Questions and Answers

Q.1What is happening to the Aircraft Services Directorate?

A.1Transport Canada’s Aircraft Services Directorate will be transferred to the Canadian Coast Guard, which is part of the Department of National Defence. This change will take effect through a legal instrument known as an Order in Council, on April 1, 2026.

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Q.2Why is this move happening?

A.2Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and Aircraft Services Directorate employees have worked closely together for many years. Bringing their expertise together makes sense. The transfer of the aviation functions and assets to the CCG will strengthen its aerial fleet and support the agency in delivering its services, including the security work planned under Bill C-12, the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act. This will provide more coordinated, reliable, and effective aviation and marine support across Canada.

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Q.3Will the move impact the services offered by the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) or the Aircraft Services Directorate (ASD)?

A.3This change will not affect the services Canadians expect from either the CCG or ASD. Both organizations will continue to deliver their core services, and there are no immediate changes to day-to-day operations.

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Q.4How long will the transition take? Will day-to-day operations change?

A.4While April 1, 2026, will mark the official transfer of the Aircraft Services Directorate (ASD) to the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), the full transition will occur gradually. Corporate services — including human resources, financial, and digital services — will transition over time as detailed implementation plans are finalized.

As of April 1, 2026, ASD employees will formally become CCG employees and, therefore, part of the Department of National Defence.

From an organizational standpoint, the Director General of ASD will report to the Deputy Commissioner, Shipbuilding and Materiel. Identified Transport Canada employees who provide enabling services will also see their roles realigned to report to the Director General of ASD. Aside from these adjustments, existing reporting relationships and day-to-day operations will remain unchanged.

There will be no immediate changes to day‑to‑day operations on April 1. Devices, network access, applications, employee ID cards, building access cards, and work locations will remain the same. Any future changes will be communicated in advance of implementation.

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Q.5Will the location of my Aircraft Services Directorate (ASD) position change to a different Canadian Coast Guard (CCG)/Department of National Defence designated work location?

A.5There is no immediate plan to change employees' designated work locations. In the future, there may be opportunities for employees to collaborate onsite with CCG colleagues at their CCG locations.

If any changes to office locations are planned, ASD employees will receive appropriate advance notice to support planning and preparation.

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Q.6What does this mean for the National Aerial Surveillance Program (NASP)?

A.6As part of the transfer, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) will inherit the fixed wing aircraft and oversee their use and maintenance. Transport Canada will keep its responsibilities for the NASP, with the CCG becoming the service provider. A memorandum of understanding will be established to govern the agreement.

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Q.7How will the tasking of aircraft and other assets change?

A.7In the immediate term, the approach to managing helicopter operations remains unchanged, and we will make use of existing mechanisms within the Aircraft Services Directorate to manage fixed-wing assets. Discussions with regional teams will continue over the coming months and Canadian Coast Guard Aviation leadership will meet directly with employees to work through operational details and adjustments to how we task and manage both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter operations. Updates will be shared as plans are developed, and changes are implemented.

Q.1Will the transfer of the Aircraft Services Directorate to the Canadian Coast Guard on April 1 trigger Workforce Adjustment (WFA) provisions?

A.1The employment status, salary, benefits, and duties of identified employees remain the same and are not subject to workforce adjustment as part of this transfer.

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Q.2Will my pay services be impacted?

A.2Although planning is underway to transition pay services for Aircraft Services Directorate employees to the Department of National Defence, no changes to pay service delivery will occur on April 1, 2026. Future changes will be communicated to employees in advance.

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Q.3Do Aircraft Services Directorate (ASD) employees need to reapply for their jobs or go through a staffing process?

A.3ASD employees will be transferred through a government restructuring transfer, which is an administrative HR process. No action is required from employees.

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Q.4Will there be changes to pay rates, benefits, tenure, pension, or job classification?

A.4Employees will retain their current terms and conditions of employment and position entitlements. There will be no direct change to pay, benefits, tenure, pension, or job classification because of the transfer.

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Q.5Will unions be consulted?

