A bid to have the storied Second World War destroyer HMCS Haida recommissioned has been rejected by National Defence.
Responding to an e-petition tabled recently in the House of Commons, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said the warship — currently in the custody of Parks Canada and docked in Hamilton — is a valued part of the country's naval history.
"While the government does not support the re-commissioning of HMCS Haida, it will designate HMCS Haida the Flagship of the [Royal Canadian Navy] for ceremonial purposes," said the written response.
"From a technical perspective, HMCS HAIDA can no longer be sailed and moving it even short distances is challenging, costly and difficult," said Sajjan's response, explaining why the government is opting for a ceremonial honour.
"While the RCN will not provide the crew, funding or any official unit designation that are usually provided for a commissioned warship in the RCN, and all responsibility for care, custody, maintenance, crewing and any other issue will remain with Parks Canada, this option will allow Canadians to honour the spirit of HMCS HAIDA at no additional cost."
The destroyer will be given an honorary commanding officer and will observe the traditional sunrise and sunset ceremonies when it is open to the public between May and October.