The ceremony was attended by the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Members of Parliament, Vice-Admiral Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, and Rear-Admiral Kurtz, Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic Commander. Representatives from Unifor, the Department of National Defence, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and industry partners also took part.
The keel laying ceremony followed a centuries-old naval tradition. It included placing a coin in the ship’s hull to bring luck to the captain and crew during the life of the vessel.
The coin was selected by the Royal Canadian Navy and presented by Vice-Admiral Topshee. It was welded in place by Brandon VanHeighten, a Red Seal welder, and fitted by Jaeson Fredericks, a Red Seal metal fabricator at Halifax Shipyard.
Vice-Admiral Topshee declared the hull “well and truly laid” at the end of the ceremony. Irving Shipbuilding said the milestone reflected significant progress being made at the Halifax facility.
Under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, Irving Shipbuilding has delivered six AOPS to the Royal Canadian Navy. The company is also building two AOPS for the Canadian Coast Guard, up to 15 River-class destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy, and providing ship repair services for Halifax-class frigates.
Irving Shipbuilding said the National Shipbuilding Strategy is revitalising Canada’s shipbuilding industry while creating local jobs and economic impact. The company said its supply chain stretches across Canada and supports an average of 10,600 full-time jobs annually, including 4,500 in Nova Scotia.
The company said the strategy is expected to generate almost 11.3 billion Canadian dollars in labour income and contribute nearly 17.0 billion Canadian dollars to Canada’s GDP. Irving Shipbuilding programmes under the strategy are also estimated to raise more than 6.3 billion Canadian dollars in taxes, fees and charges for all three levels of government between 2013 and 2027.
Halifax shipbuilders have focused on rebuilding critical supply chains and developing advanced skills needed to produce the cornerstone of Canada’s naval fleet. Irving Shipbuilding said its role as Canada’s sole source for construction of naval combatants supports sovereign capabilities for the country.
“The River-class Destroyer program is Canada’s most ambitious naval build in decades, and it would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the builders at Irving Shipyards in Halifax,” said the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant. “It’s a perfect example of how the National Shipbuilding Strategy is boosting our defence capabilities while strengthening Canada’s industrial base and growing our economy.”
“This program alone contributes hundreds of millions annually to our GDP and supports thousands of jobs, in Nova Scotia and across the country,” Lightbound said. “It demonstrates Canada’s ability to deliver complex defence projects at home, using Canadian talent while generating long-term economic benefits for all.”
“Today’s keel laying for the future HMCS Fraser highlights the evolution of a sovereign capability which has been developed in Halifax to deliver the objectives of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy,” said Dirk Lesko, President, Irving Shipbuilding. “Our 3,000 shipbuilders are proud to be building ships that will serve Canada for decades to come.”
“We’re producing the next generation fleet for the Royal Canadian Navy, while delivering on every one of our commitments to sustain the legacy ships,” Lesko said. Irving Shipbuilding said the programme is intended to support Canada’s sailors, protect Canadians and help meet international security responsibilities.
