Canadian Coast Guard Arctic Strategy summary

Realizing the Arctic Strategy will require ongoing effort. We’re committed to working with partners to achieve this vision.

Goals

• Provide a 10-year vision for enhanced presence in the Arctic that meet the unique needs of the North.
• Build on years of engagement with Inuit, First Nations, Métis, and other Northern partners.
• Deliver on-water safety, security, science, sovereignty, and environmental protection in an evolving context.
• Foster collaboration and engagement to incorporate evolving perspectives and realities.

Pillars

Reconciliation

Advance reconciliation commitments with Inuit, First Nations, and Métis through an “in the North, by the North, and for the North” approach.

Cooperation and collaboration

Enhance preparedness, predictability, science, safety, and security through strengthened partnerships.

Modernization and northern adaptation

Implement innovative approaches to meet rising demands for programs and services in an evolving environment.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace

Provide a safe, healthy workplace that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Areas of focus

Renewed relationships with Inuit, First Nations, and Métis

Collaborate with Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities to ensure our programs and services contribute to enhancing our relationships.

Climate change

Shift to year-round Arctic operations, increasing use of green and new technologies, and adapting to new hazards.

Emergency management and response capacity

Improve capacity by:

• caches of response equipment throughout the Arctic
• training and exercising for Arctic conditions
• partnerships with communities to increase local capacity
• scaling up the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary
• supporting federal emergency response
• boosting situational awareness, preparedness, and response capacity

Arctic Sovereignty and Maritime Domain Awareness

Build Arctic presence by:

• programs and services
• partnering with domestic and international organizations to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness, address potential threats and hazards, and support science
• building ships that are flexible enough to deliver a wide range of programs and services
• developing and maintaining respectful, collaborative partnerships with Inuit, First Nations, and Métis communities

Northern Economies and Marine Protected Areas

Promote Arctic economic development by:

• enabling safe transit of essential goods and marine safety and security
• providing ice information, icebreaking, and vessel escort services to support maritime commerce
• supporting economic and employment opportunities
• partnering with marine stewardship organizations to protect 30% of sensitive ocean habitats by 2030