Trudeau government forgets qualification and begins most expensive purchase in Canadian HISTORY

It seems the Canadian government maybe does care about the military after all.

After entertaining the preposterous idea of allowing foreign non-citizens to join the Armed Forces, the Department of National Defence finally acted upon the best interests of Canadians, and those employed by the navy.

Trudeau’s government announced Friday that it had entered into a contract with Irving Shipbuilding to acquire new warships based on the Type 26 design from the United Kingdom.

Carla Qualtrough, the procurement minister, said the Type 26 meets Canada’s requirements and the government feels it is the best design for the Canadian Navy. Government officials say the design will be modified for Canadian needs. It was noted however, that any modification to the warship would be saturated with risks.

15 of the ships will be constructed in the $60-billion Canadian Surface Combatant program.

Icky past, bright future

Canada’s Department of National Defence gave serious consideration in 2010 and 2011 to join the the United Kingdom on the Type 26 program but decided against it, primarily because of its cost.

But, it seems the Canadian government had a change of heart and actually considered improving out naval defences. Canada ordered 15 of the warships, the Royal Canadian Navy will be the number one user of the Type 26 in the world.

Too good to be true?

Canada’s purchase is the most complex and costly government acquisition in the country’s history, according to federal officials. The Liberal government’s announcement Friday provides for an initial $185 million to Irving Shipbuilding for design work on the Type 26.

The entry of the BAE Type 26 warship in the Canadian competition was controversial, leading to complaints that the procurement process was in favour of the vessel.

Trudeau’s government once said only mature existing designs or designs of ships already in service with other navies would be accepted. Establishing such rigorous qualifications were based on the premise that they could be built faster and be less risky. Unproven designs can face challenges as problems are found once the vessel is in the water and operating.

The two other bidders in the Canadian program had ships actually in service with other navies so their capabilities are known.