Canada, Finland, and the United States have together formed the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact). The ICE Pact recognizes their joint priority of upholding safety and security in the Arctic, including the continued protection of long-standing international rules and norms.
The ICE Pact
This strategic partnership will deepen existing co-operation among these three key Arctic countries by strengthening the marine industries in each country and allowing new equipment and capabilities to be produced more quickly. Canada, Finland, and the United States will enhance technical collaboration and information exchange, but also work more closely together to engage our Allies and partners to help meet future global demand for polar vessels.
Canadian world-class expertise in Arctic and polar capabilities is foundational to the success of the ICE Pact. The ICE Pact will help ensure that Canadian companies benefit from a growing demand for new capabilities and that Canada benefits from expertise and information sharing from its partners.
Implementing the ICE Pact
Over the next six months, the partner countries will develop a joint memorandum of understanding and an implementation plan for the production of polar icebreakers, including for design, construction, and marketing. Canada will continue to work closely with our shipbuilding partners and supply chains to ensure that benefits and opportunities for Canada’s shipbuilding industry are realized.
Advancing Canadian priorities through the ICE Pact
This partnership builds on Canada’s commitment to asserting its sovereignty in its Arctic and Northern regions, building on the strategic priorities outlined in Canada’s defence policy update, Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence. It will also advance the interests of Northern and Arctic peoples, including Indigenous Peoples and Northern communities, through the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, so they can continue to thrive and be safe well into the future. And through Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, the partnership will also complement efforts to renew the fleets of the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy, ensuring Canada’s maritime and naval forces have the modern ships they need to fulfil their missions.
Canada remains committed to working with international partners and Canadian shipyards to revitalize our marine industry, create good middle-class jobs, maximize economic benefits, and strengthen collective security across the Arctic.