The Canadian Coast Guard's largest and most capable icebreaker, the CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent is scheduled for decommissioning in 2017. The CCG will be acquiring a new polar icebreaker capable of operating in the Arctic for a longer period and in more difficult conditions than is currently the case.
How will our upgraded icebreaker capability compare to that of other Arctic nations? Bearing in mind that by the time Finland's icebreakers were finally ready for launch they no longer had a need for them because of the open waters, do you feel that it's important for Canada? How will this compare to other nations and will we be in the same situation where by the time the work is finally done we won't have a need for them?