Video - National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy

2011-11-01 - November 1, 2011

Bounded by three oceans and home to the Great Lakes, Canada defends more coastline than any other country on Earth.

After several shipwrecks during the 1700s, lifeboats and light stations were introduced to Canadas east coast. In the 1800s, patrol vessels started protecting and enforcing fishing and shipping regulations. These were the foundations of the Canadian Coast Guard.

When the Second World War began, Canada had just ten vessels. When the war ended, the Royal Canadian Navy was the fourth largest in the world. During peace time, a balance was struck between those humble beginnings and the fleet of the 1940s.

Today, Canada protects its maritime approaches from smuggling, trafficking, and pollution. The services provide life-saving search and rescue as well as opportunities for scientific research. Canadas navy also acts internationally, to meet our commitments and protect our interests.

The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy charts the course for the new federal fleet.

It is an important shift in shipbuilding, from working project-by-project to a long-term approach and strategic relationships with two Canadian shipyards to build large vessels.

Canada will sustain skilled jobs across the country, in shipbuilding and related industries, for generations to come.