Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, announced on March 7 that the Government of Canada awarded a $3.15-billion contract (before tax) to Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards for the construction of 1 of CCG’s future polar icebreakers under the NSS. This marks a significant milestone in strengthening Canada’s Arctic sovereignty and security.
As part of its fleet renewal plan, the CCG is acquiring 2 polar icebreakers. The other polar icebreaker is being built by Chantier Davie Canada Inc. These vessels will strengthen the CCG’s Arctic presence, and have greater, more advanced capabilities than the current, most capable CCG icebreakers.
These larger, more powerful polar icebreakers will ensure the CCG’s operations continue at higher latitudes for longer periods, while allowing its fleet to better support Indigenous Peoples, strengthen Arctic security, advance high Arctic science, and better respond to maritime emergencies.
2025 represents the 15th anniversary of the NSS, which plays a major role in strengthening Canada’s economy and has created or maintained over 20,400 good middle-class jobs per year. Since 2010, Canadian shipyards have delivered 8 large vessels and 34 small vessels to the RCN and the CCG, while supporting federal fleets with critical repair, refit and maintenance work.
The Arctic is an integral part of Canada and home to 150,000 Canadians and generations of Indigenous Peoples. With transformative agreements like the International Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact) Memorandum of Understanding, signed last November with the United States and Finland, and through Our North, Strong and Free, A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence, Canada is investing in its collective defence and security.
(Artist rendering image of polar icebreaker)