Message from the Minister of National Defence: Welcoming the Canadian Coast Guard

September 2, 2025 - Defence Stories

Defence Team,

Today, I am honoured to welcome the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and key employees from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to the Defence Team. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter – one that builds on the CCG’s longstanding legacy of protecting our nation’s maritime interests and resources and deepens our collective responsibility of safeguarding Canada.

This transition reflects Canada’s commitment to an evolving security landscape. The Government of Canada has proposed expanding the CCG’s mandate to include security activities. By bringing the CCG into the Defence portfolio, we will strengthen our ability to respond to emerging threats, particularly in the maritime domain, and by sharing our knowledge and resources in this pursuit, we will enhance our capacity to protect our borders, particularly in remote and Arctic regions.

The CCG will remain a civilian Special Operating Agency. There are no plans to arm CCG personnel or assets, or to incorporate an additional enforcement role in the organization. The CCG will continue to deliver the essential services on which Canadians rely, including search and rescue, icebreaking, environmental conservation and protection, safe navigation, and supporting ocean science.

This is just the beginning of a meaningful partnership—one that will strengthen Canada’s security and resilience.

To our new colleagues from the CCG and DFO: welcome to the Defence Team. We are proud to have you with us. I look forward to meeting and engaging with you over the coming months and learning more about the important work you do.

The Honourable David J. McGuinty
Minister of National Defence