Strategic Human Resources Plan
2008/2011

Message from the Commissioner

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) provides important maritime programs and services and ensures safe, secure and accessible Canadian waterways for the benefit of all Canadians. It is the professionalism, excellence and dedication of our employees that make the Coast Guard an effective institution. I am proud of the
work of Coast Guard employees, and feel that the next few years
hold great promise in what we can accomplish together-and with
our stakeholders-for Canadians.

Modernizing human resources management is integral to the development of a vibrant Coast Guard. Global and Canadian labour markets are increasingly competitive. We are starting to experience an international shortage of skilled mariners and challenges in recruitment in many of our technical occupations. Furthermore, the last Public Service Employee Survey highlighted several areas where we need to make improvements in the workplace to facilitate recruitment and retention.

Human resources management is the biggest challenge this Agency faces and human resources strategies are key to delivering our business. Over the next five years, 25% of our workforce will be eligible to retire. Their knowledge and skills will be difficult to replace. At the same time, the labour market is changing and we need to be able to better accommodate diversity within the Coast Guard if we are to find all the people we need to do the job. With a thorough analysis of our demographic challenges, this Canadian Coast Guard Strategic Human Resources Plan 2008/2011 is intended to help us mitigate the risks associated with this high level of attrition.

This plan was developed in close consultation with senior managers across the organization and has been integrated with our business planning. The strategies introduced here were informed by our business needs and address our most pressing human resources issues, now and for the future.

Our people have always been the cornerstone of our operations and, as we navigate this period of significant change, we will ensure that there are opportunities for development and promotion.

George Da Pont
Commissioner
Canadian Coast Guard