Minister McGuinty announces $816 million investment to strengthen Canada’s maritime security
News release
May 22, 2026 – Iqaluit, Nunavut – National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard
Today, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, announced a foundational investment of $816 million over seven years to strengthen maritime security and expand the Canadian Coast Guard’s role in monitoring Canada’s waters.
Key projects that will strengthen the Canadian Coast Guard’s Arctic maritime domain awareness and federal visibility include:
- creation of a year-round Maritime Domain Awareness Hub in Iqaluit, Nunavut, for collecting and analyzing maritime intelligence;
- addition of reconnaissance equipment to helicopters operating across the country, including in the Arctic, to support security patrols;
- establishment of four new Arctic long‑range marine radar sites at strategic points along the Northwest Passage and the Hudson Strait; and
- acquisition of short- and medium-range endurance aerial, surface and subsurface drones to extend the reach of the Canadian Coast Guard from land or sea.
As a key federal presence in the North, the Canadian Coast Guard plays a vital role in Canada’s maritime security system, working alongside federal and Indigenous partners. The Strengthening Canada’s Immigration Systems and Borders Act gives the Canadian Coast Guard a new security mandate, with authority to conduct security patrols and collect, analyze, and disclose information and intelligence to security and enforcement partners. This authority allows valuable information collected by the Canadian Coast Guard to be leveraged to detect and respond to threats in Canadian waters.
This change is particularly significant in the Arctic, a region that is rapidly evolving with growing global interests, increased vessel traffic, and complex security risks. Investing in more capabilities and tools better prepares Canada to respond to emergent security threats and assert our sovereignty.
Strong partnerships with Inuit across Inuit Nunangat remain a priority for the Canadian Coast Guard in alignment with these new investments. Combined with new capabilities and reinforced relationships, these investments will improve real‑time situational awareness, reinforce year‑round operations in the North, and support the protection and sovereignty of Canada’s northern waters.
Canada must be able to see and respond to all activities in its waters. With its fleet and operational expertise, the Canadian Coast Guard is well-positioned to advance national maritime security priorities across the country, and in collaboration with the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canada Border Services Agency and other security partners.
Quotes
“Canada has the world’s longest coastline, 70% of which is in the Arctic. Maritime security is fundamental to our national security. Strengthening our presence in northern waters will allow the Canadian Coast Guard to better monitor the North Atlantic and Arctic. Working alongside federal and Indigenous partners will enhance our ability to assert sovereignty, strengthen security, and ensure marine safety while remaining a modern, resilient force for decades to come.”
The Honorable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“Across Nunavut, we know the importance of protecting our land, waters, traditions and each other. Strengthening the Canadian Coast Guard’s capabilities will improve our ability to monitor activity in the region, respond to emergencies, and safeguard our territory in an increasingly complex Arctic environment. This work, in partnership with Inuit and local organizations, is essential to ensuring Nunavummiut feel secure and supported, now and into the future.”
Lori Idlout, Member of Parliament for Nunavut
“The new security responsibilities entrusted to the Canadian Coast Guard allows us to share crucial information with our partners, painting a more complete picture of what is happening in Canadian waters. We are working closely with Indigenous partners to enhance operational capacity in the region, which will better support situational awareness and more informed decision‑making in a rapidly changing Arctic environment.”
Kevin Brosseau, Senior Associate Deputy Minister of National Defence, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, and Canada’s Fentanyl Czar
Quick facts
-
The Canadian Coast Guard was transferred from the Fisheries and Oceans Canada to the National Defence on September 2, 2025. It remains a civilian Special Operating Agency.
-
The new Strengthening Canada’s Immigration Systems and Borders Act received Royal Assent on March 26, 2026 and gives the Canadian Coast Guard additional security responsibilities to collect and share intelligence related to Canada’s waters.
-
New security-related activities will be integrated into the primary functions of the Canadian Coast Guard: search and rescue, icebreaking, environmental response and protection, supporting ocean science, and maintaining safe and navigable waterways.
-
The Canadian Coast Guard is committed to honouring Indigenous rights, interests, and upholding Crown obligations in accordance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the Inuit Nunangat Policy.
-
On April 1, 2026, the Government of Canada’s civilian aircraft services and assets were transferred to the Canadian Coast Guard, giving the agency operational control of the civilian aerial fleet, meaning greater capacity to support its growing role in maritime security.
Related products
Associated links
Contacts
Maya Ouferhat
Press Secretary
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