The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy: Securing Canada's Future Naval Shipbuilding Industry and Maritime Sovereignty

Abstract

The Government of Canada announced the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) in 2010. This paper seeks to inform the debate about the future of naval shipbuilding industry in Canada within the framework of NSPS. Developing, realizing and sustaining the shipping industry are not just a major industrial challenge. It also presents a major strategic opportunity to capitalize on substantial government investment in this sector. Lessons from Canada’s own experience as well as successful policy from selected countries are investigated. Those countries have thriving naval shipbuilding industries, forward planning and long-term commitment to a naval procurement strategy. To secure maritime sovereignty and efficient shipbuilding procurement strategy, a series of recommendations are presented in this study: continuity of naval shipbuilding activities beyond NSPS project, establishing value chains for the national shipbuilding industry, a good governance structure and sound project management. NSPS approach to naval procurement will continue to be a major step in modernizing the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard. With continuous commitment and forward-looking policy from the government of the day, supported by good governance and efficient project management, the success of NSPS will lay the foundation for Canada’s future naval shipbuilding industry and maritime sovereignty.