Retired British Admiral to aid Canada’s shipbuilding programme

Canadian officials announced February 22 that a new expert advisor has been elected to assist on the $26.2 billion “Canadian Surface Combatant” shipbuilding programme under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).

Through the NSPS, the Government is supporting the renewal of the Canada Coast Guard fleet, and ensuring that the Royal Canadian Navy is able to operate as a blue water maritime force.

Retired Royal Navy Rear Admiral Steve Brunton has been brought in to advise on the programe which is already estimated to be over budget. Up to 15 new warships were to be delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy between 2025 and 2035 to replace the country’s Halifax frigates and Iroquois destroyers. The program also included a number of non-combatant vessels.

The construction portion of the plan was set around $14 billion back in 2010. Canadian CBC, however, reported that increased construction costs would be bring the overall estimated value of the contract to well over $42 billion.

The new advisor, Steve Brunton, worked for the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy for 36 years, most of which was spent in the area of acquisitions. The contract he signed with the Canadian Navy is for one year, with potential one-year extensions up to 10 years.

Announcing the appointment, Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, said: “The addition of Steve Brunton as expert advisor on the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy underscores our government’s commitment to robust and effective procurement. Through the NSPS, the Canadian Coast Guard will see its fleet renewed with maximum benefit to Canadians, supporting the important work of our Coast Guard.”