Integration of the Canadian Coast Guard

• The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) owns and operates the federal government's civilian fleet and provides key maritime services to Canadians, including:
  • Maritime search and rescue (SAR)
  • Aids to navigation and waterways management
  • Marine communications and traffic management
  • Marine environmental and hazards response
  • Icebreaking operations
  • Supporting maritime security
  • Support to other government departments
• The CCG has approximately 6,700 employees and is organized into four regions:
  • Western - approximately 1,400 employees
  • Central - approximately 1,670 employees
  • Atlantic approximately 2,110 employees
  • Arctic - approximately 120 employees
  • In addition, a national headquarters in Ottawa provides functional leadership (1,400 employees, including employees of the Canadian Coast Guard Academy)
• The CCG's current fleet is made up of 126 vessels and 23 helicopters, this includes:
  • 26 Large Vessels
  • 4 Interim Icebreakers
  • 31 Small Vessels
  • 61 SAR Lifeboats
  • 4 Air Cushion Vehicles
• Current CCG assets include:
  • 21 operational bases
  • 12 Marine Communications Traffic Services Centres (MCTS)
  • 3 Regional Operations Centres (ROC)
  • 2 Maritime Rescue Sub-Centres (MRSC)
  • 45 Lifeboat Stations
  • 25 In-shore Rescue Boat Stations
  • 1 Arctic Marine Response Station
  • 17,000 fixed and floating aids to navigation
  • Close to 200 communication sites
• Environmental response depots and caches

Transition

• On June 9, 2025, it was announced that the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) would be integrated into the Defence portfolio which became effective on September 2, 2025, through an Order in Council.
• On October 10, 2025, the Minister of National Defence formally welcomed the CCG to the Defence Team at a ceremony in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
• The full transition will take place over the coming months, as the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) finalize a memorandum of understanding to implement the transfer.
• Online resources are available to all Defence Team members, including CCG and supporting DFO employees, to address questions regarding the transition and potential impacts on them and their work.

Key Synergies with the Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)

• CCG's transition to DND enhances its ability to coordinate with security partners, including:
  • Better procurement opportunities and supply chain coordination;
  • Increased interoperability and a unified approach to Maritime Domain Awareness;
  • Exchange of expertise in training, exercising, and Arctic operations;
  • Enhanced coordination and strategic planning;
  • Bolstered technology and innovation activities, including cyber and security capabilities; and
  • Recruitment and retention strategies for operational and seagoing personnel.

Considerations Unique to CCG

• As a civilian special operating agency (SOA), the CCG retains unique operational and organizational authorities, including:
  • Domestic programming for marine navigation and response services, including icebreaking for industry;
  • Response readiness to meet the demands of increased marine vessel traffic in Canadian waters;
  • Management of CCG's civilian fleet under commercial regulations;
  • Represented public service workforce and collective bargaining implications;
  • International commitments and conventions, including the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation, the International Maritime Organization, and regional multilateral fora for the Arctic, North Pacific, and North Atlantic;
  • Specialized relationships with maritime industry; and
  • Legislation.
• CCG's primary enabling legislation includes:
  • The Oceans Act
  • The Canada Shipping Act
  • The Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act

The Oceans Act and Bill C-12

• The Oceans Act is a central piece of legislation, granting CCG the responsibility to provide marine services to Canadians and in Canada's waters.
• Amendments to the Oceans Act to expand the CCG's services to include security activities were introduced in June 2025 in Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, and later in Bill C-12, Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act, tabled on October 8, 2025.
• The intent of the amendments was to strengthen sovereignty and maritime domain awareness, particularly in remote Arctic waters, by enabling the CCG to conduct security patrols and collect, analyze, and share information and intelligence for security purposes.
• The Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security completed clause-by-clause review of Bill C-12 on November 25, 2025, and returned the Bill to the House of Commons for further consideration.

The Canada Shipping Act

• The Canada Shipping Act gives the Minister power, responsibilities, and obligations concerning aids to navigation, search and rescue, pollution response, and vessel traffic services.

The Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act

• The Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act was introduced in 2019 to address vessels of concern, including wrecked, abandoned, hazardous or worn-down boats, which can create public health, safety, environmental and economic issues for impacted communities.
• Under the Act, the CCG is responsible for:
  • Addressing all vessels and wrecks, including those that pose or may pose a hazard in all Canadian waters;
  • Coordinating and conducting hazard assessments on vessels and wrecks wherever located, including enforcement actions;
  • Enforcing the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007 in Canadian waters and the exclusive economic zone of Canada;
  • Taking appropriate actions on dilapidated vessels that are left on property under the responsibility of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

Canadian Coast Guard Presence

• The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) is a Special Operating Agency within the Department of National Defence.
• It operates Canada's civilian fleet to deliver on-water safety, security, sovereignty, science, and environmental protection 24/7.
• The CCG oversees Canada's 243,000 km of coastline with the help of 12 Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centres, 3 Joint Rescue Coordination Centres, 2 Maritime Rescue Sub-Centres, and 3 Marine Security Operations Centres.
• The current fleet consists of:
  • 26 Large Vessels
  • 4 Interim Icebreakers
  • 31 Small Vessels
  • 61 Search and Rescue Lifeboats
  • 4 Air Cushion Vehicles
  • 23 Helicopters
  • In addition, the fleet is supplemented by two leased Emergency Towing Vessels on the West Coast
• The CCG supports Canada's ocean economy by enabling the safe and efficient flow of $251B in marine trade annually, handling more than 342M tonnes of critical goods, supporting tens of thousands of jobs across Canada.

Enhanced Mandate, Bill C-12

• The CCG is a Special Operating Agency, with a presence on all coasts, including the Great Lakes and the St-Lawrence.
• As the largest on water presence in Canada, and often the only visible federal presence in the North, the CCG operates 126 ships, 23 helicopters, a network of communications towers, operational centres, and sensors across the country.
• Currently, the CCG can only collect information for safety purposes and cannot collect and share information for security purposes.
• This creates a gap in Canada's ability to understand what is taking place in the maritime domain, including in the Arctic.
• Tabled on November 5, 2025, Bill C-12, Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act, includes proposed amendments to the Oceans Act to expand the services of the CCG to include security activities.
• These amendments would mean that the information collected and reported during regular operations could now also be used for security purposes, which was previously not possible.
• These amendments will enable the CCG to conduct security and surveillance patrols, which could include, for example, monitoring suspicious vessels near the border or in remote Northern locations, and sharing the information collected with intelligence, security, and defence partners.
• With 'security' as part of its services, the CCG will be able to leverage all of its assets, vessels, sensors, and extensive presence across the country and in remote Northern locations to support Canada's security and sovereignty.
• The CCG will also be able to provide information about the maritime domain to domestic and international security partners, where information-sharing agreements exist.
• This will increase interoperability with the Department of National Defence and other security, defence, and intelligence partners, and respond to the call from international allies to secure the Arctic, and from the United States to increase border security.
• This change will leverage the CCG's extensive presence from coast to coast to coast and in the Great Lakes and St-Lawrence to better safeguard Canada's interests.
• The CCG has well established partnerships with Indigenous groups in the area of marine safety, particularly Indigenous coastal communities.
• The CCG will uphold legal obligations and will continue to work with Indigenous groups as new security services are implemented.
• The CCG remains a civilian agency committed to its safety services and programs.
• These amendments do not seek enforcement or interdiction powers, and are not intended to turn the CCG into a military or law enforcement agency.
• Those functions continue by federal partners that already have authorities in those spaces.
• The CCG will continue to deliver its current suite of programs and services, including marine safety, icebreaking, and the provision of platforms for oceans science, while also better supporting the security and sovereignty of Canada.
• Bill C-12 is moving through the parliamentary process now and completed a clause-by-clause review on November 25, 2025, at the Standing Committee for Public Safety and National Security.
• The report stage is anticipated the week of December 8, 2025, with background preparatory technical briefings of Senators being led by Public Safety planned to occur simultaneously.

