The Dramatic History of Canada's First Submarines: CC1 and CC2

The Precarious Canadian West Coast during the Great War
Canada's West coast was largely unprotected before the Great War. Although Japan, an ally of the British Empire, was tasked to protect the northern Pacific, the stationed Royal Navy -- and later the Royal Canadian Navy -- units at Esquimalt (RCN's only West Coast Base) in BC units was virtually nonexistent. The aged cruiser HMCS Rainbow lay at the harbour, and the two nearest sloops were the Shearwater and Algerine. It was known at the time that two modern German Cruisers, Leizig and Nurnbeg, was stationed in the Pacific, specifically by the West Coast of Mexico; some local sightings affirmed their proximity even closer to the Canadian West Coast.
Brief History of Iquiqie and Antofagasta
The Electric Company in New Jersey had designed the submarines Iquiqie and Antofagasta for the Chilean Navy, and the Seattle Construction and Drydock Company was tasked in tailoring these submarines to client specifications. After a series of tests, the Chilean engineers were dissatisfied with the current state of the submarines; however, they did not reject the transaction. The Electric Company and the Seattle Construction and Drydock Company had claimed that Chile had trouble finalizing the payment.
A Fleeting Opportunity
Just before the Great War, an opportunity arose which had the potential to ameliorate the exposed Canadian West Coast. Less than a week before hostilities commenced, Mr. J. V. Paterson, president of the Seattle Construction and Dryrock Company, was in Victoria on business. Mr. J.V Paterson's fateful presence in the Victoria's Union Club catalysed a series of events in which the availability of two submarines was not only realized by the locals but by also BC's pre...

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...was recognized for having been travelled remarkably long on its engine before breaking down which exceeded industry standards. The crew were congratulating for their heroics and recognized their arduous task of manning the troublesome submarines.
Opposition's Call for an Investigation into the “Suspicious” Transaction
A member of the opposition had called for an investigation into McBride's transaction; however, a commission at a later time eased public suspicions, if any, of any backhanded dealings. Those who were involved with the transaction were cleared of any suspicions, and McBride was commended by the commission's conclusion for making the right decision. McBride heroically seizing the opportunity that would go on to help protect the exposed Canadian West Coast during the Great War was recognized nationally – and was even thanked by prime minister Borden.