Feds Offer $15.8B in New Ships to Vancouver, Halifax While Opening Door to Davie

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks after announcing the government plans to build up to 18 new coast guard ships, in Vancouver, on May 22, 2019. Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press

OTTAWA—The federal Liberals have ripped open Canada’s multibillion−dollar plan to build new ships for the navy and coast guard, prompting cheers and frustration from shipyards in different parts of the country.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used a Canadian Coast Guard vessel in Vancouver as a backdrop Wednesday to announce that Ottawa would spend $15.7 billion on new ships for the coastal service.