Gaspé – Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, visited Chantier Naval Forillon (CNF) to see the work in progress and highlight a significant milestone for the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS).
During this visit, Minister Lebouthillier had the opportunity to go on board the 10th and final search and rescue lifeboat under construction at CNF. This vessel is part of a larger contract that was awarded in July 2015 to CNF and Hike Metal Products Ltd. for the construction and delivery of a total of 20 search and rescue lifeboats, valued at $178.9 million. These boats are delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard and represent a major milestone in the renewal of Canada’s maritime fleet under the NSS.
CNF is also progressing in the construction of a new near-shore fishery research vessel, scheduled for delivery to the Canadian Coast Guard in June 2027. The design work is well underway, and production is expected to begin in late May 2025. This contract, valued at $55.5 million under the NSS, will create and maintain up to 90 highly specialized and well-paid jobs in the region.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the NSS. Since 2010, Canadian shipyards have delivered 8 large vessels and 34 small vessels to the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard, with 6 more large vessels under construction. NSS contracts awarded between 2012 and 2023 are estimated to have contributed approximately $30 billion ($2.3 billion per year) to Canada’s gross domestic product and have created or maintained over 20,400 jobs per year between 2012 and 2024.
“As part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we’re placing particular emphasis on the future of the Canadian Coast Guard, providing it with modern, reliable vessels that will play a vital role in keeping Canadians and our waters safe. By working hand in hand with shipyards like Chantier Naval Forillon and Hike Metal Products, we’re creating direct jobs for the people of our region and providing a real boost to the local economy. This initiative is much more than a project, it’s an engine of development for our communities.” – Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“The achievements of Chantier Naval Forillon demonstrate the success of the National Shipbuilding Strategy in promoting innovation, creating jobs and ensuring the safety of our waters. By collaborating with Chantier Naval Forillon, we have modernized our maritime fleet, while creating well-paid local jobs and stimulating the regional economy.” – Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant