New-build polar icebreaker

Hydro International - 

Canadian Coast Guard's (CCG) largest and most capable icebreaker, CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, is scheduled for decommissioning in 2017.

Consequently, Budget 2008 provided funds for the acquisition of a new Canadian-built multi-purpose Polar Icebreaker.

The only other heavy icebreaker, CCGS Terry Fox, is scheduled for decommissioning in 2020.

The new Polar Icebreaker will be named after former Prime Minister John George Diefenbaker (CCGS John G. Diefenbaker), one of Canadian history's great champions of developing and protecting Canada's North.

CCGS John G. Diefenbaker will be one of the centrepieces of the Government of Canada's high profile Northern Strategy, which focuses on strengthening Canada's Arctic sovereignty, economic and social development, governance, and environmental protection.

The Polar Icebreaker will serve as a platform to conduct scientific and engineering research, development, monitoring and observation on behalf of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and other government departments and agencies.

The principal focus will be on marine, environmental, geological and hydrographic science activities directed over the next several decades.

The new Polar Icebreaker will also support the work of Canadian universities, research institutes, and the international scientific community.

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