The case for Canadian escorts over prestige cruisers

Uganda, later renamed Quebec, and Ontario gave Canada two cruisers larger than the destroyers around which much of its fleet was built. The counterfactual recommendation is to put those crews into destroyers, with more Tribal-class ships judged a better fit for Canadian requirements. Even though the chosen cruiser type is preferred here to a Dido, the objection is to acquiring cruisers at all. A cruiser on each coast offers status but is judged to add little practical help to Canada's corvette and destroyer force. Canadian manning does benefit Britain by removing the need for the Royal Navy to provide those cruiser crews, a different advantage from meeting Canadian needs. Cruisers also offer senior commands, but flotilla leadership can provide promotion opportunities. Experienced Canadian officers could take appointments commanding Royal Navy ships if further senior positions were required.