Celebrating the keel laying for the first River-class destroyer

June 11, 2026 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on behalf of Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, will commemorate the keel laying for the first River-class destroyer, the future HMCS Fraser, along with the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

When:   Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. Atlantic Daylight Time.

Where:  Module Hall – Halifax Shipyard, 3099 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

What:  Shipbuilding milestones for the first River-class destroyer for the Royal Canadian Navy and the two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard are being formally recognized.

Notes to editor

Media interested in attending the keel-laying event are asked to register their attendance with Irving Shipbuilding Inc. at communications@irvingshipbuilding.com no later than 5:00 p.m. ADT on June 11, 2026. Further details (parking, access requirements) will be shared with media who confirm attendance.

Media attending the event in person are asked to arrive no later than 11:15 a.m. ADT and present government-issued photo identification to enter.