Transfer of the Canadian Coast Guard through an Order in Council

• On September 2, 2025, the CCG was transferred to the Department of National Defence as a civilian Special Operating Agency through an Order in Council.
• This structural change is intended to strengthen Canada's maritime security posture by improving coordination, enhancing interoperability and streamlining information sharing across the defence team.
• The CCG is a civilian Special Operating Agency and its mandate to provide coast guard services largely stems from the Oceans Act, the Canada Shipping Act 2001, and the Wrecked, Abandoned and Hazardous Vessels Act.
• As a service provider, the CCG provides marine services like icebreaking, marine traffic control, and aids to navigation to commercial shipping within Canada.
• These services are normally provided for a nominal fee, and are meant to promote the safe, economical and efficient movement of ships in Canadian waters.
• The CCG can also provide support to other government departments and does so to support the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada Border Services Agency, Fisheries and Oceans, and Canadian Armed Forces operations (e.g., contribute to wildfire response or provide ice breaking services in the Arctic).
• The change will not impact the services Canadians have come to expect from the CCG.
• The CCG will continue to provide search and rescue, icebreaking, and environmental response services, while enabling navigation and supporting ocean science.
• While the transition itself does not impact the CCG's mandate, the Government of Canada is advancing a separate, but parallel effort under Bill C-12.
• If passed, Bill C-12 will amend the Oceans Act to allow CCG to provide coast guard services related to security.

Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Arctic Presence

• CCG Base in Hay River, NT.
• Regional headquarters (HQ) office in Yellowknife, NT.
• Response depots in Yellowknife, NT, and Iqaluit, NU.
• Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre in Iqaluit, NU, plus 10 remotely controlled radio sites.
• Response (unstaffed) depots in Churchill, MB, and Tuktoyaktuk, NT.
• Arctic Marine Response Station in Rankin Inlet, NU, operating from June to November.
• CCG Auxiliary - Arctic Chapter: 41 units; 533 members; 59 vessels.

Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Arctic Presence

• There are over 300 military personnel in the North and Inuit Nunangat.
• There are approximately 5,500 Canadian Rangers that maintain a meaningful presence in 205 remote and isolated communities, including over 1,500 Rangers in 66 Northern communities and Inuit Nunangat.
• On March 18, 2025, Prime Minister Carney announced $420 million in new funding to boost the presence of the CAF in the North and Inuit Nunangat.
  • The CAF is planning to expand its Northern and Arctic operations.
  • This expansion anticipates including more CAF personnel and the potential for increased inclusion of forces from Allied nations with an Arctic interest.
  • In addition to the year–round presence stated above, new activities and increased resources aim to support a near year-round military operation pr through Operation NANOOK and other exercises and training to assert Canada's presence and sovereignty as well as refine information-sharing processes.
  • Enabling increased Northern and Arctic operations will allow the CAF to better detect, deter, and defend against threats to Canada and North America.

Investments with an Arctic Nexus in Canada's Defence Policy (cash basis):

• $2.7 billion over 20 years to establish Northern Operational Support Hubs.
• $29.1 billion over 20 years to acquire a more modern, mobile, and effective tactical helicopter capability.
• $7.6 billion over 20 years for airborne early warning aircraft.
• $2.1 billion over 20 years to acquire specialized maritime sensors to conduct ocean surveillance.
• $985 million over 20 years to build a new satellite ground station in the Arctic.

Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Presence in the Arctic

• The CCG Arctic Region is headquartered in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and includes staff bases in Hay River, Northwest Territories, and Iqaluit, Nunavut, including the Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre in Iqaluit.
• The CCG Arctic Region has grown to more than 100 full-time employees dedicated to program delivery in the Arctic.
• The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) in the Arctic has undergone tremendous expansion in recent years. Prior to 2015, the CCGA operated nine community-based units in the Arctic; currently, there are 41 community-based CCGA units with 533 members and 59 vessels. This expansion has strengthened local response capacity.
• The CCG also operates the Arctic Marine Response Station (AMRS) in Rankin Inlet, NU. The AMRS is the primary search and rescue facility in the Arctic, improving maritime safety in Arctic waters. The station operates seasonally from June to November.
• The CCG Arctic Region's Marine Environmental and Hazards Response (MEHR) team has enhanced the Agency's footprint across the Canadian Arctic with staffed facilities in Iqaluit, Yellowknife, and Hay River. It will also place equipment caches in 47 communities by the end of FY 2025-26.

Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Presence in the Arctic

• The CAF's permanent presence in the North is anchored by Joint Task Force North (JTFN) in Yellowknife with detachments in Iqaluit and Whitehorse, along with 440 Transport Squadron, 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group Headquarters and a Company of Reserve Infantry.
• The Canadian Army's Arctic Response Company Groups have the ability to conduct sovereignty operations, facilitate disaster response support, and provide general assistance to other government departments in the Canadian North.
• The CAF's footprint in the North and Inuit Nunangat also includes:
  • Canadian Forces Station Alert, the northernmost CAF outpost;
  • CAF Arctic Training Centre in Resolute Bay, Nunavut, which provides a permanent location for training and operations in the Arctic; and
  • Assets that support North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) operations, including the North Warning System, three Forward Operating Locations in Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Iqaluit, and one Deployed Operating Base in Goose Bay.
• National Defence supplements its capabilities in the North and Inuit Nunangat through collaboration with intergovernmental and Inuit and Northern First Nation and Metis partners, including through the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC), which meets three times annually, and briefings to northern Premiers and Indigenous leaders.
  • The ICPC has co-developed a work plan with Defence focused on multi-purpose infrastructure and procurement in Inuit Nunangat.
• Canada will further bolster its presence in the Arctic with $2.7 billion over 20 years (cash basis) for Northern Operational Support Hubs. These hubs will better ensure Canadian sovereignty by establishing a greater year-round presence across the Arctic and the North, and investing in multi-purpose, dual-use infrastructure that also meets the needs of the territories, Indigenous peoples, and Northern communities.
• On March 6, 2025, the Minister of National Defence announced Iqaluit, Inuvik, and Yellowknife as Northern Operational Support Hub locations.
• Further, the NORAD Northern Basing Infrastructure project, part of Canada's NORAD modernization plan, will upgrade legacy and build new infrastructure to support NORAD and Royal Canadian Air Force operations.
  • As part of this project, National Defence is maintaining and enhancing CAF infrastructure at Inuvik, Yellowknife, Iqaluit, and 5 Wing Goose Bay. The investment covers recapitalization, modernization, replacement or addition of new critical infrastructure, airfield rehabilitation, as well as upgrades to security, information management/information technology and electrical systems.
  • Other projects will upgrade infrastructure in Alert, Rankin Inlet, the North Warning System locations and the Whitehorse Cadet Camp.

Exercises and Operations

• CAF presence and responsiveness in the Arctic is maintained through regular national, bilateral, and multilateral exercises and operations. For example:
  • Operation LATITUDE focuses on increasing domain awareness in the Western Arctic and its approaches, in addition to enhancing interoperability with the United States military in the context of continental defence involving live-fire training, personnel exchanges, integrated drills, and tactical coordination.
  • Operation NANOOK is the CAF's signature Northern operation and takes place each year across Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Labrador. It involves engaging with Northern and Indigenous partners, territorial emergency planners and other government departments to identify threats to Northern communities and plan for disaster response.

Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) Project

• On March 18, 2025, Prime Minister Carney announced Canada's intention to partner with the Government of Australia on advanced A-OTHR technology. Subsequently, in June 2025, Canada and Australia signed a technology partnership to advance collaboration to rapidly develop Canada's A-OTHR capability.

Polar Over-the-Horizon Radar (P-OTHR) Project

• National Defence is conducting research and development into the P-OTHR capability, which will further extend surveillance coverage for early threat identification and warning.
• In April 2025, the Government of Canada awarded a two-year contract, valued at $48.4 million, as a joint venture between ATCO Frontec Ltd and Inuvialuit Development Corporation (IDC) to design, build, install and operate the P-OTHR research and development data collection system in the Northwest Territories.

International Cooperation

• National Defence maintains strategic-level collaboration with Arctic Allies and partners through regular multilateral policy dialogues such as the Northern Defence Dialogue at the Defence Ministerial level, the Arctic Chiefs of Defence meetings, the Arctic Security Forces Roundtable, the Arctic Security Policy Roundtable and the Arctic Council.
• National Defence is also committed to increasing information sharing and joint training opportunities with Arctic and non-Arctic partners, including through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
• The CCG collaborates with other Arctic states on maritime search and rescue and environmental response issues. It has taken a leadership role in the Arctic Coast Guard Forum and Arctic Council's Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response Working Group.
• Defence Research and Development Canada is an active participant in the International Cooperative Engagement Program for Polar Research with several Arctic nations to advance our scientific knowledge of the evolving Arctic.
• In July 2024, Canada, the United States and Finland announced an enhanced trilateral partnership called the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort, or ICE Pact, to build best-in-class Arctic and polar icebreakers.

