By Canadian Press

Canada to work with Finland, U.S. on ‘ice pact’ to build icebreakers

Jul 11, 2024 | 7:02 AM

OTTAWA — Senior officials from the Canadian and U.S. governments say a new trilateral agreement with Finland will help allies build icebreakers to safeguard the Arctic.

The “ice pact,” as it’s being called, is aimed at bolstering shipbuilding capabilities in the three countries to deter Russian and Chinese ambitions in the far North.

The deal was signed on the sidelines of the NATO summit, which is wrapping up today in Washington, D.C.

Finland is one of NATO’s newest members.

U.S. officials who spoke to reporters about the deal said they anticipate allies will want to build between 70 and 90 icebreakers in the coming years and they want domestic shipyards to gain from that production.

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Are the B.C. Conservatives digging their own graves?

7h ago

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Culturally appropriate food goes beyond the ingredients on a plate

Dec 14, 2024

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

Dec 13, 2024

Canada’s shipbuilding plan includes two polar icebreakers, being built in Vancouver, and a fleet of six program icebreakers being built in Quebec.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 11, 2024.

The Canadian Press