Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a significant investment of $11.3 billion from the federal government into Quebec’s shipbuilding sector for the construction of six new icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard. Describing it as the most extensive shipbuilding contract in Quebec’s history, Carney highlighted that these new vessels will replace the aging heavy and medium icebreakers of the coast guard, fulfilling a commitment made in 2019.
During the announcement made alongside Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette at the Chantier Davie shipyard in Lévis, Que., Carney stated that the construction process would move swiftly. The first steel cutting is scheduled for next fall, with the initial ship expected for delivery five years later, followed by the complete fleet becoming operational five years after that. These icebreakers are intended to operate in various regions, including Atlantic Canada, the St. Lawrence River in winter, and the Arctic in summer.
Fréchette, who is entering a provincial election campaign, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing that it is a significant day for Lévis. She highlighted that the contract will safeguard the province’s economic independence and generate employment opportunities for professions like welders and technicians. Carney added that the construction of these vessels will create around 5,000 jobs.
The icebreakers will be manufactured using Canadian steel in alignment with the federal government’s “Buy Canadian” procurement policy. This announcement coincides with recent trade tensions, following the breakdown of trade discussions with the United States and new tariff threats from President Donald Trump against Canadian industries.
In 2024, Ottawa initially awarded a $19.6 million contract to Davie under the national shipbuilding strategy to design the six new Polar Class 3 icebreakers. The Canadian Coast Guard is undergoing a substantial fleet modernization, with the national shipbuilding strategy aiming to oversee the delivery of a total of 88 new vessels by 2045.