Arctic Infrastructure Fund – Defence perspective

• Announced in Budget 2025, the Arctic Infrastructure Fund, led by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, will invest $1 billion over five years in projects that deliver dual-use capabilities for both military and civilian purposes.
• These investments will advance shared priorities by supporting Defence operational readiness while meeting the infrastructure needs of Northern and Indigenous communities.
• Projects under this fund will focus on critical enablers such as transportation, energy and communications, which are essential for sustaining operations and strengthening resilience in the Arctic.
• Defence is working closely with other government departments to ensure that infrastructure investments complement mobility, logistics, and situational awareness requirements, reinforcing Canada's sovereignty and security posture in the North.

Defence Spending

• FY 2025-26: Canada's defence spending is projected to reach 2.01% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with 22.6% devoted to major equipment, up from 1.47% of GDP and 18.3% on major equipment in comparison to FY 2024-25.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Common Funded Budget

• In addition to investing in their own armed forces, all NATO Allies contribute directly to NATO's budget based on an agreed cost-share formula derived from Gross National Income. Canada is the 6th largest contributor to NATO's common funded budget.

• On June 25, 2025, Canada and its NATO Allies agreed to a new Defence Investment Pledge of investing 5% of GDP annually by 2035.
• As part of this 5% pledge, Canada will invest 3.5% of GDP for core defence expenditures, expanding on the June 9, 2025, announcement, which will bring Canada to 2% this year.
• This includes strengthening the foundation of National Defence through investments in our people, capabilities, infrastructure, and digital capabilities.
• An additional 1.5% of GDP will be dedicated to investments in critical defence and security-related expenditures, that will – among other things – protect our critical infrastructure, defend our networks, unleash innovation, and strengthen our defence industrial base.

Other Government Department and Agencies' Contributions

• On September 2, 2025, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) integrated into the National Defence portfolio. With this move, the entirety of CCG's budget will be included in our NATO contributions going forward. Historically, only a portion of the CCG's budget counted towards Canadian defence expenditures.
• Eligible funding to other government departments has also counted towards Canada's NATO contributions, such as pensions for members. This includes Veterans Affairs Canada, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, Global Affairs Canada, Shared Services Canada, and other government organizations that cannot be disclosed publicly.

Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) Analysis

• The PBO published a report on October 30, 2024, entitled The Fiscal Implications of Meeting the NATO Military Spending Target in follow-up to its update in July 2024.
  • The report stated that additional spending would be required to meet the NATO 2% commitment but concluded that such expenditures are possible without unduly impacting Canada's deficit-to-GDP ratio.
  • However, it reiterated a position that the PBO took in summer 2024, that Our North, Strong and Free (ONSAF) underestimates GDP growth and that, as a result, Canada's defence budget would have to rise significantly to meet the NATO 2% target.
  • The PBO labelled the ONSAF GDP forecast as "erroneous" as it assumed a nominal GDP growth rate of 1.7%, which "does not even keep pace with inflation and therefore assumes a 4-year economic recession, almost twice the length of the country's longest recession in the last 40 years".
• The PBO relies on its own methodology for calculating GDP, which it says is broadly similar to the Department of Finance's methodology.
• National Defence uses Canadian GDP figures provided by NATO, which use several data sources, including the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and is a standard practice for NATO Allies.
• The PBO's 2025 update on its Planned Capital Spending under Canada's Defence Policy report was released on October 29, 2025.
• The report analyses Department of National Defence planned and actual capital spending since the 2017 defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged.
• The PBO report includes the following findings:
  • That Defence spending is increasing to unprecedented levels
    • The report highlights a projected spend of $322.9 billion between 2024-25 to 2043-44, with annual spending projected to peak at $25.7 billion in 2030-31.
  • That National Defence continues to underspend which results in lapsing or reprofiling funding
    • Over the period 2017-18 to 2023-24, actual capital spending fell short of planned amounts by a total of $18.5 billion.
  • Delayed spending results in higher costs.
• The increase in planned capital spending reflects the addition of new projects as well as revisions to existing projects under the updated defence policy. The Government's commitment to meet NATO spending targets contributes to this increase, though this report does not assess the capital plan relative to those targets.
• Challenges to meeting planned spending have included persistent supply chain issues as a result of the pandemic, reduced availability of materiel as a result of production issues and delayed delivery of equipment from contractors.

