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On the night of March 6 DND confirmed to Postmedia that although there have been issues with welding on the ship, the problems were “minor” and said they did not require the vessel to be docked for repairs.

Photo by Irving Shipbuilding Inc. via CP

Both DND and PSPC admitted last week, however, that they had provided Irving with personal details and other information about a Postmedia journalist.

“We are currently verifying whether this constitutes a violation of the Privacy Act,” DND said in a statement. “Regardless of that outcome, we have already issued interim direction to anonymize media requests pending further information.”

PSPC issued a similar response.

In October, 2016, a public relations specialist employed by an Ottawa firm handling communications for Irving was informed of questions Postmedia was asking PSPC about the $60-billion Canadian Surface Combatant project. The largest procurement project in Canadian history, it will see Irving build 15 new warships to replace the navy’s existing fleet of frigates. The PR specialist declined to say who at PSPC had provided the information. At the time Postmedia complained verbally about the incident to a PSPC media relations staffer.

Neither defence minister Harjit Sajjan nor procurement minister Carla Qualtrough responded to a request for comment, and a spokesperson said PSPC deputy minister Bill Matthews was not available for comment.

In 2018 the Royal Canadian Air Force also shared personal information about a Postmedia journalist, and details about inquiries underway about Cormorant helicopters, with individuals in the defence industry. When Postmedia originally complained about the incident, the RCAF said it would investigate. Asked this week for an update on the investigation’s progress, a defence official said the RCAF has reinforced its training for personnel to make sure they understand the Privacy law.