With the signing of an Order in Council this week, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has been formally transferred out of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and integrated into the Department of National Defence IDND), marking an important step forward in strengthening Canada’s maritime security.
This change will enhance coordination across government and ensure Canada is even better prepared to safeguard its waters and coastline, DND said in a statement.
The CCG was originally established as a Special Operating Agency in 2005, a national institution and operator of the Government of Canada’s civilian fleet. This provided the CCG with a degree of autonomy and operational flexibility to deliver its maritime services and act as a service provider to other government departments.
By joining National Defence, the CCG will add its world-class expertise and capabilities to efforts that protect Canada’s sovereignty, building on its legacy of protecting Canada’s maritime interests and resources. This transition also includes key personnel from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, bringing greater collaboration across departments in support of Canada’s maritime priorities.
The CCG will remain a civilian Special Operating Agency, with no change to its status. It will continue to play its vital role in search and rescue, icebreaking, environmental response, safe navigation, and ocean science. To complement and build on this transition, the Government of Canada has also proposed expanding the CCG’s services to include maritime security activities under Bill C-2, which is currently before Parliament. With this, the CCG will be positioned to do even more to protect Canadians at sea and support national security.
Through this integration, the CCG, DND, and the Canadian Armed Forces will be able to work more closely than ever, sharing information and coordinating operations to meet emerging challenges. This is especially important in the Arctic and other regions where cooperation is essential to keep Canada safe and secure.
“This transition is an important step that will allow us to better coordinate our efforts at sea, strengthen our response to new and evolving threats, and ensure the safety and security of Canadians,” said David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence. “By working more closely together, we are building on a trusted partnership and enhancing Canada’s ability to protect its waters and sovereignty.”
(Photo by CCG in Arctic service)