French navy shipbuilder pitches to help build new fleet of Canadian warships

OTTAWA – Buoyed by the recent free-trade deal and a defence co-operation agreement with France, one of Europe’s largest shipbuilders wants to be part of the Harper government’s shipbuilding program.

DCNS, formerly known as Direction des Constructions Navales, is pitching itself as the ideal partner for Halifax-based Irving Shipbuilding, which is the federal government’s go-to company for the construction of the navy’s future combat fleet.

The high-profile lobbying effort comes in the shadow of next week’s report by the auditor general, which will say that the Conservatives have not earmarked enough cash over 30 years for its multibillion-dollar strategy.

Michael Ferguson’s report, to be made public Tuesday, is also expected to note that defence and public works officials have “identified and are managing key project risks” including lack of competition, delays and unaffordable costs.

But Patrick Boissier, president of DCNS, says the federal government’s current approach has been focused on picking the best team, rather than the best design for the future ships, meant to replace the navy’s destroyers and frigates with a single platform.