McGuinty makes stop in Edmonton for military tour

Edmonton Centre MP Eleanor Olszewski, National Defence Minister David McGuinty and General Wade Rutland outside Edmonton's Garrison on Aug. 14, 2025. (Sean McClune/CTV News Edmonton)

National Defence Minister David McGuinty made Edmonton a part of his national tour on Thursday, where he met with members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and heard their feedback.

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The visit comes on the heels of the recent announcement of the federal government’s plan to invest $2 billion into its soldiers.

He was joined outside the Garrison by Edmonton Centre MP Eleanor Olszewski, who also serves as the minister of emergency management and community resilience, and Brig.-Gen. Wade Rutland, 3rd Canadian Division Commander with the CAF.

McGuinty said much of the discussion with members of the CAF has included details about their new pay packages.

Canada announced its plan to boost the salaries of its soldiers for recruitment and retainment on Aug. 8.

“We made it very plain; we need a strong, united Canadian Armed Forces for our future,” McGuinty said in Thursday’s press conference.

Part of the new investment will also go to members of the CAF fighting wildfires across the country.

“We know that these are individuals that place their own lives at risk in order to help Canadians,” said Olszewski.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Sean McClune