designed and structured to operate
in some of the most extreme ocean
conditions. Further, since a large part
of Canada’s prosperity relies on the
maintenance of free and open access
to international waters for trade and
commerce, Canada requires a navy
that is organized and sized to project
Canadian values and interests respon-
sively and effectively far from Cana-
da’s shores.”
Principal among the challenges at
home is the need to operate in the
Arctic, alongside the Canadian Coast
Guard, and alongside allied part-
ners, says Simpson. “Key to this is
the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship
project, which is part of the National
Shipbuilding Strategy and involves
the delivery of five to six ice-capable
ships to the Royal Canadian Navy.”
AOPS will provide sea-borne surveil-
lance of Canadian waters, including
in the Arctic. They will enforce sover-
eignty, cooperating with partners, at
home and abroad, and will provide
the Government of Canada with
awareness of activities in Canada’s
waters.
Benefits on
Land and Sea
The Government is delivering on its
commitment to renew the fleets of
both the Royal Canadian Navy and
the Canadian Coast Guard, to revital-
ize the Canadian marine industry and
40 BUSINESS ELITE CANADA | JANUARY 2019