Revitalized Shipbuilding Sector

• The Canadian Coast Guard has taken delivery of an Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV), built by Vancouver Shipyards. The vessel will replace the critical oceanographic and climate change research that was performed by the decommissioned CCGS Hudson.
• Construction efforts are currently underway on four (4) large vessels for the Coast Guard, including:
  • Two (2) Polar Icebreakers; and
  • Two (2) Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) variants.
• The Coast Guard is also renewing its small vessel fleet, including the construction of 20 Search and Rescue Lifeboats. Two contracts were awarded to Hike Metal Products Ltd., in Wheatley, Ontario, and Chantier Naval Forillon Inc., in Gaspé, Quebec.
• On March 7, 2025, Canada awarded a $3.15 billion contract to Vancouver Shipyards and a $3.25 billion contract to Chantier Davie, each for the construction of a Polar Icebreaker.

Upcoming Milestones

• Additionally, the Coast Guard is targeting delivery of the final Search and Rescue Lifeboats by the end of 2025.

• The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) fleet renewal consists of the following large vessels:
  • Three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels, which were delivered in 2019 and 2020 by Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards (VSY);
  • One Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel;
  • Two Polar Icebreakers;
  • Up to 16 Multi-Purpose Icebreakers;
  • Two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) (CCG variants); and
  • Up to six Program Icebreakers.
• Budget 2008 allocated funding for the acquisition of a Polar Icebreaker to replace the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Louis S. St-Laurent. Subsequent policy and funding approvals were obtained between 2012 and 2025.
• In May 2021, Canada announced the procurement of two Polar Icebreakers for the CCG – one to be built at VSY and the other at Chantier Davie Canada Inc. (CDCI).
• In April 2023, CDCI was formally added to the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

Polar Icebreaker at VSY (Polar-VSY)

• In July 2021, Canada awarded an ancillary contract to VSY to finalize design and undertake work in preparation for comprehensive construction engineering.
• In December 2022, VSY was awarded contracts for construction engineering and the acquisition of long-lead items.
• In February 2024, work was completed on a prototype block at VSY. This marked an important step in the shipyard's work on the project.
• Steel was cut in April 2025, and full rate construction started in July 2025. The vessel is expected to be delivered to Canada in 2032.

Polar Icebreaker at CDCI (Polar Max)

• In September 2024, Canada awarded an ancillary contract to CDCI. Work included the verification of technical specifications, as well as the development of cost estimates and a CDCI-proposed build strategy for the Polar Max, as an alternative to the CCG Polar Icebreaker design.
• Steel was cut on August 20, 2025, following a ceremony held in Helsinki, Finland. The vessel is expected to be delivered to Canada in 2030.

Large Shipyard Updates

Vancouver Shipyards

• Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel acceptance was concluded on November 13, 2025.
• Construction engineering and long-lead items contracts for the Multi-Purpose Icebreakers were announced on March 26, 2024. Work is underway to prepare for the start of the construction, currently planned for 2026-27.
• Steel was cut for the Polar Icebreaker in April 2025, and full rate construction began in July 2025.

Chantier Davie Canada Inc. (CDCI)

• Initial work on the Program Icebreaker is underway through an ancillary contract that was announced in March 2024.
• Work on the second Polar Icebreaker (Polar Max) is advancing at CDCI's Helsinki shipyard, with construction commencing on August 20, 2025.

Irving Shipbuilding Inc. (ISI)

• Work is progressing well on both Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (CCG variants). ISI is targeting delivery of CCGS Donjek Glacier in fall 2026 and expects to deliver CCGS Sermilik Glacier in fall 2027.

Small Vessel Fleet

• On May 25, 2023, Canada announced an investment valued at $2.5 billion for up to 61 small vessels. To date, 33 small vessels have been delivered to the CCG, including 21 vessels acquired under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, as well as 12 vessels pre-dating the strategy.

