LEVIS, Que. – The Canadian government has given final approval to the Chantier Davie Shipyard in Quebec to provide a temporary supply ship for the navy.
Procurement Minister Judy Foote said in a statement today the contract, which is valued at up to $587 million, is the most viable choice to ensure the navy can properly supply its ships at sea.
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The shipyard plans to upgrade a civilian tanker to act as military replenishment ship while the navy’s long-delayed, joint support ships are built.
The Conservative government had arranged for Davie to retrofit the ship through a sole-source process rather than a competitive one after it was forced to retire its two, 45-year-old replenishment vessels.
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Justin Trudeau’s Liberals had put the plan on hold earlier in November and received strong criticism from Quebec politicians for the decision because the ship had already been purchased and hundreds of workers hired.
The shipyard is located in Levis, across the St. Lawrence River from Quebec City.
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