QUESTION PERIOD — National Defence
Submarine Modernization
March 11, 2020
Honourable senators, my question is a continuation of what the opposition leader was asking.
Government leader, moving from the Royal Canadian Air Force to the Royal Canadian Navy, a report from the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence in 2017 noted:
The current fleet of . . . submarines is inadequate to provide an effective presence in three oceans . . . .
We are an Arctic and maritime nation. The committee’s observation has since been proven to be 100% correct. In all of 2019, the Royal Canadian Navy’s fleet of submarines spent a total of zero days at sea due to repairs, maintenance and work on long-term upgrades. Therefore, the government’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, makes no mention of the replacement of Canada’s current fleet of submarines, though the life of the current fleet is being extended by one additional life cycle.
Senator Gold, why hasn’t your government come forward with a plan to replace the current fleet of submarines in the Royal Canadian Navy?
Thank you for your question. The government’s position on its three coasts, and the Arctic in particular, has been clearly set out in a number of documents. It remains committed to doing what is necessary to ensure that Canada has the proper presence in the Arctic and on all coasts to maintain and protect our sovereignty.
I will have to make inquiries as to the status of the question of the submarine fleet. I would be happy to report back when I get the answer.
We are noticing a pattern of words and commitments when we need to see concrete action and timelines.
Nearly all of Canada’s middle-power allies are investing in their submarine fleets. Australia, Norway and the Netherlands have submarines that are about the same age as Canada’s, and they have all initiated replacement processes.
Senator Gold, if your government does, indeed, plan to replace our submarines, would you advise this chamber of the timeline for this replacement? Would you also make inquiries and let us know the anticipated cost of extending the existing Victoria-class submarines for an additional life cycle?
Thank you. It would be my pleasure to do so.
