The Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has announced a major funding allotment for an infrared free electron laser (IR-FEL) facility, based at the University of Waterloo, and a TRIUMF-based developmental site for a new terahertz (THz) light source for high-field physics. Together, the unique infrastructure will position Canada to be globally competitive in the realm of FEL research and fortify national capabilities in fields ranging from materials science and chemical analysis to nano-engineering and high-field physics.