Canadian Government Reveals Huge Investment in Coast Guard’s Small Vessels

The Canadian Government has announced a significant investment to fund the modernization of the Canadian Coast Guard’s small vessel fleet.

The investment, valued at CAD $2.5 billion, will provide for up to 61 small vessels and the ongoing replacement of small craft, barges and work boats with new modern equipment to help protect Canada’s shallow coastal waters and inland lakes and rivers.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans , along with the Canadian Coast Guard.

The investment aims to modernize the Canadian Coast Guard’s small vessel fleet, ensuring the safety of Canadian waterways and citizens, while also generating well-paying jobs throughout the country.

“This is a critical investment that will help modernize the Canadian Coast Guard’s small vessel fleet. We are making sure the Canadian Coast Guard has the equipment it needs to keep Canadians and Canada’s waterways safe, while also creating good-paying jobs across the country,” said Minister Joyce Murray.

The investment will cover the acquisition of various small vessels, including six Mid-shore Multi-Mission Vessels, one Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessel, and 16 Specialty Vessels. The Specialty Vessels comprises two Special NavAids Vessels, four Special Shallow Draft Buoy Tenders, four Inshore Science Vessels, four Special Enforcement Vessels, two Lake Class Vessels, four Air Cushion Vehicles, and 34 Cape Class Search and Rescue Lifeboats.

The procurement of small vessels will provide opportunities for smaller shipyards and suppliers across Canada, supporting employment in the marine industry.

Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, which aims to revitalize Canada’s shipbuilding industry and marine sector, has already delivered 16 small vessels to the Canadian Coast Guard under its provisions. These include 14 Search and Rescue lifeboats and two Channel Survey and Sounding Vessels.

The contracts awarded under the strategy have so far contributed approximately $21.26 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product, with an estimated annual contribution of $1.93 billion. They have also created or maintained over 18,000 jobs annually between 2012 and 2022.

Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy is a long-term and multi-billion-dollar program dedicated to renewing the fleets of both the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Navy. The strategy aims to provide the agencies with modern ships that meet operational requirements, while also acting as a stimulus to the marine industry, creating employment opportunities and generating economic benefits nationwide.

Joining today’s the announcement in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador were the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, along with Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, and Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista—Burin—Trinity.

“Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the government is providing the members of the Canadian Coast Guard with the ships they need to carry out their important work for Canadians,” said Minister Jaczek. “This significant investment also will create more jobs, generate significant economic benefits and help grow the marine industry throughout Canada.”

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