Ottawa inks initial contract for new River-class destroyers with Irving

OTTAWA — The federal Liberal government signed an initial deal with Irving Shipbuilding for the Royal Canadian Navy’s new River-class destroyers.

The implementation contract is worth $8 billion for the first six years and only covers part of the tab for the first three ships — which will eventually cost $22.2 billion.

Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee hailed it as a major step forward for the project meant to replace the Navy’s aging destroyers.

The news comes amid a flurry of news from Ottawa on procurement and appointments, and lands while Parliament is currently on pause while the Liberal party selects its next leader.