Ensure the Royal Canadian Navy is able to operate as a true maritime force.

What success looks like

Improved equipment for the men and women in uniform.

Government's narrative on progress

Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the government has started renewing Canada's maritime fleet so that much needed vessels are delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy in a timely and affordable manner, all while rebuilding Canada’s shipbuilding industry. Significant milestones have been achieved on the following projects: • Halifax-class frigates – In November 2018, Public Services and Procurement Canada issued three Advance Contract Award Notices (ACAN) announcing Canada’s intention to contract three Canadian shipyards to maintain the Halifax-class frigates until the Canadian Surface Combatants (CSC) are delivered. As no additional eligible statements of capabilities were received within the ACAN timeframe, negotiations have begun for these contracts. Additional upgrades have also been contracted to help ensure the Halifax-class frigates remain operationally relevant until delivery of the CSC. • Canadian Surface Combatant - In February 2019, Irving Shipbuilding Inc. was awarded a definition contract for the design of 15 new Canadian Surface Combatants that will be built at Irving Halifax Shipyard. Irving Shipbuilding, in turn, has awarded the definition subcontract to Lockheed Martin Canada. The design period is expected to last three to four years, with construction starting in the mid-2020s. The initial contract with Irving Shipbuilding is valued at $185 million and will increase as design work progresses, resulting in significant benefits across the Canadian economy. It is anticipated that the total value of all tasks in the contract will exceed $1 billion. In addition to the definition contract, Canada has awarded the Combat Management System Software Support Contract directly to Lockheed Martin Canada. • Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) – The launch of the first AOPS, HMCS Harry DeWolf, took place in September 2018 and the Navy expects to accept the vessel in 2019. In November 2018, the Minister of National Defence announced that the Royal Canadian Navy will receive a sixth patrol ship, which will help to ensure continued capabilities for the Navy and to sustain hundreds of highly-skilled middle class jobs at Irving shipyards. • Joint Support Ships (JSS) – Construction began on large segments of the Royal Canadian Navy’s JSS at Vancouver Shipyards in June 2018. In February 2019, the government announced its decision to advance the construction of JSS 1. The NSS continues to generate significant economic benefits across the country. As of December 31, 2018, the Government of Canada has awarded more than $9.75 billion of National Shipbuilding Strategy-related contracts across the country. Contracts awarded to date through the NSS will contribute an estimated $10.9 billion of gross domestic product, and create or maintain more than 10,000 jobs in the Canadian economy annually during the period of 2012-2022. NSS shipyards also continue to engage with small and medium Canadian enterprises by awarding contracts for NSS related projects where applicable.

Note: this is the government's own description, not an independent assessment.