The head of the navy has stated that Canada’s coast guard ships do not need to be armed unless there is a wartime situation. Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee mentioned that in case of a conflict, there are options to swiftly equip civilian vessels for defense. The debate over whether the coast guard’s integration into national defense makes it vulnerable has been a focus in Parliament for several months.
Topshee emphasized the need to review defense strategies in a wartime scenario and consider all options for protection. He expressed that altering the nature of the coast guard by arming it should only occur if there is a compelling reason to do so.
The decision to merge the coast guard with the military has been mainly discussed in terms of helping Canada meet its NATO defense spending obligations. Additionally, Parliament is deliberating on a bill, C-12, to extend the coast guard’s mandate for coastal surveillance and intelligence sharing with the military.
Currently, Canada is the only Arctic nation that does not arm its coast guard fleet. The commissioner of the coast guard, Mario Pelletier, highlighted that their primary role is not defense but information gathering. Pelletier mentioned that if the coast guard were to face an attack, it is expected that the navy would provide defense.
There is a growing concern over surveillance and intelligence activities due to increased militarization in the Arctic by the federal government and NATO allies, citing threats from Russia and China. Defense expert Rob Huebert noted that several countries arm their coast guards, and distinguishing between civilian and military vessels can be challenging for adversaries.
Recent global incidents show heightened confrontations involving coast guard ships, particularly in the South China Sea. Conservative MP Jeff Kibble raised concerns about the coast guard’s ability to handle threats and its role in security operations.
The coast guard has always maintained its civilian status, with little inclination within the government to change this. Topshee suggested that if defense capabilities were needed, naval personnel could provide the expertise in handling weapons.
The integration of the Canadian Coast Guard with the Department of National Defence has been praised by military officials for enhancing situational awareness, especially in the Arctic region. The move is seen as beneficial for NORAD, providing increased maritime presence and warning capabilities.
Despite the integration, the coast guard will not be militarized or have an enforcement role. Secure communications equipment is being considered to enable civilian ships to report observations effectively.