Message from the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada: Farewell to the Canadian Coast Guard

September 2, 2025 - Defence Stories

Dear colleagues,

Today, an Order in Council was made, formally transferring the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) along with key personnel from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to the Department of National Defence (DND).  

While the formal transition is effective immediately, we recognize that in practice the full transition will take place over the course of many months. CCG has been an integral part of our organization for decades, and untangling this in a matter of weeks is an ambitious undertaking. We will also navigate the transfer of many DFO staff members, whose work plays critical roles in supporting CCG files and functions. This may mean some of our colleagues identified for transition will continue working at their same desks, in the same buildings, and beside the same colleagues as this full transition unfolds. Together, DFO and DND are committed to ensuring the new management team is well-positioned to welcome and support all of personnel moving over.

We know this is a period of change, and that employees at all levels have questions about what these changes mean for them and their work. Our priority is to ensure this transition is as smooth and transparent as possible. We remain committed to keeping you informed and ensuring you are provided with up-to-date information that will address common questions and concerns throughout this transition.

DFO and CCG have built a strong partnership, with employees at all levels collaborating in many areas on a daily basis. This collaboration will continue. We look forward to working with CCG and DND to ensure we collectively continue to serve Canadians as we currently do.

We extend our appreciation and best wishes all employees who are moving to DND. We would also like to personally acknowledge the work and dedication of Commissioner Mario Pelletier, who has been a key member of our senior executive team since 2019, as well as his Senior Management Team. We look forward to continuing to work with all of you in your new home department.