Canadian Coast Guard officially joins the Defence Team.
So remember yesterday how I said we would have CCG news this week? I guess thats today. Can't say I didnt call it! Good thing the news letter is on Mondays.
The Canadian Coast Guard has officially joined the Defence Team, Minister Mcguinty announced today. This is the first step in the Coast Guard's transformation from a purely civilian organization to part of Canada’s security apparatus.
The Coast Guard will remain a civilian Special Operating Agency under the DND banner. Their mandate will be expanded to include a security mandate. This will allow the Coast Guard to share all the information that it collects from its vessels, aircraft, shore facilities for the purposes of National Security.
That will require new investments in secure communications, new sensors to give the Coast Guard better surveillance capabilities, and new investments in infrastructure. The Coast Guard will not be militarized. They will remain primarily a civilian organization.
Theres a lot that still needs to be discussed:
What sensors amd equipment are needed to fulfill this mandate?
What personnel go with the CCG and who stays DFO?
How this blends into the DND at both a personnel and organizational level?
How will infrastructure be divided up?
How to handle information sharing on ships without, say, proper SKIF facilities? (Among others)
What roles and capabilities can be divvied up and leveraged around?
There are a LOT of questions to be asked, and are currently being figuring out. There's still a lot up in the air. Funny enough, I think Topshee gives a great look at some of these, and the possibilities are now in play during his recent CDR interview.
Many of you know my hesitation on this move, and the worry for what comes of it. The tension I see is still there, and many in the Coast Guard I speak to are still hesitant and anxious about what this move means for them, despite the garuntees.
Further details will be answered in the coming months as details are hashed out and people are properly consulted. The opportunities are immense but so is the risk of botching this move and ending up with an embroiled Coast Guard.
So I am happy to see that they are taking this fairly slow. This won't be a speedy process, and it won't be an easy one. However I will refrain from criticism given how little we currently know.
The start of the process, the confusion and lack of consultation by the federal government certainly did not set this on a healthy track for dialog and discussion. I digress however.
The next step will be updating the Coast Guard's mandate through Bill C-2, which is currently working through parliament. That will be for when the house returns. Until then here's the official press release.
September 2, 2025– Ottawa, ON – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces / Canadian Coast Guard
The Department of National Defence (DND) today announced the integration of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) into the Defence Team, 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.
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.
The inclusion of the CCG in the Defence Team is a milestone that reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthening maritime security, advancing collaboration, and ensuring a strong and coordinated presence in Canada’s waters.
Quotes
“I am honoured to welcome the Canadian Coast Guard to the Defence Team. 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. By working more closely together, we are building on a trusted partnership and enhancing Canada’s ability to protect its waters and sovereignty.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“For more than 60 years, the Canadian Coast Guard has stood as one of Canada’s most trusted and respected institutions. That trust is built every day by the dedicated people who are the backbone of this proud organization. This move will help strengthen joint operations with security and intelligence partners, enabling us to respond more quickly and keep communities safe."
The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
“Today marks an important milestone as the Canadian Coast Guard joins the Department of National Defence. This historic step will strengthen our collaboration, enhance our capabilities, and improve our service to Canadians."
Mario Pelletier, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard
Quick facts
The CCG officially became part of DND with the signing of an Order in Council this week.
In 2005, the CCG was established as a Special Operating Agency, 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.
Today, the CCG is a nationally recognized and world-leading symbol of service and safety. They ensure the safety of all mariners on our waters, protect our marine environment, and support our economic growth.
As of July 2025, the CCG’s fleet of 126 vessels includes icebreakers, search and rescue lifeboats, patrol ships, science vessels, hovercraft and more.
The CCG is the federal lead for marine search and rescue in Canada. They provide 24/7/365 search and rescue services in partnership with DND and the CAF and over 4,000 volunteer members of the CCG Auxiliary.
The challenge will be security clearances for that equipment and access. If your quartermaster has a criminal record, can they be on the bridge? At night there may only be the Mate and 2 deckhands, with one roving the ship to check for issues, while the rest of the crew sleeps (Not counting the engine room watch)
What is the role of the Coast Guard College now? RCN AND CG ?
Will there be a definitive separation of a security fleet within the CG? The Yanks do Red Hull for ice, Blue Hull for Navigation, White Hull for enforcement.
Do The midshore fleet of 8, 4207 class vessels get up gunned with MK 38's.
Should there be parts of the 126 Vessel fleet that are designated RCN Auxiliary's ?
Will our Allies and potential adversaries respect this change?