a strong fighting force, including generational pay raises for the CAF, and support CAF health care.
- $19.0 billion over five years to repair and sustain CAF capabilities and invest in defence infrastructure, including expanding ammunition and training infrastructure.
- $10.9 billion over five years for upgrades to Department of National Defence, CAF, and Communications Security Establishment digital infrastructure, including those needed for modern warfare, such as cyber defence.
- $17.9 billion over five years to expand Canada's military capabilities, including investments in additional logistics utility, light utility, and armoured vehicles, counter-drone and long-range precision strike capabilities, and domestic ammunition production, among other investments.
- $6.6 billion over five years, starting in 2025-26, to strengthen Canada's defence industry through a Defence Industrial Strategy. As the Strategy is implemented, starting with initial investments announced in Budget 2025, we will develop our defence industrial base so that more of our military capabilities are procured from Canadian supply chains. (See below for additional details).
- $6.2 billion over five years to expand Canada's defence partnerships, including expanded military assistance to Ukraine and increased military training and international policy programming.
- $805 million over five years to the Canadian Coast Guard, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, and Public Services and Procurement Canada for complementary initiatives to support Canada's defence capabilities.
A key part of the surge in military spending promised is for NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) modernization, to improve surveillance, command and control, and air weapons systems.
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