Canadian naval policy contained a basic contradiction. Before road transport became dominant, bulk movement depended heavily on railways, canals, and the sea. Canada therefore relied on maritime trade even as its political system reduced the navy's funding and institutional importance. The RCN's small interwar force bore little relation to the economic routes it was expected to protect.
Notable Point · 10:43-11:41
Canada's sea trade outgrew its naval commitment
Canada's economy depended on railways, canals, and seaborne trade even while politicians minimized the navy responsible for protecting its maritime connections.