The Canadian Coast Guard has always been an active member of the federal maritime security community. The amendments to the Oceans Act outline the new security-related authorities that will allow it to work more closely with partners to gain a more comprehensive picture of activities in Canadian waters.
The new security responsibilities strengthen the Canadian Coast Guard's ability to collaborate with security partners, which will enhance maritime domain awareness and contribute to improved maritime security. The changes allow the Canadian Coast Guard to play a greater role in supporting Canada's national security and protecting Canadian sovereignty, without any law enforcement powers or authorities.
With its extensive presence across Canadian waters, the Canadian Coast Guard maintains strong situational awareness of maritime activity. Its robust infrastructure, sensors, and surveillance capability provide a comprehensive picture of what is occurring within Canada's 200-mile maritime zone, which will be used for security purposes.
What's new for the Canadian Coast Guard
The Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act amends the Oceans Act to allow the Canadian Coast Guard to conduct security-related activities to adopt a more active role in Canada's maritime domain awareness. These activities include:
- Security patrols, which are now part of the Canadian Coast Guard's responsibilities and will be integrated into operations. This will allow for a comprehensive understanding of activities within Canadian waters and identify any suspicious activity warranting further investigation or interdiction by an enforcement partner; and,
- Surveillance activities to collect, analyze, and disclose information for defence, security, and intelligence purposes.
Safety First, Service Always
The Canadian Coast Guard's commitment to safeguarding mariners and protecting Canada's marine environment is not changing. The new security-related activities will not impact the services Canadians have come to expect from the Canadian Coast Guard. It will continue to provide its existing services to Canadians, including search and rescue, environmental protection, icebreaking, supporting ocean science, and supporting the economy by escorting vessels.
Throughout the implementation of these new activities, the Canadian Coast Guard remains committed to engaging with partners. The information it collects will continue to be shared with security partners as per the Canadian Coast Guard's role within the Marine Security Operation Centres.
In alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the Inuit Nunangat Policy, the Canadian Coast Guard will consult with Indigenous Peoples regarding the impact of the new security-related activities on their rights.
