April 15, 2026
Lévis, Québec — Davie announces a $1.5 million investment over five years in support of Naval Québec. The investment aims to strengthen Québec’s shipbuilding supply chain and increase the participation of local companies in major shipbuilding projects in Québec and across Canada.
Central to the initiative is the creation of the Québec Naval Supply Chain Academy, the first program in Canada devoted entirely to developing companies active within the shipbuilding supply chain.
Through the Academy, Québec-based companies will receive practical support to enter the shipbuilding and ship repair sector or to expand their role within it. The program responds to a significant need for business training and support in an industry characterized by demanding technical, regulatory, and operational requirements.
The investment aligns with Davie’s commitments under the National Shipbuilding Strategy and is intended to generate long-term benefits for the maritime industry in Québec and Canada, including skill development, access to major markets, and fewer barriers for local businesses seeking to participate.
Beyond establishing the Academy itself, the investment will also fund basic training programs delivered over the next five years through Naval Québec’s annual events. These events have become essential to the maritime ecosystem, connecting companies with major contractors, partners, and industry experts, while supporting knowledge sharing, collaboration, and business development.
By pairing major industry events with a permanent training offering, the $1.5 million investment reinforces Naval Québec’s role in building skills and supporting growth across the maritime ecosystem.
Quotes
“To effectively build and maintain the ships Canada needs, we must be able to rely on a strong, capable, and fully engaged supply chain. This investment aims to maximize the benefits of the National Shipbuilding Strategy for local businesses by providing them with practical tools to qualify, grow, and play a key role in major upcoming shipbuilding programs, both in Canada and in export markets.” Lindsey Kettel, President of Davie
“This $1.5 million investment to support Naval Québec and create the Québec Naval Supply Chain Academy is a concrete step forward. It strengthens a critical link in our shipbuilding industry by giving local companies the tools, training, and support they need to take part in major shipbuilding and ship maintenance projects. The Academy responds directly to real needs on the ground. Too many SMEs have the potential but lack the access or resources required to meet the sector’s technical and contractual requirements. This initiative changes that. It helps companies enter the supply chain and positions them to compete in more demanding markets. This is exactly the kind of initiative we want to see under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.” Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, and Québec Lieutenant
“Investing in Canada’s naval supply chain means investing in high-quality jobs, stronger industries, and long-term economic security. By helping Québec companies grow, innovate, and position themselves to compete in major shipbuilding projects, we are building a more resilient defence industrial base, one that creates opportunities today while safeguarding Canada’s economic and strategic interests for the future.” Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
“The creation of this Academy marks a decisive milestone for Québec’s maritime industry. It will provide hands-on support to companies at every stage of maturity, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and guidance they need to enter the naval supply chain and grow sustainably within it.” Sylvie Laporte, Executive Director, Naval Québec
About Naval Québec
Naval Québec was created in January 2018 under the name Association des fournisseurs de Chantier Davie Canada. Since the inclusion of Davie in the National Shipbuilding Strategy in April 2023, Naval Québec’s mission has evolved into the promotion, support and representation of the interests of some 1000 companies composing the Québec shipbuilding supply chain.
About Davie
Based in Québec, Canada since 1825, Davie is a world-class designer and builder of specialist, mission-critical ships such as icebreakers, ferries and warships for government and commercial customers. Davie became a partner in the Government of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy on April 4, 2023. This historic agreement is for the design and construction of the largest and most technologically advanced ice-going ships ever constructed in and for Canada. The initial $8.5 billion package of work includes seven heavy icebreakers and two large hybrid-powered ferries. Davie is part of Inocea, a global shipbuilding group operating five major shipyard facilities across Canada, the United States, and Finland. Together, the group represents one of the most significant independent shipbuilding footprints in the Western world. Learn more at davie.ca, helsinkishipyard.fi and gulfcopper.com.
For further information, please contact: Catherine W Audet, Director, Public Affairs, Davie, [email protected], +1 418 573-4985.
