So... you're saying we should buy ships off someone else's line instead of our own bespoke solutions?
Lol, yeah, saw that coming.
We did actually buy someone else's ship and are just building it ourselves. Ships are a different kettle though; they don't have an OEM. Whether or not it's built in Canada is really immaterial from a long term supportability view as that is really dependent on equipment level selection, but doesn't really matter at the platform level (as that's basically steel bashing and paint).
For example, when we replaced the diesel generators on the Halifax class, the replacement had to have a certain number in operation in marine applications and also be supportable for the life of the associated ISSC (it was a package equipment+support RFP). So even though it may be on completely different types of ships doing totally different things it's easier to support because there is a big user base.
Similarly, with the type 26 if we use the same propulsion engines or whatever as the base design, even if we've changed some other things, we can exchange info with other navies that use it, and generally collaborate on upgrades. We already do that with a variety of systems. The other nice thing is that you can pull into another naval base and if their fleet uses that same piece of kit you can get second line support from them (even if it's just one tech suggesting things with your crew turning wrenches b/c there isn't an official MOU or something in place). Doesn't even need to be on a type 26 platform, as that doesn't really change anything on the equipment itself. Alternately, we could have bought an off the shelf design, then gotten a custom made widget for something that no one else uses/will use, and have a one off, bespoke piece of kit with long term supportability challenges.
Planes, helos and vehicles have their own OEM for the entire platform which is a totally different situation, especially IP wise. This is more like when the Royal Navy bought a one-off gas turbine for their Type 45s and are they are the only ones in the world operating them. They are totally reliant on the OEM for support, and probably pay a premium for any parts or service, as well as to maintain some kind of third line repair stream open. We ended up in that position for a lot of the systems on the 280s and it cost a fortune. Occasionally we would get informed that they were ceasing support and gave us the option for doing a lifetime parts buy. It really sucked.
For contrast, the LM2500 gas turbines in the Halifax class are widely used for marine, oil and gas and other applications. They are much easier to maintain (in terms of parts and support) and there are even OEM licensed third line repair facilities, so generally speaking we have a lot more options, and there is a really low chance we'll be the last ones left operating them.
If we're starting out as the only operators of Cyclones in the world, we're kind of hooped from the start. My $0.02, but the CAF is a bit player and can't afford to be the only user of planes/heloes/vehicle platforms, or bespoke equipment on ships.