The Royal Navy had a political bargaining card beyond comparison with the other Dominions. A larger Canadian navy would create yards and skilled jobs that could repair British ships, keeping expenditure and employment in Canada. The Tribal-class order already linked Canadian industrial benefit to naval growth. Cruisers and a carrier could also appeal as a more credible deterrent than cruisers alone, even if Ottawa remained cautious.
Notable Point · 44:58-46:16
Canadian shipyard work as a route to a larger navy
Royal Navy planners could present naval expansion to Mackenzie King as Canadian employment, industrial growth, and a measure of independent deterrence.