Carney Says Canada to Invest C$11 Billion to Build Six Icebreakers

12:44 PM EDT, 08/24/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Canada's government will invest C$11 billion to help build six icebreakers to keep trade routes open and allow Canadian goods to be transported to market as the country seeks to expand its international destinations amid a trade war with the United States, said Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday. The new icebreakers will allow vessels to increase their transport of Canadian goods, which are limited by the icing of the St. Lawrence River, said Carney at a press conference in Levis, Quebec, where the icebreakers will be built. Thanks to these icebreakers, some C$40 billion of Canadian goods a year will be able to be shipped, added Carney. Canada is seeking ways to boost its non-US international exports amid a trade "war" as the two countries broke off talks late Friday to block new American tariffs taking effect the following day. Monday's announcement is another example of Canada's defense "strategy," added Carney.