Vision

The RCN’s main purpose and function is to guarantee Canada’s national security.

Approximately 90% of global trade, and 20% of Canada’s trade is transported by shipping vessels contributing approximately $30 billion annually to Canada’s economy.

Approximately 97% of all transoceanic digital communications are carried by underwater fibre optic cables. These communications include approximately $10 trillion in daily financial transactions, internet traffic and phone calls.

Disruptions to Canada’s international trade or ability to communicate internationally using underwater telecommunication infrastructure would have disastrous impacts on the economy and national security of Canada, its allies and all nations who abide by international law.

As part of the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) responsibility for defending Canada at sea both at home and around the world, it is our responsibility to acquire and maintain the ability to project our naval power. The RCN’s types and number of ships and submarines give it the ability to:

• deploy rapidly;
• remain at sea in specific areas for extended periods;
• quickly adapt to new situations that require different responses and capabilities; and
• integrate easily into an allied, partner nation’s, or international coalition’s task group.

The RCN ensures to maintain unique capabilities that allow it to operate in coastal waters, as well as far from home in inhospitable environments to successfully:

• conduct sovereignty patrols and search and rescue operations in Canadian waters;
• provide peacekeeping support around the world;
• assist Canadian provincial, territorial and federal authorities during emergencies;
• provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief at home and abroad;
• enhance diplomacy;
• prevent illegal activities by hostile nations and organizations; and
• engage in combat operations.