Canadian Coast Guard welcomes aviation services to Defence Team
News release
April 1, 2026 – Ottawa, ON – National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard
Today, the Canadian Coast Guard welcomed personnel from Transport Canada’s aircraft services to the Defence Team. The program provides federal aviation services to various government departments, including managing and maintaining a civilian fleet of aircraft that support operational flights, environmental response, natural disaster response, and remote community outreach.
The transfer of the services and assets to the Canadian Coast Guard will provide the agency with operational control of the Government of Canada’s civilian aerial fleet. This transition comes at a critical time, as the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12) expands the Canadian Coast Guard’s security and surveillance responsibilities. With a longstanding presence along Canada’s coasts and waterways, through the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes, and across the Canadian Arctic, the Canadian Coast Guard plays a vital role in supporting communities and monitoring activities in Canada’s territorial waters. Integrating the aircraft services program into the Defence Team will improve Canada’s maritime domain awareness and reinforce national safety and security.
The Canadian Coast Guard and the aircraft services team have a long history of close collaboration. Bringing this expertise together in one organization will allow both to continue delivering essential services to Canadians. The transition will not affect Transport Canada’s responsibility for developing and enforcing aviation regulations, standards, and oversight under the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
Quotes
“I am honoured to welcome our new colleagues to the Defence Team. Adding these capabilities to the Canadian Coast Guard will further strengthen Canada’s maritime domain awareness and support the Government of Canada’s security, and sovereignty priorities.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“The Canadian Coast Guard is ready to take on responsibility of this critical capability. We have worked closely with our aviation colleagues for many years and know the expertise and high service excellence standards they provide. Welcoming them fully into our organization is an important step to integrate and strengthen our ability to continue the vital work we do for Canadians.”
Kevin Brosseau, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard
Quick facts
-
The aircraft services directorate was established in 1936 and delivers critical safety and security services to Canadians, including specialized personnel such as pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, flight operations leaders, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (drone) pilots, and technical advisors.
-
The move, announced as part of Budget 2025, was made official through an Order in Council that takes effect April 1, 2026. As part of the Canadian Coast Guard, they will now report to the Deputy Minister of National Defence and are accountable to Parliament through the Minister of National Defence.
-
This move will not affect the services Canadians expect from either the Canadian Coast Guard or the aviation services directorate, as both will continue delivering the same core services.
-
On September 2, 2025, the Canadian Coast Guard joined the Defence Team, reporting to the Minister of National Defence.
-
The Canadian Coast Guard remains a civilian Special Operating Agency. It continues to provide marine safety services including search and rescue, icebreaking, and marine communications and traffic services. It also protects Canada's marine environment by responding to marine pollution incidents, including wrecks and hazardous vessels, and supporting the sustainable management of oceans and aquatic ecosystems.
Associated links
Contacts
Maya Ouferhat
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: Maya.Ouferhat@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca