Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Senator Gold, last week we learned that Canada’s new Arctic patrol ship HMCS Harry DeWolf will be out of service until April 2023 because of ongoing mechanical problems. Additionally, a second Arctic and offshore parole ship, HMSC Max Bernays, was accepted in September from Irving Shipbuilding despite a known problem with one of the vessel’s manoeuvring systems. The repairs for Max Bernays will be covered under warranty by Irving. However, those of Harry DeWolf will be made at taxpayers’ expense.

Leader, how much is the bill that taxpayers will be footing for these repairs?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. I don’t know the answer. I’ll certainly have to make inquiries. I’m sure that all Canadians want to be satisfied that our assets — that is, ships and other equipment that are used to protect our sovereignty and the lives of both the people and the communities that live in the North — function properly. I’ll make an inquiry about the cost of the repairs and report back.