Also affecting the construction was work stoppages and lack of workers after the American entry into the war as American shipbuilders began siphoning the work force with higher wages. After being completed the drifters being assembled in Quebec shipyards were sent to Quebec City to enter service and finish fitting out. The vessels began to arrive towards the end of 1917 with crews being sent from Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The construction of the drifters was delayed due to American workers being drawn away from shipbuilding for higher-paying jobs during World War I.  After completion, these vessels were sent to Quebec for final preparations before deployment.