The Ombudsman

On 1 November 2018, Gregory Lick assumed the role of Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Greg brings a wealth of experience from a career with the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) spanning three decades as well as having served as a Naval Reservist for over 17 years, retiring as a Petty Officer 2^nd Class. Greg has a history of working closely with the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces on Joint CCG-CAF Operations, policy development, as well as vessel procurement.

Prior to becoming Ombudsman, Greg served as the CCG’s Director General Operations. Nominated in September 2014, he led numerous initiatives to improve Coast Guard operations including the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy Joint Arctic Concept of Operations, implementation of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan investments, consolidation of Marine Communications and Traffic Services centres. In addition, Greg led national responses to incidents such as the 2013 tragic loss of a Coast Guard helicopter in the Arctic and the Manolis L oil removal operation.

Greg’s marine career started with the Naval Reserve in 1981, where he dedicated his efforts to improving training along with time spent at sea, at Canadian Forces Fleet School (Pacific) and as a Ship’s Diver.

Greg joined the CCG in 1985 as an Engineering Officer Cadet at the Canadian Coast Guard College. Upon graduation, he served aboard numerous icebreakers, bouytenders, and search and rescue vessels as an Engineering Officer. 

In 1997, Greg’s career moved him ashore to appointments in Fleet management including director-level roles in Technical Training, Financial and Operational Planning, and Fleet Operations Support. In 2009, he returned to the technical side of the house through his appointment to the position of Portfolio Director Offshore Science Vessels. Greg provided critical leadership in the development of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) as well as the development of the 30-year CCG Fleet Renewal Plan.

Following the success of Canada’s $5.2 billion announced in Budget 2012 for Coast Guard Fleet Renewal, Greg was assigned the responsibilities of Acting Director General Major Crown Projects in the CCG’s Vessel Procurement sector. He was then appointed in 2012 to the position of Portfolio Director Offshore Patrol Vessels and Medium Endurance Multi-Tasked Vessels.

In 2013, CCG Operations called Greg back to serve as Director Operational Support, responsible for all national operations support including icebreaking, search and rescue, environmental response, aids to navigation, marine communications and traffic services, waterways, and marine security. Greg led the headquarters’ support to the Brigadier General M.G. Zalinski oil removal operation as a Deputy Incident Commander.

Greg holds Bachelor degrees in Mathematics and Nautical Science (Marine Engineering) as well as a Master in Business Administration from Queen’s University.