Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced an investment of $11.3 billion by the federal government into Quebec’s shipbuilding sector to construct six new icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard. Describing it as the most substantial shipbuilding agreement in the province’s history, Carney stated that the new vessels will replace the aging heavy and medium icebreakers, fulfilling a commitment made in 2019.
During the announcement at the Chantier Davie shipyard in Lévis, Que., Carney, accompanied by Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette, outlined the timeline for the project. He mentioned that construction will commence next fall, with the first ship scheduled for delivery in five years, followed by the full fleet being operational five years after that. Emphasizing the operational regions of the icebreakers, Carney highlighted their intended service in Atlantic Canada, the St. Lawrence River during winter, and the Arctic during summer.
Fréchette, preparing for a provincial election campaign, expressed her satisfaction with the agreement, emphasizing its significance for Lévis. She noted that the contract will safeguard the province’s economic independence and generate employment opportunities for welders and technicians. Carney added that the project will create 5,000 jobs during the construction phase.
The procurement of the icebreakers aligns with the federal government’s “Buy Canadian” policy, with Carney’s office confirming that the vessels will be constructed using Canadian steel. This announcement follows recent trade tensions with the United States, including the breakdown of trade negotiations and new tariff threats from President Donald Trump against Canadian industries.
In 2024, Ottawa awarded an initial $19.6 million contract to Davie under the national shipbuilding strategy to design the six new Polar Class 3 icebreakers. This initiative forms part of the coast guard’s extensive fleet modernization plan, overseen by the national shipbuilding strategy, which aims to introduce a total of 88 new vessels by 2045.