A.5Unions have been informed and engaged on matters affecting their members. This maintains transparency and supports the identification and resolution of questions or concerns.

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Q.6Will I be changing unions?

A.6No. Your group, level, and union affiliation will remain the same following the transfer. While some employees may be associated with a different local or union contact, this does not affect union membership. Any changes related to local representation will be communicated by the bargaining agent.

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

A.1No immediate changes are expected on April 1, 2026. Aircraft Services Directorate (ASD) personnel transitioning to Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) will continue to retain access to Transport Canada (TC) networks and systems, as required, to fulfill their responsibilities. This access will remain in place until the Department of National Defence (DND) confirms that all relevant duties can be fully supported within the DND-CCG network environment.

To support ongoing collaboration during this period, teams will also leverage approved and secure cross‑Government of Canada network collaboration platforms to share information and maintain continuity of operations.

During this interim period:

• Work will remain governed by TC policies, procedures, and security protocols.
• Employees are responsible for adhering to both TC and DND information management and IT security standards.
• Supervisors will provide employees with a clear understanding of 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.
• Existing support resources (e.g. IT helpdesks, security contacts, etc.) will continue to be provided by TC to ASD employees until DND support is fully in place. Employees will be informed well in advance of any changes to how IT support is accessed.
  • In addition, ASD is providing dedicated in‑house IT support during the transition to provide timely, responsive assistance.

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Q.2How do I request IT support through Aircraft Services Directorate’s (ASD) in‑house support model?

A.2During the transition period and until further notice, employees should request IT support directly from ASD IT Operations Support, which will provide in‑house IT assistance.

• Email: tc.asditoperationssupport-soutiendesoperationsinfomatiqueDGSA.tc@tc.gc.ca
• In person: Facilities area, T58 (200 Comet Private)

Requests such as new and departing employee requests, software requests, and hardware purchases will continue to be submitted through Orion. The ASD IT Operations Support team will assist with submitting these requests and will submit or escalate Orion tickets for issues requiring additional support from other teams.

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Q.3Will I need a new employee ID card/building pass?

A.3During this transition period and until further notice, Aircraft Services Directorate (ASD) employees will continue to use their existing employee ID and building pass to work at their designated building.

It is anticipated that employees will be given a new employee ID card in the future. If an employee’s work location changes, instructions and guidance will be provided so they can access the building and connect to the networks needed for their roles. New building access passes may be issued, if required, and guidance will be provided on a case-by-case basis.

ASD employees who provide enabling services and require access to a Department of National Defence or Canadian Coast Guard facility for a meeting or event should contact their host to arrange for escort.

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

A.1ASD 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.

If you are already receiving counselling through Health Canada, you can continue with your current counsellor until your case is closed. After that, any new support will be provided through DND’s EAP provider, Homewood Health.

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Q.2Will my Government of Canada Workplace Accessibility Passport transfer with me from Transport Canada (TC) to the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG)?

A.2The Government of Canada (GC) Workplace Accessibility Passport is designed to “follow” the employee, in its online or downloadable format, when transitioning from TC to the CCG.

The digital version of the Accessibility Passport is available at DND. Employees can access it through the TBS Applications Portal (TAP) under myAccessibleWorkplace. Employees are encouraged to digitize their GC Workplace Accessibility Passport and share their agreement with their manager to avoid the need to renegotiate tools and support measures each time they change organizations, teams, or managers. Employees and their managers should review and update the Passport at least once a year, or whenever circumstances change, to validate the agreed measures are still effective.

For more information, employees can visit the GC Workplace Accessbility Passport page or contact DND’s Office of Disability Management at ODM-BGI@forces.gc.ca.

Q.1What is the Public Service Performance Management (PSPM) process for those employees who have transferred to the Department of National Defence?

A.1The process for year‑end and beginning‑year performance agreements remains the same; all information must be entered in TAP as usual. Please complete your year‑end performance agreement with your Aircraft Services Directorate manager/supervisor by April 30, 2026, and open your beginning‑year performance agreement by May 31, 2026.