Canadian economy versus visible deterrence

Theoretical mobilization capacity did not have the deterrent effect of visible warships already at sea. A hypothetical Canadian force of three Queen Elizabeth-class battleships illustrates the difference: opponents would have to reckon with those ships in peacetime, and Britain would gain their strength in war. Ottawa instead preferred financial and supply support while avoiding a substantial standing fleet. A cruiser squadron developed from 1911 offered another possible path for Canadian naval growth. The preference for economy left much of the peacetime naval burden with Britain.