Our mandate

The Canadian Coast Guard owns and operates the federal government's civilian fleet and provides key maritime services to Canadians.

As a special operating agency of National Defence, we help the department meet its responsibility to ensure safe and accessible waterways for Canadians. We also play a key role in ensuring the sustainable use and development of Canada's oceans and waterways.

Canadians expect the federal government to:

• protect the marine environment
• support economic growth
• ensure public safety on the water
• ensure Canada's sovereignty and security by establishing a strong federal presence in our waters

We help the government meet the public's expectation of clean, safe, secure, healthy and productive waters and coastlines.

Mission

Our services support government priorities and economic prosperity and contribute to the safety, accessibility and security of Canadian waters.

Vision

Through innovation and excellence, we are a recognized leader in maritime services and safety.

Mandate and organizational values

Our mandate is stated in the Oceans Act and the Canada Shipping Act.

The Minister of National Defence is responsible for providing Canadian Coast Guard services under the Oceans Act:

• aids to navigation
• channel maintenance
• marine search and rescue
• marine pollution response
• hazardous vessels response
• icebreaking and ice-management services
• marine communications and traffic management services
• support of other government departments, boards and agencies by providing ships, aircraft and other services

The Canada Shipping Act gives the Minister powers, responsibilities and obligations concerning:

• aids to navigation
• search and rescue
• pollution response
• vessel traffic services

Organizational values

Our values include:

• integrity
• teamwork
• innovation
• quality service
• professionalism