"I think, in hindsight, not the best framing of words," Procurement Minister Carla Qualtrough said of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau weighing in twice on the case.

The ship's general operations, including ship maintenance and watchkeeping, will be carried out by private-sector sailors while navy personnel will focus on specialized operations, such as handling military cargo and transferring fuel. 

About 400 people have already been let go.