Construction of the Canadian Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker advances with production start ceremony at Chantier Davie in Lévis, Québec
Press Release + Noah Note
March 31, 2026 – Lévis, Québec – National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard
As demands on Canada’s Arctic safety and security continue to grow, driven by increased commercial shipping, the impacts of climate change, and the rapid transformation of the Arctic region, the next step has been taken in advancing the construction of the Canadian Coast Guard’s new polar icebreaker to enable a strong, modern, and year‑round presence in the North.
Today, the Honourable Joel Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, joined by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Economic Development for Quebec Regions were in Lévis, Québec to celebrate the start of Canadian production at Chantier Davie Canada Inc. (CDCI) for the Polar Max Icebreaker, one of two new Polar Icebreakers being constructed for the Canadian Coast Guard. This milestone marks the beginning of full‑rate construction at CDCI’s Canadian shipyard and represents a significant advancement in the renewal of the Canadian Coast Guard Arctic-capable fleet under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
The construction of two new polar icebreakers is estimated to contribute approximately $420M annually to Canada’s gross domestic product and support over 3,000 jobs in the Canadian economy. National Shipbuilding Strategy contracts are estimated to have contributed approximately $38.7 billion ($2.8 billion annually) to Canada’s gross domestic product, and created or maintained close to 21,400 jobs annually between 2012 and 2024. Examples include partnerships such as CDCI’s sourcing of Canadian-made steel for the Polar Max icebreaker at Algoma Steel’s facilities in Sault Ste. Marie.
The Canadian Coast Guard’s new Polar Icebreakers will bolster Canada’s presence in a rapidly changing Arctic by supporting vital operations, including icebreaking, search and rescue, environmental response, Arctic science, and resupply of essential goods for Northern communities. Once completed, both Polar Icebreakers—one being built at Vancouver Shipyards and the other at Chantier Davie—will work together to enhance a continuous, year‑round Canadian presence in the Arctic.
The new Polar Icebreakers will be among the most capable icebreakers in the world and are an example of the Government of Canada enhancing Canada’s Arctic sovereignty and security. The Government of Canada has achieved the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) 2% of gross domestic product defence spending target in the 2025–26 fiscal year, marking a significant milestone in Canada’s approach to national defence and collective security. Canada is investing more than $63 billion in defence across the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Armed Forces, and other government partners. This represents a significant increase in defence spending over the past year, driven by targeted investments in military personnel, readiness, equipment, and infrastructure, as well as in the defence industrial base and in eligible defence expenditures across government, consistent with NATO reporting practices.
Quotes
“Today is an exciting milestone for the Canadian Coast Guard’s new Polar Icebreaker under construction at Chantier Davie. In a region shaped by rapid climate and geopolitical change, these vessels will play a vital role in Canada’s Arctic future. Flying the Canadian flag year‑round in Arctic waters, they will strengthen our sovereignty, support maritime safety and security, and provide the essential services northern communities and Arctic science rely on for decades to come. This milestone also reflects the goals of the Defence Industrial Strategy, which is investing in Canada’s ability to build, deliver and sustain the vessels Canadians rely on.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we are making targeted investments that are sustaining jobs and growing a skilled workforce here in the Québec city region, as well as across Davie Shipyard’s extensive supply chain. By building these vessels here at home, we are strengthening Canada’s industrial base while giving the Canadian Coast Guard the modern ships it needs to break ice, respond to emergencies, conduct Arctic science, and support Northern communities. At a time when Arctic security and sovereignty matter more than ever, this work is delivering real benefits for Canadian workers while positioning Canadian companies as global leaders in advanced polar vessel design and construction.”
The Honourable Joel Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant
“Today’s milestone at Chantier Davie is a reminder of what Canada does best: building world-class ships and creating meaningful, long-term careers for Canadians. As work advances on the Polar Icebreaker, we’re strengthening Canada’s leadership in Arctic capability, supporting our defence priorities and driving economic growth at home. This project is creating high-quality jobs for Canadians and more opportunities for our marine industry in Quebec and across the country, and it’s building a stronger, more competitive shipbuilding industry.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Economic Development for Quebec Regions
“It’s a pivotal moment for the Canadian Coast Guard as we modernize our fleet and strengthen our partnership with National Defence to protect Canada’s Arctic and uphold our sovereignty. Today’s milestone marks real progress on building the Polar Max Icebreaker—an essential asset that will support icebreaking operations, ship escorts, and safe navigation in Canada’s North.”
Kevin Brosseau, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard
“Starting construction of Polar Max in Lévis marks an important new phase in a project that is already moving at an exceptional pace. Polar Max shows what can be achieved when trusted allies work together to deliver strategically vital projects when they are needed most. We are proud that work is now moving forward in Canada, where this program will strengthen long-term shipbuilding capacity while helping deliver this ship on time and on budget.”
James Davies, Chief Executive Officer, Davie
Quick facts
Construction of the Polar Max hull began in August 2025 at Davie’s Nordic Yard Finland in Helsinki. With production now underway in Canada, the Polar Max project continues to progress, supporting skilled jobs and strengthening domestic shipbuilding supply chains.
In 2024, Canada, Finland and the United States formed the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact). This strategic partnership deepens the co-operation among these key Arctic allies by strengthening the marine industries in each country and allowing new equipment and capabilities to be produced more quickly through enhanced technical collaboration and information exchange. Canada’s partnership with Finland the ICE Pact leverages Finnish expertise to strengthen shipbuilding capacity in Canada.
Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada is renewing the Canadian Coast Guard’s fleet with modern, Arctic‑capable vessels – including two Polar Icebreakers, six Program Icebreakers, two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships, and up to sixteen Multi‑Purpose Icebreakers – to provide our personnel with the ships they need to protect mariners, safeguard Canada’s maritime borders, and support Arctic sovereignty well into the future.
The Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12) received Royal Assent on March 26, and gives the Canadian Coast Guard new authorities to further support security. This will help contribute to the protection and sovereignty of Canada’s vast coasts and waterways, especially in remote Northern locations. It will allow the Canadian Coast Guard to gather and share security intelligence for a comprehensive picture of what is happening in Canada’s territorial waters.
Noah Note: You can find my response to this on Davies presser. The response is basically the same.