It's a five-year contract that guarantees a minimum of three frigates for the shipyard with work planned to begin in the early 2020s

The federal government has awarded Irving Shipbuilding Inc. a $500 million contract to carry out maintenance work on the Halifax-class frigates.

According to a government release, it's a five-year contract that guarantees a minimum of three frigates for the shipyard with work planned to begin in the early 2020s.

"This announcement is essential for supporting the modernization of the Royal Canadian Navy," said Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence. "With our government’s continued investment, our navy will continue to contribute to maritime security and stability around the world."

This contract is expected to result in up to 400 jobs at the Halifax Shipyard, plus hundreds of related jobs for marine sector suppliers and subcontractors across the country.

The Canadian Surface Combatants will replace the Halifax-class frigates and the retired Iroquois-class destroyers.

