Prime Minister Mark Carney has revealed that the federal government will invest $11.3 billion into Quebec’s shipbuilding sector to construct six new icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard. Describing it as the largest shipbuilding deal in the province’s history, Carney stated that the new vessels would replace the coast guard’s aging heavy and medium icebreakers, fulfilling a commitment made in 2019.
During the announcement at the Chantier Davie shipyard in Lévis, Que., Carney, alongside Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette, outlined the timeline for the project. Carney emphasized that construction would commence swiftly, with the first steel cutting scheduled for next fall. The initial ship is expected to be completed within five years, followed by the full fleet being operational five years thereafter. These icebreakers will serve in Atlantic Canada, the St. Lawrence River throughout winter, and in the Arctic during summer.
Fréchette, gearing up for a provincial election campaign, hailed the agreement as a significant milestone for Lévis. She highlighted the economic benefits, emphasizing the safeguarding of the province’s economic autonomy and the creation of job opportunities, particularly for welders and technicians. Carney estimated that the project would support around 5,000 jobs during the construction phase.
Underlining the federal government’s “Buy Canadian” procurement policy, Carney’s office confirmed that the icebreakers would be constructed using Canadian steel. This move comes in the wake of failed trade negotiations with the United States and escalating tariff threats from President Donald Trump targeting Canadian industries.
In 2024, the initial $19.6 million contract was awarded to Davie under the national shipbuilding strategy to design the six new Polar Class 3 icebreakers. As part of a broader fleet modernization effort, the coast guard anticipates the delivery of a total of 88 new vessels by 2045 under the national shipbuilding strategy.