Remarks by Secretary Fuhr on Strengthening Canada’s Arctic Fleet

Speaking Notes for The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State, Defence Procurement

Steel Cutting Ceremony for the Chantier Davie Polar Icebreaker

Helsinki Shipyard in Finland

August 20, 2025

Check against delivery

Good afternoon.

I want to begin by recognizing the elected officials from both Canada and Finland who are with us today. Thank you for your service and for joining us for this important occasion.

I am grateful to our hosts here at Helsinki Shipyard, and I want to thank James and the team at Davie. Your vision and dedication play a key role in strengthening Canada’s shipbuilding industry.

Canada and Finland share a deep connection to the sea and to the Arctic. As interest in the north grows, so too does its strategic importance.

In fact, just yesterday, our two countries formalized a Foreign and Security Policy Strategic Partnership—anchored in shared democratic values, mutual Northern priorities, and transatlantic security.

This deepens our cooperation even beyond the ICE Pact.

Canada has long relied on heavy icebreakers like the Louis S. St-Laurent, but today we are renewing and modernizing that capability with a ship designed for true year-round Arctic operations.

The Canadian Coast Guard operates the world’s second-largest icebreaking fleet, with 18 vessels that support northern communities, commerce, science, and sovereignty.

But changing conditions demand ships that can go further north, for longer periods, with greater confidence.

That is why, in 2021, Canada announced two new Polar Icebreakers under the National Shipbuilding Strategy—our plan to renew federal fleets, revitalize our shipyards, and create good jobs.

Today we mark the steel cutting of the first of those ships, the Polar Max.

It is beginning to take shape here at Helsinki Shipyard before travelling to Quebec for final assembly, with delivery expected in 2030.

This project reflects the spirit of the ICE Pact—the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort—where Canada, Finland, and our partners share expertise to keep the Arctic peaceful and prosperous.

Canadian workers are on site in Helsinki, learning directly from Finnish experts. That knowledge transfer is invaluable.

It means when the hull arrives in Quebec, our workforce will be ready to complete it efficiently and apply those skills to future projects.

This partnership combines Finnish expertise with Canadian leadership.

It accelerates delivery, strengthens Canada’s Arctic presence, and builds lasting domestic capacity.

It also protects jobs in our shipyards and ensures the Coast Guard gets the vessel it needs, when it needs it.

As a trusted partner, Chantier Davie has a critical role to play in Canada’s fleet renewal. I thank everyone at Davie for their dedication and commitment.

Thank you. Kiitos.