[6] Provider was powered by a Westinghouse double reduction geared turbine engine creating 16,000 kilowatts (21,000 shp).

[8] First authorized on 15 April 1958,[8][10] Provider was laid down by Davie Shipbuilding and Repairing Company Limited of Lauzon, Quebec on 21 June 1961.

She was launched on 5 July 1962 and was commissioned by the Royal Canadian Navy on 28 September 1963 at Saint John, New Brunswick.

[7][2] Provider was stationed in the Mediterranean Sea, along with two destroyers, in May 1967 to help support Canadian troops who were part of the United Nations Emergency Force in Gaza.

Over 50,000 lapel pins, stickers, and flags were given by the crews of the Canadian ships, as well as showing the locals what a screwdriver was.

[16] After leaving Vladivostok, Provider rescued 88 Vietnamese who were adrift in the South China Sea before making a port call in Manila.

[19] Relieving ships from CFB Halifax, Provider joined the United Nations embargo against Haiti in late 1993.

[2] The ship was paid off on 24 June 1998,[2] two years later than originally planned,[21] and remained in Halifax Harbour until 2002 while she awaited auction.