Additional Initiatives

• The CCG completed the renewal of its light and medium helicopter fleet with delivery of 16 new light-lift helicopters and seven new medium-lift helicopters. A replacement light-lift helicopter was also acquired in 2024, to replace one involved in an accident in September 2022.
• The CCG is also implementing interim measures to ensure continued delivery of critical services until new ships are delivered. This includes a comprehensive Vessel Life Extension program for existing vessels, as well as the acquisition of three interim Medium Icebreakers and one interim Light Icebreaker.

Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Role in Major Resource Projects

• CCG provides expertise on search and rescue, environmental and hazards response, incident management, vessel traffic services, icebreaking, and aids to navigation during federal impact assessments and provincial substituted processes.
• Through Transport Canada's Navigational Safety Assessment Process, the CCG contributes analysis to identify measures that support safe marine navigation.
• CCG remains engaged with federal partners as projects move through planning, permitting, and operational phases to help ensure safe and reliable marine operations.
• As major resource projects advance, any changes to or the expansion of CCG programs and services to support safe and efficient maritime operations would require engagement and consultation with impacted Indigenous communities.

Potential Projects of National Interest with a Marine Shipping Component

• Port of Churchill Plus – Upgrades would expand trade corridors and diversify market access to Europe and other markets through northern routes. CCG's current presence in Churchill includes services that facilitate economic access and community resupply.
• Arctic Economic and Security Corridor – Intended to improve northern development, connectivity, and community access across the western Arctic. CCG's established northern presence, along with its communications network and response capacity, supports safe navigation across key Arctic waterways.
• Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Projects on the West Coast – Linked to energy exports that help diversify Canada's trade and advance clean energy goals (e.g., Ksi Lisims LNG and LNG Canada Phase 2). CCG support includes existing marine communications and traffic services, navigational aids, and year-round maritime safety services.
• Northwest Critical Minerals Corridor – Promotes critical mineral production in the Northern British Columbia. CCG's current navigation systems, communications coverage, and environmental and hazards response contribute to safe maritime access along the western trade routes.
• Wind West Atlantic Energy – Supports offshore renewable energy development in the Atlantic region. CCG's search and rescue capacity, marine communications, and traffic-management services help ensure safe navigation for existing and proposed offshore activities in the region.

Major Resource Projects and CCG Programs

• The Coast Guard delivers programs that contribute to the safety of mariners, community resilience, protect Canada's marine environment, and support the safe and efficient movement of maritime trade. The Coast Guard also maintains a federal presence that contributes to Canada's sovereignty and security in Canadian waters.
• Increased activity from major resource projects highlights the Coast Guard's ongoing role in supporting safe navigation and delivering effective maritime services.
• The CCG is working to develop e-navigation solutions for the future, to provide mariners with real-time information and support navigation in areas of national interest, such as major resource projects.
• The Coast Guard's participation in federal impact assessments helps identify maritime considerations early. This includes assessing vessel traffic patterns, navigational conditions, ice conditions, emergency response needs, and communications coverage.

Projects of National Interest

• The Building Canada Act allows the Government of Canada to designate major infrastructure proposals as Projects of National Interest (PONIs).
  • Under this framework, the Major Projects Office (established in 2025) coordinates federal reviews and supports for these projects across the federal government.
  • Projects are considered for PONI designation based on their potential to contribute to national economic growth, Indigenous participation, and Canada's climate objectives, among other factors.
• The Government has announced two tranches of major projects, reflecting significant national economic activity and priority areas such as supply-chain strength, clean growth, and regional development.
  • In September 2025, the Prime Minister announced the first tranche of major projects to be considered under the regime, representing investments across energy, critical minerals, and trade corridors.
  • On November 13, 2025, the Prime Minister announced a second tranche of potential major projects, adding further large-scale infrastructure and industrial proposals.

Marine Activity Associated with PONIs

• Potential developments in the Arctic, along the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts, and in the St. Lawrence Seaway may influence historical vessel patterns and increase marine traffic in some waterways.
• These changes reinforce the Coast Guard's role in ensuring safe navigation, providing emergency management coordination, search and rescue as well as environmental and hazards response capacity, and maintaining effective marine communications systems.

