I think that the actual fitting of weapons on a ship is the smallest part of the problem and the smallest part of the challenge, if you were to change the function of the Coast Guard. It is a civilian agency. It doesn't have a culture across the organization of military training, rules of engagement, and those kinds of things that are critical to a military organization, so that you know what to do when you are confronted with a threat.
I think the Coast Guard plays a critical role on the water. It partners with the armed forces, the RCMP, and CBSA on a number of fronts in terms of the safety, security, and sovereignty of Canada.
Certainly, the Coast Guard has a large presence in the Arctic. There are six icebreakers in the Arctic every year doing a number of things, from search and rescue, to environmental response, and icebreaking for resupply. It is also a huge sovereignty presence. Those red and white ships mean something up there.
In terms of what is required today, I think that the Coast Guard is the right model. I don't think models are static though, and I think you always have to be looking at what the country needs and where it's best placed to deliver that service from. I think there's a time where you may want a more active role from the Coast Guard, but for today, I think the model works.