Today, the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, along with Braeden Caley, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver - Capilano, were at Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards, in British Columbia, to mark the keel laying ceremony for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) polar icebreaker, the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Imnaryuaq.
As maritime activity in the Arctic grows and the region experiences unprecedented environmental and geopolitical change, the Government of Canada's strengthened presence and capability in northern waters has never been more important. The CCG's new polar icebreakers represent a major step in advancing Canada's leadership, security, and ability to continue delivering critical services to Northern communities. The keel laying is a significant step in the construction of the polar icebreaker, marking the moment when the first constructed section on the vessel is put in place, and the ship begins to take form. Rooted in centuries of shipbuilding tradition, the important milestone involves placing a coin beneath the keel of the new vessel to symbolize good fortune, strength, and safe passage for its crew.
Able to operate year‑round in the high Arctic, the polar icebreaker will reinforce Canada's ability to maintain continuous presence in the North and support the CCG's expanded maritime security role, upholding Canada's sovereignty and advancing responsible stewardship of the Arctic. As the largest vessel ever built for the CCG, the CCGS Imnaryuaq will be capable of icebreaking, search and rescue, environmental response, resupply for Northern communities, maritime security and sovereignty, and Arctic science research. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada is strengthening its world-class knowledge and expertise in shipbuilding, providing opportunities for Canadian shipyards across the country, creating skilled jobs, boosting the economy, and reinvigorating domestic supply chains.