Indigenous Partnerships and Consultation

• Proponents have the responsibility to carry out consultations consistent with the Duty to Consult and Free, Prior and Informed Consent, with support from the Government and the CCG, where applicable.
• If a major resource project results in changes to Coast Guard programs or services, the CCG is responsible for fulfilling and upholding Crown obligations and commitments related to the duty to consult, treaties, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and the Inuit Nunangat Policy.

Safe at Sea Vessel Awareness Sessions

• Safe at Sea vessel awareness sessions are onboard engagements led by regional fleet leadership to strengthen awareness of support resources and harassment prevention, and to reinforce conduct expectations directly with crews in their operational environment. National progress to date includes reaching 1,040 crew members (over 1/3rd of fleet).

Safe at Sea Peer Support Network

• The Safe at Sea Initiative is supported by a national peer network equipped to offer early, accessible, and confidential support. Nationally, 85 peers have been identified and 43 have been trained to date. All peers are expected to be trained by March 2026.

• The Government of Canada has taken action through Bill C-65, the federal anti-harassment and violence legislation, to help keep workers in federally regulated workplaces, including the most vulnerable, safe.
• Bill C-65 came into force on January 1, 2021, and is an Act that amended the Canada Labour Code (CLC) Part II to introduce new regulations (the Regulations) on prevention of harassment and violence in the workplace. The Regulations introduced a number of amendments to strengthen the existing framework for harassment and violence prevention. This includes sexual harassment and sexual violence, discrimination, as well as family violence, in federally regulated industries and workplaces.
• The Canadian Coast Guard (Coast Guard) started work on the Safe at Sea initiative in February 2024. An initial two-year, nationally coordinated implementation plan was established to strengthen psychological health, prevent sexual misconduct and harassment, and enhance support for sea-going and shore-based personnel. The plan details the phased rollout of national training, peer-support capacity, leadership accountability measures, and fleet-specific awareness activities from Fiscal Year (FY) 2024–25 through FY 2025–26, including the appointment of dedicated regional AS-04 coordinators, foundational and advanced peer-training modules, updated awareness workshop packages, bystander intervention training, and resilient leadership training.
• The implementation plan also includes a National Social Health Needs Assessment, integration of Safe at Sea content into College and Command courses, and regular monitoring through quarterly dashboards and ongoing consultations. Collectively, the sequencing view demonstrates a structured, evidence-informed approach to building a safer, more respectful, and more responsive organizational culture across every region and fleet.
• The scope of this initiative is to provide emotional and practical support. This involves - ensuring an employee is heard; directed to the appropriate resources; and, that the proper follow-up has been done. In addition, it includes working towards the elimination of sexual misconduct and harassment. This will be addressed via various means including, but not limited to: training for all employees; swift and decisive disciplinary action; enforcement of the sexual misconduct and harassment policy; ensuring the proper reporting procedures are in place; and, that all complaints of sexual misconduct and harassment will be taken seriously and promptly investigated. It is important to note that the scope of this initiative is not to offer personal or legal counselling and will not provide labor relations advice.

• On July 11, 2024, Canada announced an enhanced economic and security trilateral partnership with Finland and the United States on Arctic and polar icebreakers and other Arctic and polar capabilities to support the collective economic, climate and national security priorities.
• After months of negotiations, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by all parties on November 13, 2024.
• This partnership marks a collaborative effort to strengthen the shipbuilding and broader marine industries in each nation by capabilities related to Arctic and polar icebreakers.
• The initiative aims to improve cooperation and reduce costs by sharing technical knowledge about icebreakers. It also includes working together on training programs and providing top-quality icebreakers to allies. Additionally, it will create a framework to share research and innovation for future Arctic and polar projects.
• The information and best practices gained through the partnership will help inform current and future work on ice breaking capabilities built under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS).
• Canada remains committed to working with Canadian shipyards to revitalize Canada's marine industry, create good middle-class jobs, and maximize economic benefits across the country, while recapitalizing the Canadian Federal fleets. Canadian shipyards will continue to build polar icebreakers and other Arctic and polar capabilities under the NSS.
• Canada has world class shipbuilding, ship design and ship repair and overhaul capabilities. This partnership has the potential to contribute to the long-term viability of the shipbuilding and broader marine industries in being self-sustaining as well as the potential to bring prosperity and well-paying jobs to multiple regions of Canada.