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Canadian Coast Guard transition to National Defence

On June 9, 2025, the Government announced that the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) will be moving to the Department of National Defence (DND). The transition will permit the CCG to better fulfill both its civilian and security responsibilities.

As this process unfolds, the CCG will continue to carry out its vital work. The move will also involve the transfer of identified Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) internal services employees to DND. These include roles in Human Resources and Security, Financial Management, Information Management and Technology, Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP), Communications, Strategic Policy, Real Property, Materiel and Acquisitions, and more.

The following questions and answers address the transition, including where CCG personnel and identified DFO internal services employees are going, who they’ll report to, and what their role will look like.

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Transition Overview and Operations

  1. What is happening to the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG)?

    In June 2025, the Government of Canada announced that the Canadian Coast Guard will be moving from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to the Department of National Defence (DND). The change will permit the Canadian Coast Guard to better fulfill both its civilian and security responsibilities. This transfer is happening through a legal process called an Order in Council, made on September 2, 2025.

  1. Will the CCG’s day-to-day operations change?

    The CCG will continue as a civilian Special Operating Agency, providing its core missions of search and rescue, icebreaking, marine communications and traffic services, and environmental response, while ensuring safe navigation and supporting ocean science. Over time, integration with National Defence will create further synergies between both organizations to enhance operational effectiveness.

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Employee Impact and Job Security

  1. What does this move mean for Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) personnel and identified Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) employees?

    Indeterminate or term CCG personnel and identified DFO internal services employees will automatically be transferred to the Department of National Defence (DND) under a process known as a block transfer. This means you don’t need to reapply or go through staffing processes. Your employment status, salary, benefits, and duties will stay the same. In some cases, your current manager will remain the same if they are part of the block transfer, but in other instances, a new manager will be identified, and you will be advised of the change shortly after the transfer is complete.

    There is no job loss or surplus declaration. You will continue your work under DND without interruption. This approach is designed to ensure continuity and stability for public servants during organizational changes.

  1. What is a block transfer, and how does it impact CCG personnel and identified DFO employees?

    A block transfer occurs when an Order in Council is issued to transfer the control and supervision of a portion of the federal public administration from one department to another. The transfer of CCG personnel and identified DFO internal services employees to the DND, under the Public Service Rearrangement and Transfer of Duties Act and subsection 132(1) of the Public Service Employment Act, is a block transfer by operation of law. Employees are automatically transferred to the new department with no change in their employment status, salary, or benefits.

  1. Do I have a choice whether I want to transfer to the DND?

    No. The block transfer is a legal process that does not offer CCG personnel and identified DFO internal services employees an opt-out option.

    Employees with concerns about the transition should speak with their manager to discuss support, career development options, or other available resources during the process. 

  1. Will the transfer of the CCG to the DND trigger Workforce Adjustment (WFA) provisions?

    No. WFA provisions are not triggered by a block transfer. CCG personnel and identified DFO internal services employees retain their employment status, and there is no declaration of surplus or job loss.

  1. Will the location of my position change to a DND location?

    There is no immediate plan to change the location of positions. In the future, there may be opportunities for employees to collaborate onsite with DND at certain locations.

    This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure CCG personnel and identified DFO internal services employees receive appropriate notice and can plan accordingly.

  1. Will I be required to move to a DND worksite?

    CCG personnel will continue to work from current worksites. In limited cases, some personnel have been asked to co-locate to nearby DND and CCG worksites to facilitate the transition and have been informed accordingly.

    Identified DFO internal services employees may be asked to move to a CCG or DND worksite. Information on where employees will be required to work is currently under review. You will be kept informed on whether, when, and where you will be required to move, as applicable.

  1. Will I be changing unions?           

    Your group and level will remain the same following the bulk transfer. Accordingly, your union affiliation will stay the same, though there could be changes to union components. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

  1. I have an ongoing grievance/harassment/staffing/official languages complaint. What will happen to my case after the transition to DND?

    The approach may vary depending on the nature of the issue and its supporting legislation, but process continuity will remain. As the transition moves forward, key parties will be informed of any changes to how their cases will be managed, and departments will coordinate to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities where needed.

  1. How can I submit leave requests during the transition?  

    Processes to submit leave requests will remain the same for now. More information will be provided, once available.

  1. I have a full-time remote work arrangement in place. Will this be impacted once we transfer to DND?

    CCG personnel and identified DFO internal services employees with accommodations or exceptions to onsite presence requirements approved prior to the transfer will be honoured until such time as DND determines that a renewal or revision is necessary.

  1. What is the plan for identified DFO internal services employees who provide internal support services to the CCG? Which of these positions transfer to DND, and what is the process? What does it mean for my job security, role, and career path?

    DFO has undertaken a careful assessment to determine which internal services positions—such as those in Human Resources, Security, Finance, Information Management and Technology, ATIP, Communications, Strategic Policy, Real Property, and Materiel and Acquisitions —will transfer to DND.

