Minister McGuinty visits Davie Shipbuilding to observe operations firsthand

Minister David J. McGuinty of National Defence, visits Davie, alongside the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, and Mr. Steeve Lavoie, Member of Parliament for Beauport-Limoilou. The visit underscored Davie’s strategic role in strengthening Canada’s defence capabilities and highlighted the tangible progress of its ongoing programs. Discussions focused on the importance of an agile and efficient procurement framework capable of responding effectively to national security imperatives, including the protection of Canada’s borders and the Arctic.

The ministers were also given the opportunity to observe Davie’s operations firsthand and to engage with Davie’s teams. They visited the Lorne dry dock, where HMCS Toronto, a Royal Canadian Navy frigate, is currently undergoing modernization, showcasing the expertise, professionalism, and commitment of Davie’s workforce.

READ MORE: Davie Shipbuilding – Canada’s Great Comeback Story

DAVIE: Polar Max

In addition, the ministers met with members of Davie’s production teams who are preparing to travel to the Helsinki shipyard to develop their expertise as part of the Polar Max construction program. This initiative represents a key step in reinforcing Davie’s capacity to deliver complex, large scale projects.

Davie remains proud to support the Government of Canada and its allies as a trusted partner, committed to contributing meaningfully to national defence and security priorities.

READ: Davie Begins construction of Polar Max icebreaker
In a historic milestone for the Canadian shipbuilding industry, Davie officially began construction of the Polar Max icebreaker, a vessel that, once delivered by 2030, will redefine Canada’s Arctic capabilities.

ADDITIONAL INFO

The Polar Max sets a new standard for Canadian shipbuilding procurement – a smart approach that will deliver major economic and strategic benefits to Québec and Canada. Notable features:

• Rapid: Construction will begin just five months after contract signature.
• Disciplined: Fixed-price contract supports on-time delivery and cost benefits.
• Business boost: $200 million will be invested in small and medium-sized Canadian businesses throughout the Polar Max supply chain.
• Québec jobs: The creation of thousands of high-value jobs in Lévis, across the province and throughout Canada’s marine industry will be accelerated.
• New partners: Le Groupe ALMACO, a proudly Canadian subsidiary of ALMACO Group, will deliver a major outfitting contract for Polar Max. This collaboration will create jobs, industrial capability, and a first-in-Canada modular cabin factory in Québec.
• Knowledge transfer: Workforce and expertise exchange with Helsinki Shipyard will directly strengthen future National Shipbuilding Strategy projects.

With adversaries outcompeting on multiple fronts, driven by massive investments in infrastructure and strategic assets, the West is at a critical juncture and must act swiftly to bridge the gap. This urgency underscores the vital role of Davie in Canada’s NSS, as it holds the largest icebreaker order book in the Western world. READ MORE: NSS Key Milestones 2025