October 22, 2026 - Reykjavík, Iceland – Canadian Coast Guard
As the coast guard of a key North Atlantic nation, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) participated in the North Atlantic Coast Guard Forum Summit this week in Reykjavík, Iceland, to reaffirm Canada’s leadership role in strengthening maritime security and cooperation across the Arctic and North Atlantic.
During the Summit, CCG Commissioner Kevin Brosseau signed a Cooperation Plan with the Icelandic Coast Guard to advance the organizations’ longstanding partnership. The plan includes joint exercises and training, information sharing to strengthen maritime domain awareness, and cooperation on climate resilience and decarbonization. The two coast guards will also exchange best practices to support Arctic operations and maritime security.
The Commissioner also met with representatives from the Norwegian Coast Guard, Norwegian Coastal Administration, Swedish Coast Guard, Finnish Border Guard, and His Majesty’s Coastguard. Discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation with partners across the North Atlantic. As activity in the Arctic and North Atlantic increases, Canada will continue working with like-minded partners to advance maritime security, operational readiness, and stewardship of North Atlantic waters.
Quotes
“Canada’s security depends on strong partnerships across the Arctic and North Atlantic. By strengthening cooperation with Iceland and our international partners, we’re improving maritime awareness, operational readiness, and our ability to respond to shared challenges. Together, we’re building a safer, more secure and resilient North Atlantic.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of Defence
“This year’s North Atlantic Coast Guard Forum Summit facilitated constructive discussion with like-minded partners on shared priorities, including promoting deeper information sharing, expanded joint training, and increased global maritime awareness. I was also pleased to sign a Cooperation Plan with the Icelandic Coast Guard, who were the hosts of this year’s productive Summit, further strengthening our commitment to work together as Arctic and North Atlantic partners.”
Kevin Brosseau, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard
Quick facts
The CCG chairs the North Atlantic Coast Guard Forum’s Technical Working Group and Environmental Response Working Group.
Canada will chair the North Atlantic Coast Guard Forum from 2029 to 2031.
The CCG-Icelandic Coast Guard Cooperation Plan builds on a Letter of Intent signed by the Commissioner in December 2025.
The Canadian and Icelandic coast guards collaborate through the Arctic Coast Guard Forum, the North Atlantic Coast Guard Forum, and the Arctic Council’s Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Working Group.
On the margins of the Summit, Commissioner Brosseau met with his Norwegian Coast Guard counterpart to discuss the continued implementation of the CCG-Norwegian Coast Guard Cooperation Agreement signed this summer.