On August 24, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the federal government will provide $11.3 billion to construct six new icebreakers in the province of Quebec. The funding fulfills a promise made by the government in 2019 to modernize Canada’s ice‑breaking capability.
The entire allocation is earmarked for Quebec’s shipbuilding industry, directing substantial capital into local yards and related supply chains. By building the vessels in the province, the government aims to strengthen the regional manufacturing base while delivering the ships that the Canadian Coast Guard requires for operations in ice‑covered waters.
The six icebreakers will become part of the Canadian Coast Guard’s fleet, expanding its ability to navigate and maintain access to northern waterways. The addition of these vessels is intended to replace older ships and improve overall ice‑breaking capacity, supporting both commercial shipping routes and government missions in the Arctic and sub‑Arctic regions.
The announcement underscores a broader strategy to reinforce Canada’s domestic shipbuilding sector. By committing more than eleven billion dollars to a single program, the federal government signals its intention to sustain long‑term industrial activity in Quebec and to ensure that critical maritime assets are produced within the country.
While details of the construction schedule were not released, the funding package is expected to generate significant economic activity throughout the province. The investment aligns with the 2019 commitment and represents a major step toward completing the planned fleet expansion for the Canadian Coast Guard.