Today, the Canadian Coast Guard welcomed personnel from Transport Canada's aircraft services to the Defence Team. The program provides federal aviation services to various government departments, including managing and maintaining a civilian fleet of aircraft that support operational flights, environmental response, natural disaster response, and remote community outreach.
The transfer of the services and assets to the Canadian Coast Guard will provide the agency with operational control of the Government of Canada's civilian aerial fleet. This transition comes at a critical time, as the Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12) expands the Canadian Coast Guard's security and surveillance responsibilities. With a longstanding presence along Canada's coasts and waterways, through the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes, and across the Canadian Arctic, the Canadian Coast Guard plays a vital role in supporting communities and monitoring activities in Canada's territorial waters. Integrating the aircraft services program into the Defence Team will improve Canada's maritime domain awareness and reinforce national safety and security.
The Canadian Coast Guard and the aircraft services team have a long history of close collaboration. Bringing this expertise together in one organization will allow both to continue delivering essential services to Canadians. The transition will not affect Transport Canada's responsibility for developing and enforcing aviation regulations, standards, and oversight under the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
