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In February, the Conservatives again went after the issue of the second supply ship and questioned whether the assessment referred to by Trudeau even existed.

That is a good question.

When asked about the issue the RCN noted in an email Dec. 20, 2018 to Defence Watch that in November 2014, the navy outlined the high level requirements for an interim AOR capability in a document entitled: Interim AOR (iAOR) – High Level Requirements (HLRs). “The specific requirement was detailed in terms of the number of sea days per year and a certain set of key capabilities to be provided, the RCN noted in its email. “This requirement was intended to meet the RCN needs while progress was made on the Joint Support Ship project which will deliver two JSS PROTECTEUR Class ships as directed in the defence policy Strong, Secure, Engaged. There has been no change to the RCN requirements.”

Defence Watch reviewed that 2014 document and it does not discuss a second interim supply ship, let alone rule out the need for a second vessel. It continually refers to the criteria for a single supply ship.

There are also a number of other factors to consider here. On May 30 2018, Vice Admiral Darren Hawco testified before the Senate’s National Finance Committee. He stated: “We never really looked at the need for or validated the need for a second interim AOR.”

Davie officials argue the Liberal’s own Strong Secure and Engaged defence policy points to the need for that second ship. The policy calls for two supply ships, one on each coast, operating simultaneously. Currently there is only one ship, MV Asterix. The first new Joint Support Ship isn’t expected for another four years.

Davie also noted that the money for a second ship is available, pointing out that the Department of National Defence lapsed between $2 billion to $3 billion in 2017/2018. The second supply ship is being offered by Davie for $500 million.

Scheer has committed to building a second interim supply ship if his party forms the next government.

Some further background reading:

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/the-case-for-a-second-interim-resupply-ship-new-stats-show-how-foreign-navies-continue-to-refuel-canadian-navy-ships

(Analysis)