Canada's Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic force problem

Canada cannot readily move a fleet from one coast to the other. The northern route is normally ice-bound, while the southern route requires a long passage through the Panama Canal. The main surface force must therefore be divided between Atlantic and Pacific bases before availability cycles are considered. Arctic work adds a third commitment with specialised patrol, aviation, and submarine requirements that an ordinary bow-sonar frigate cannot meet by acting as an icebreaker. A combat-capable Arctic surface element could grow from a modified patrol-ship design with heavier weapons, leaving ordinary frigates to their intended environments.