Federal defence minister McGuinty delivers pro

Federal defence minister McGuinty delivers pro-Canada message in Alberta, highlights $8B in funding

Alberta premier says funding puts province at forefront of air defence

Federal Defence Minister David McGuinty is reminding Albertans of billions of dollars in military spending and that a strong Canada includes a strong Alberta.

His comments come as Albertans prepare to vote on Confederation in the Oct. 19 referendum.

McGuinty, with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith standing beside him at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, says the province reminds Canadians how to think and build big.

He also says Confederation is a national bargain renewed through generations by what Canadians do for one another, particularly in wartime.

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McGuinty repeated that Alberta is receiving $8 billion in ongoing spending, including $550 million to establish the western operating base for the Air Force's CC-330 Husky fleet.

Smith says the funding puts Alberta at the forefront of air defence and agrees the announcement shows Canada and Ottawa can work together.

There are 10 questions on the referendum ballot, including whether the province should stay in Canada or hold a second, binding referendum on leaving the country.

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Lisa Johnson is a reporter for The Canadian Press based in Alberta.