Canadian Coast Guard celebrates its 2026 Academy graduates alongside its newest science vessel
Press Release
June 8, 2026, Sydney, Nova Scotia - National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard
Over the past weekend, the Canadian Coast Guard Academy celebrated its 57th graduating class, welcoming one of its largest cohorts in decades, with 58 new officers joining the Canadian Coast Guard.
On behalf of the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, Canadian Coast Guard Commissioner Kevin Brosseau honoured the graduating class of 2026 during a ceremony held at the Canadian Coast Guard Academy in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Commissioner Brosseau was joined by honorary Canadian Coast Guard Academy Diploma recipient Dr. Robert Huebert.
Graduates, family members, friends, faculty, and honoured guests were invited to tour the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG)’s newest and largest science vessel, Canadian Coast Guard Ship Naalak Nappaaluk. The vessel will support important ocean research, conduct critical missions, and help improve Canada’s understanding of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. The data and samples collected onboard this vessel will enhance Canada’s domestic and international commitments to advance the sustainable management of our oceans.
For more than six decades, the Canadian Coast Guard Academy has been internationally recognized as a leader in maritime training, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to protect Canada’s waters. Since its establishment, more than 1,600 fleet officers have graduated from the Academy through programs offered in both official languages.
The Officer Training Program plays a vital role in providing the CCG with skilled and professional personnel to deliver essential services to Canadians. Over the past four years, graduates have completed rigorous academic studies and gained hands‑on experience in ship operations and advanced marine technologies. They will now be deployed to vessels across the country, where they will apply their skills to protect Canadians and mariners operating in Canadian waters, safeguard the marine environment, and ensure safe navigation.
Quotes
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate the 2026 graduating class of the Canadian Coast Guard Officer Training Program as you join the proud ranks of officers. Through rigorous training and hands‑on experience, you are prepared to safeguard Canada’s vast coastlines, support communities, protect the marine environment, and strengthen maritime security from coast to coast to coast. As you begin your service at a time of change and complexity, I am confident your leadership and commitment to Safety First, Service Always will serve Canadians with distinction.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
"It is a privilege to congratulate the Officer Training Program Class of 2026 on reaching this important milestone, which marks both the culmination of years of rigorous training and the beginning of a career in service to Canadians. As graduates of the Canadian Coast Guard Academy, you join a proud tradition of leadership, professionalism, and dedication to protecting our waters and supporting our communities. In a rapidly changing operational environment, you are well prepared to lead with integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to lifelong learning.”
Kevin Brosseau, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard
“Everyone at the Academy is incredibly proud of our graduates and all they have achieved over the past 45 months. Throughout their journey, they have shown leadership and mentorship, supported one another, built strong bonds, and demonstrated a deep commitment to service—qualities that truly define Canadian Coast Guard officers. As they take their next steps, we are confident they are ready to meet the challenges ahead and grow into our future leaders. It is an exciting time to join the fleet. Congratulations to each of our graduates on this outstanding achievement!”
Dena Richardson, Executive Director, Canadian Coast Guard Academy
Quick facts
Established in September 1965, the Canadian Coast Guard Academy offers the opportunity to train in either Marine Navigation or Marine Engineering in its four-year Officer Training Program. The program provides Officer Cadets with a thorough understanding of ship operations and the latest in marine technology.
In September 2025, in celebrating 60 years of maritime training excellence, the institution changed its name to the Canadian Coast Guard Academy to better reflect its status as a state-of-the-art marine training institution.
All Canadian Coast Guard Academy students receive free tuition, room and board, and a training allowance.
Graduates of the Officer Training Program receive a Bachelor of Technology (Nautical Sciences) Degree from Cape Breton University and a Diploma from the Canadian Coast Guard Academy. Navigation Officers receive a Transport Canada Watchkeeping Mate Certificate, and Marine Engineering Officers receive a Fourth Class Engineering Certificate from Transport Canada.
In 2019, a major multimillion-dollar project to modernize the campus' facilities began. This project included the addition of green energy systems, and upgrades to the library and training facilities.
Since 1970, the Canadian Coast Guard Academy has been presenting an Honorary Diploma to a candidate who have distinguished themselves in outstanding meritorious service to marine training.
Dr. Robert N. Huebert is a Canadian political scientist specializing in Arctic and maritime security. He is a professor at the University of Calgary and Director of the Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies, and is widely recognized for his work on Arctic sovereignty and maritime policy