During the early years of the 20th century, there was growing discussion within the British Empire as to the role the Dominions would play in defence and foreign affairs. A key part of this discussion focused around naval issues. In Canada, it came down to a choice between two options. Either the young country could provide funds, support and manpower to the Royal Navy, or it could form its own navy. Canada chose to form its own navy.

HMS Uganda (C66), was a Second World War-vintage Royal Navy Colony class cruiser. She was transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy and recommissioned as HMCS Uganda, and later renamed HMCS Quebec.

HMCS Bonaventure - named after Bonaventure Island, a bird sanctuary in the Gulf of St. Lawrence - was commissioned into the Canadian Navy on 17 January 1957, upon completion of its refit and modernization. The navy's new flagship carried a force of about 34 McDonnell Douglas F2H-3 Banshee jet fighters, Grumman CS2F Tracker ASW aircraft (built by de Havilland in Toronto), and Sikorsky HO4S helicopters.