National Defence Committee on Oct. 30th, 2025

[Marc Mes]

Maybe I'll take that question, Mr. Chair, only because the search and rescue program falls under my purview.

Absolutely. The auxiliaries are a very important element of the response program. As such, there are seven chapters across the country, of which there are multiple units, and those units are growing day by day. We provide funding to cover the costs of training, travel and equipment replacement for the auxiliaries as we continue to move forward and work closely with them as they look at new equipment that they potentially could obtain. That is done in consultation with the Coast Guard through the contribution agreements that exist with each of the chapters.

[Chris Malette, Liberal, Bay of Quinte, ON]

Through you again, Mr. Chair, for either of you, from your perspective and experience with the Coast Guard, what would you say are the key advantages of that integration of the Canadian Coast Guard into National Defence?

As well, Mr. Mes, I think you touched on the enhanced collaboration with indigenous communities. Where do we see that having a key advantage of expanding and improving the role of the Coast Guard?

[Marc Mes]

The interoperability with our new family members within National Defence is pretty clear.

Number one, it's about strategic planning—operational planning, now with the navy—to ensure that our waters are safe and secure.

Also, there are improved procurement opportunities with our Canadian Armed Forces, and we can leverage the renewals that we are doing on behalf of the Coast Guard but also on National Defence's behalf. There is technology and innovation in joining the efforts that are done by both organizations.

To the last point, on indigenous engagement, that's a critical piece for the Canadian Coast Guard, and it's a piece that we have really been focusing in on since the start of the oceans protection plan. We are engaging and including them in our response systems. This is an opportunity for both the Coast Guard and National Defence to work together in partnership with first nations, Métis and Inuit communities across the country.

[Chris Malette, Liberal, Bay of Quinte, ON]

Thank you.

Further to that and as we discussed earlier, with the enhanced role in the north as we see it expanding, one of the mandates says that the Coast Guard is search and rescue and environmental response. Could you tell us a bit more about these, how climate change can affect the work of the Coast Guard, and how working with our indigenous partners in the north can aid in that role?

[Marc Mes]

That's a really good question, Mr. Chair.

Climate change is having a significant impact on the work we do. If we just look at incident management, as an example, there are wildfires, flooding and hurricanes. The response that we have at the Coast Guard is from a maritime perspective, but we're also able to offer capacities with our expertise in incident management and incident command systems. We also have expertise with our helicopters, including with the Canadian Air Force, and we are bringing this together.

It has changed the work that we do. We see what has happened in some of the incidences where we have vessels of concern or those that we potentially have to respond to because of oil spills on the water. That has changed, and we are now working with first nations indigenous communities, because it is a partnership. It's within their communities on the water, so we have to engage with them. When we send up incident command posts, we bring in first nations as part of the command team, so that they have a say in what happens.

[The Chair, Liberal, Charles Sousa]

Thank you, Deputy Commissioner.

Thank you, Mr. Malette.

Monsieur Savard-Tremblay, you have seven minutes.

[Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay, Bloc, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

On this October 30, 2025, I would be remiss if I did not start by reflecting on the incredible exercise in democracy that Quebeckers went through 30 years ago. Had it not been for Ottawa's wrongdoing and lack of respect, I would not be in this foreign Parliament, a Parliament whose virtue is to strengthen my convictions on a daily basis. Quebeckers would not be an ever-shrinking minority today, but instead would have spent the last 30 years living in freedom. I take solace in the fact that the next time will be the charm and that it will happen very soon.

Now, thank you for being here. There has been a lot of talk about Bill C‑2, which became Bill C‑12. Excluding the more contentious aspects that are not in the new version, which is a debate topic for another day, most of today's discussion has been about border services and less about the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard's mandate is being expanded to include collecting and distributing marine security information. Most people in the union, particularly at the Canada Border Services Agency, said they agreed with that, but were afraid they wouldn't have the necessary staff.

Do you think it's feasible?

[Marc Mes]

I can start my answer in French, but I will continue in English.

[Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay, Bloc, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC]

Feel free, it's no problem.

[Marc Mes]

When it comes to the CBSA and the RCMP, Bill C‑12 highlights the importance of being a partner that knows what's happening on the water and at the border.

Having an understanding of what happens on the border is an element with which the Coast Guard can help. This is an important element. The RCMP and CBSA have a huge role in keeping our border secure.

There's a role that the Coast Guard can play, particularly in the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes, where we have this shared border. It's an eyes and ears role. For example, our lifeboats, if they're on the water, are now able to use sensors to bring that information to our partners to have a better understanding of what's on the water and provide support.

People are usually not aware of the maritime domain. The land domain borders, whether they are ports, land crossings, or those in between, are the areas of focus. The maritime border is also an area.

[Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay, Bloc, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC]

You're saying that it can be done through people and technology.

That said, will the expansion of the mandate lead to governance issues, including accountability? This is a major shakeup within the institution.

[Andy Smith]

Can you repeat the question, please?

[Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay, Bloc, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC]

As far as people and technology are concerned, it's fine; I understood the answer. That said, the expansion of the mandate is a shakeup in terms of accountability. Does this present new governance challenges?

[Andy Smith]

Mr. Chair, it's obviously a different form of governance. However, we are very well positioned in this regard, even though it has only been two months since we joined the National Defence team.

We're very well positioned to contribute to all of the governance tables.

[Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay, Bloc, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC]

I find that curious. Border services tell us that they would be overwhelmed, that they have quite significant challenges and that a lot more bodies will have to be brought on board. In your case, you say you're ready, everything's fine and there's no problem. I find it curious to see the difference in preparation.

[Marc Mes]

In my opinion, the only thing the Coast Guard lacks is the authorization to participate, engage in discussions and, in particular, share security information. With our equipment and our ships, we can do our part.

[Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay, Bloc, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC]

We heard testimony here from Major-General Robert Ritchie in September. He told us that there were no plans to militarize the Coast Guard or add a law enforcement component to its mandate. For you, there would be virtually no change on the military side of things.

Are you confirming that there was no discussion on this, that it was not mentioned and that this is not one of your requests?

[Marc Mes]

No, it's not at all.

[Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay, Bloc, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC]

Why wouldn't that be in the best interests of the Coast Guard?

[Marc Mes]

Right now, there is no need for the Coast Guard to have that law enforcement or be militarized. First of all, we don't have the capacity or the equipment on the ships to do that. We are a non-combatant civilian fleet.

We already support law enforcement. We have a mandate under the Oceans Act. The minister responsible for the Coast Guard can provide services to other government departments. We do it right now with the RCMP and with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. There is enforcement. We provide the platform. There is no need for the Coast Guard to have that mandate.

[Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay, Bloc, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC]

I think you also have employees who are worried and afraid of a mandate change. I imagine that they share that with you, that they let you know.

[Marc Mes]

Yes.

[Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay, Bloc, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC]

What do you say to them?

[Andy Smith]

That's a good question. These worries are normal, and we even expected them during the transition.

Basically, Coast Guard employees joined the organization under the Public Service Employment Act and not under the National Defence Act. The terms and conditions of employment are completely different.

At present, there is no question of militarizing or arming our ships to take part in defence missions.

[The Chair, Liberal, Charles Sousa]

Thank you, Deputy Commissioner.

Thank you, Mr. Savard‑Tremblay.

We're going to round two.

For the next five minutes, we have Mr. Anderson.