    Contingency plans will be put in place via a memorandum of understanding during the transition period. Identified DFO internal services employees have already been informed by their manager or director that they will be transferred to DND with no change in their employment status, salary, and benefits. In some cases, your current manager will remain the same if they are part of the block transfer, but in other instances, a new manager will be identified, and you will be advised of the change shortly after the transfer is complete.

    This framework ensures continuity and stability for public servants during organizational changes. The goal is to ensure that the CCG continues to receive the internal support it needs under its new departmental structure, while also maintaining the operational integrity of DFO.

  1. How did DFO determine which internal services positions would move to DND? How were employees, including those on Leave Without Pay (LWOP), identified and informed? Will team structures and duties change? 

    DFO identified internal services positions for transfer to DND based on operational needs, continuity of service, and minimal disruption. All internal services roles—such as Human Resources, Security, Finance, Information Management and Technology, ATIP, Communications, Strategic Policy, Real Property, Materiel and Acquisitions—were reviewed, including those held by personnel on Leave Without Pay (LWOP), and were notified by their manager or director.

    While employee preferences were considered, where possible, the final decisions rested with DFO management. Transferred employees will retain their current group, group and level, but DND will determine team structures and workflows going forward. It is expected that identified DFO internal services employees supporting the CCG will continue working on CCG files during the transition, however this will be subject to DND and CCG operational needs.

  1. For DFO internal services employees transferring to DND who are providing internal pay support services, will we be providing pay support to just CCG personnel, or will we be taking on DND clients as well?

    DFO is in close discussions with DND to discuss on-going pay support for CCG personnel once the transfer takes place. It can be anticipated that the DFO Pay Team will continue to support CCG personnel, until further notice, however, DND will ultimately be responsible for making these decisions. More information will be shared with transferred personnel, once available.

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Pay, Benefits and Job Security

  1. Will there be any changes to my rate of pay, benefits, tenure, pension, or job classification? 

    No. Employees will retain their current terms and conditions of employment. There is no change to pay, benefits, tenure, pension or job classification as a result of the transfer. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is working closely with the Department of National Defence and Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Public Service Pay Centre to avoid impacts to employee pay when the transfer happens.

  1. Will Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) personnel pay files be audited prior to the transition to the Department of National Defence (DND)?

    Fisheries and Oceans Canada is working closely with DND and Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Public Service Pay Centre to ensure a smooth transition and minimize any risk to personnel pay when the transfer happens. Our priority is to protect the accuracy of your pay and address any known issues before the transfer. While audits are not planned, the Pay Centre may conduct targeted reviews of personnel pay files as needed.

  1. How does the government plan to address ongoing issues caused by Phoenix and what assurances are there that there won’t be additional issues due to the move? Does DND have a team similar to MyPay?

    At this time, Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) personnel and identified Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) internal services employees will continue to access the existing MyPay team at DFO. More information will be provided, once available.

    Within DND, civilian employees are supported by DND’s Compensation team which provides HR-to-Pay services like those currently provided to the CCG through DFO’s MyPay team. Going forward, as CCG personnel and DFO internal services employees are further integrated into the Defence Team, they will be transitioned to also receive support from DND’s Compensation team.

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Information Management and Technology

  1. Will my IT access, accounts and equipment change?

    All Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) personnel and identified Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) internal services employees transitioning to the Department of National Defence (DND) will continue to retain access to DFO networks and systems, as required, to fulfill their responsibilities. This access will remain in place until DND confirms that all relevant duties can be fully supported within its own network environment.

    During this interim period:

    • Work will remain governed by DFO policies, procedures, and security protocols.
    • Personnel and employees are responsible for adhering to both DFO and DND information management and IT security standards, with particular attention to data handling, safeguarding of sensitive information, and records management.
    • Supervisors will ensure that personnel and employees clearly understand lines of accountability during the transition.
    • Any duplication of systems or dual-access requirements will be assessed regularly to minimize risks related to cybersecurity, records management, and continuity of operations.
    • Current support resources (e.g. IT helpdesks, security contacts, etc.) will remain in place through both DFO and DND to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.

     

    Timelines and phased transition plans will be communicated as they are confirmed, with sufficient notice provided to personnel to prepare for system or process changes. Further information will be provided as it becomes available, including updated guidance on access, responsibilities, and security requirements during the transition.

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Governance

  1. Will Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Department of National Defence (DND) governance structures be updated?

    Yes. Both departments will update their delegation instruments and governance frameworks over time to reflect the new organizational structure and responsibilities.

  1. Will unions be consulted?

    Unions have been informed and engaged on matters affecting their members. This ensures transparency and helps to address any questions or concerns from personnel.

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Special Employee Categories

  1. Are Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) Officer trainees included in the block transfer of Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) personnel to the Department of National Defence (DND)?

    Marine Communications and Traffic Services Officer trainees will also transfer to DND, but not as part of the Order in Council. A separate agreement will be used to transfer them to DND, at the same time as the rest of the organization. Their current training and work conditions will stay the same. Official notification will come from DND.

  1. Will casual workers be included in the block transfer of staff to DND?

    CCG casual personnel will also transfer to DND, but not as part of the Order in Council. A separate agreement will be used to transfer them to DND, at the same time as the rest of the organization. Their current terms and conditions of employment will stay the same. Official notification will come from DND.

