This dates to around of the time of the founding of the Royal Canadian Navy. It is covered in detail in Marc Milner’s book “Canada’s Navy The First Century”. The Liberal government of Sir Wilfrid Laurier wanted Canada to have its own Navy to patrol Canadian Waters and protect the fisheries from American poachers. However, the Conservatives led by Sir Robert Borden wanted to give the money to the British government to build ships for the Royal Navy, and than hope that the British would take care of Canada’s interest in any disputes with the US.
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