Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr has been appointed Alberta’s Military Liaison, adding another provincial role for the MLA whose constituency is home to 4 Wing Cold Lake, one of Canada’s largest and most important military installations.

The appointment was made by Premier Danielle Smith and took effect immediately.

In a letter dated June 18, Smith said Cyr will serve as the primary point of contact between the Government of Alberta and the province’s military community, including serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans and military families.

“In this role, you will serve as the primary point of contact between the government and Alberta’s military community, helping to strengthen our support for serving members, veterans, and their families,” Smith wrote.

The letter states Cyr will work closely with Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis and ministry staff as part of the position.

Strong connection to military community

The appointment comes as the Lakeland region prepares for significant growth tied to the Future Fighter Capability Project and the arrival of F-35 fighter jets at 4 Wing Cold Lake.

As the MLA representing the riding that includes the air force base, Cyr said he has developed a deep appreciation for the role military members and their families play in the region.

“As the MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul, home to 4 Wing Cold Lake, Canada’s premier fighter force base and one of the country’s most significant military communities, I have seen firsthand the dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice of those who serve,” Cyr said.

“I have also seen the important role military families play in supporting that service.”

Supporting military members and veterans

In announcing the appointment, Cyr said he plans to work closely with military leadership, veterans organizations, Military Family Resource Centres, Royal Canadian Legion branches and community partners throughout Alberta.

He said one of his priorities will be listening to the experiences of military members, veterans and their families to help identify ways Alberta can better support them.

“Alberta has a proud military tradition, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a bridge between the Government of Alberta and the military community,” Cyr said.

Growing military presence in northeastern Alberta

The appointment comes at a significant time for Cold Lake and the surrounding region.

4 Wing Cold Lake is expected to play a major role in Canada’s transition to the F-35 fleet, a project expected to bring billions of dollars in investment and thousands of workers to northeastern Alberta over the coming years.

The base is already one of the largest economic drivers in the Lakeland, supporting military operations, training, local businesses and community organizations.

Confidence from provincial leadership

In her appointment letter, Smith said she has confidence in Cyr’s ability to represent Alberta’s military community.

“I have every confidence in your ability to represent Alberta effectively in this capacity,” she wrote.

Cyr thanked both Smith and Ellis for the appointment and said he is looking forward to beginning the work.

“Thank you to Premier Danielle Smith and Deputy Premier Mike Ellis for their confidence in me,” he said. “I look forward to getting to work.”

The appointment adds to Cyr’s growing responsibilities at the provincial level and further strengthens northeastern Alberta’s voice in discussions involving military members, veterans and the future of one of Canada’s most important defence communities.