Canada's Big Honkin' Ship

The Great White North is talking serious about defense increases, including a new amphibious warship:

Canada's military is moving to buy new transport aircraft and helicopters "as soon as possible," Gen. Rick Hillier says.
And behind the scenes at the defence department, Hillier's plan for a "big honking ship" — an amphibious assault ship — is slowly take shape.

And here's the cash to prove it:

With $12.8 billion in new military spending planned over the next five years, Martin gave his blessing to Graham's efforts to shake up the military procurement process and work in closer concert with the industry and public works departments to streamline big-ticket purchases.

More on the Big Honkin' Ship:

Capt. Peter Ellis, director of maritime requirements, said the amphibious ship would be able to get troops and equipment quickly ashore in a "medium-intensity" conflict. But the more likely role is delivering assistance to a disaster zone or evacuating Canadians or embassy staff from a country in turmoil.
...Plans for the ship, expected in the fleet sometime between 2012 and 2017, are in the "embryonic" stage, Ellis said.
But this much is known — the ship will be able to carry a battalion-sized force, about 800 troops and their gear, along with armoured vehicles. It will have an expansive flight deck to accommodate helicopters and a well deck for landing craft.

I like this quote which could go for our own military:

`The troops need it. They need it now, not 15 years from now ...'
Gen. Rick Hillier, chief of defence staff