  1. Will students be included in the block transfer of staff to DND?

    CCG students will also transfer to DND, but not as part of the Order in Council. A separate agreement will be used to transfer them to DND at the same time as the rest of the organization. Their current terms and conditions of employment will stay the same. Official notification will come from DND.

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Temporary Assignments and Leave

  1. What happens if I am acting in a Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) or identified Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) position on an assignment or on a secondment during the block transfer?

    All acting appointments, assignments, and secondments will continue upon transfer. Any extensions or changes will be managed by the Department of National Defence under its staffing authorities.

  1. What if I’m on Leave Without Pay during the block transfer?    

    CCG personnel and identified DFO internal services employees on Leave Without Pay will be transferred to the Department of National Defence (DND) just like active employees. When they return from leave, they will continue their duties under DND, with no change to their employment status or seniority as a result of the transfer.

  1. Will there be a consultation process with personnel and unions before changes are implemented?

    Unions and personnel will be kept informed and engaged on all matters affecting them to maintain transparency and trust.

  1. I’m a term employee with the CCG. Will my previously accumulated service time transfer to DND, and will the “Stop the Clock” measure continue after the transfer?

    Your accumulated service time under DFO will transfer to DND and count toward conversion to indeterminate status. The continuation of “Stop the Clock” measures will be determined by DND, but your previously earned time, prior to the “Stop the Clock” measure, will count toward the three-year cumulative period required for conversion, and remains valid under DND.

  1. I’m a term employee funded under a DFO Sunset Program. Will the terms of my sunset appointment also transfer to DND?

    Yes, the terms of your sunset appointment will transfer, but the designation and its implications will be reviewed by DND. It will be up to DND to determine whether to maintain, revise, or remove the sunset designation based on its own operational and funding context.

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Classification and Staffing

  1. What will happen to the outstanding reclassification files? Will they be transferred to the Department of National Defence (DND)? If they aren’t processed prior to the transition, is there a risk of the employee not being paid?

    A: All ongoing files will be reviewed to determine if they will be transferred to DND or remain with Fisheries and Oceans Canada for continuation of the necessary work.

  1. Some Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) positions are classified using National Model Work Descriptions (NMWDs). Will these positions fit into DND’s classification structure? Do they use the same classification models?

    Many federal departments—including the CCG and DND—use Interdepartmental Standardized Job Descriptions (ISJDs), or develop their own Standardized Job Descriptions (SJDs). DND has the flexibility to use, adapt, or create its own job descriptions based on its needs.

    If a CCG position linked to an ISJD or SJD is transferred to DND, the job description and classification will move with it under the block transfer. DND may keep the existing ISJD or SJD, adopt a different one, or eventually integrate the position into its own classification framework. DND’s Human Resources and Classification teams will review transferred positions to ensure they align with their organizational structure and classification practices.

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Sub-delegation

  1. I am a manager with staffing sub-delegated authority. Does this authority remain valid following the transfer?

    Yes, however, all sub-delegated managers will be required to complete and sign a Department of National Defence (DND) Sub-delegation Attestation Form to activate their DND delegated authority under the Deputy Head. Applicable managers will receive an email from the DND Human Resources team with the attestation form and instructions.

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Career Development

  1. If I transfer to the Department of National Defence (DND), will there be a chance for a promotion or higher-level position?

    There is no change to your status, salary, benefits, tenure, pension or current job classification as a result of the transfer.

  1. What will happen to existing staffing pools and inventories created by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) for Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) positions? Can they still be used after the transfer?

    Once the transfer is complete, the DND will assume full authority for staffing decisions related to CCG positions. This includes determining whether and how to use any existing pools or inventories that were established by DFO.

    While staffing flexibilities do exist under the Public Service Employment Act and the New Direction in Staffing, including the potential for interdepartmental use of pools, it is ultimately up to DND to decide whether these pools and inventories align with their operational needs and staffing strategies.

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Mental Health and Well-Being

  1. What mental health support is available during the transition?

    Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) personnel and identified Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) internal services employees have access to support services offered through the Department of National Defence’s (DND) Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

    This confidential service, provided by Homewood Health, is available to all DND public service employees and their eligible family members. The EAP offers a variety of services, including 24/7 counselling and crisis support, LifeSmart coaching, a digital mental health platform, a Key Person Advice Line, specialized team services and peer support services. They can also contact EAP-PAE@forces.gc.ca to learn more.

  1. What happens if I am currently receiving counselling through Health Canada’s EAP?

    If you are already in counselling with Health Canada, you may continue with your current counsellor until your case is closed. Afterward, any new support will be provided by DND’s EAP provider, Homewood Health.

    Contact Information: 

    • Health Canada Employee Assistance Program: 
      • English: 1-800-268-7708 | 1-800-567-5803 (TTY) 
    • Homewood Health: 
      • English: 1-800-663-1142 | 1-888-384-1152 (hearing impaired) 
      • French: 1-866-398-9505 | 1-866-433-3305 (hearing impaired) 

     

    For more information on DND’s Employee Assistance Program, visit:  Employee Assistance Program

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