Who We Are

• Commissioner
• Mission
• Vision
• Mandate

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) owns and operates the federal government’s civilian fleet, and provides key maritime services to Canadians.

As a Special Operating Agency of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), the Canadian Coast Guard helps DFO meet its responsibility to ensure safe and accessible waterways for Canadians. The CCG also plays 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; and
• ensure Canada’s sovereignty and security by establishing a strong federal presence in our waters.

The Canadian Coast Guard helps the government meet the public’s expectation of clean, safe, secure, healthy and productive waters and coastlines.

Marc Grégoire, Canadian Coast Guard Commissioner

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Mr. Grégoire graduated in civil engineering at the École Polytechnique de Montréal in 1978 and completed the courses curriculum of the master’s degree program in transportation at the Université de Montréal. He obtained his airline pilot license in 1980 and joined Transport Canada, Québec Region, in 1983. At Transport Canada, he held various positions with increasing levels of responsibility such as Regional Director of Civil Aviation and Regional Director General (Québec Region).

In September 2003, Mr. Grégoire was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of Safety and Security, Transport Canada. The Safety and Security Group is responsible for the development and enforcement of regulations and national standards, as well as for the implementation of monitoring, testing, and inspections, which contribute to safety and security in the aviation, marine, rail and road modes of transport.

In June 2010, Mr. Grégoire was appointed Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). CCG owns and operates the federal government’s civilian fleet, and provides key maritime services to Canadians. As a Special Operating Agency of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, it helps the department meet its responsibility to ensure safe and accessible waterways for Canadians. CCG also plays a key role in ensuring the sustainable use and development of Canada’s oceans and waterways.

Role

As chief executive officer of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), the commissioner ensures that the CCG delivers its programs and meets its operational performance targets by:

• setting CCG objectives and priorities;
• approving resource allocations;
• ensuring that resources are managed well; and
• reviewing CCG’s financial situation.

The commissioner is responsible for reporting and explaining CCG expenditures to ministers, parliamentary committees and the public.

Authority

The commissioner reports to the deputy minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). The commissioner has the authority of an associate deputy minister, with one exception: comptroller functions are provided by the assistant deputy minister of Human Resources and Corporate Services, DFO.

Canadian Coast Guard Mission

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

Canadian Coast Guard Vision

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

Mandate & Organizational Values

The Canadian Coast Guard’s mandate is stated in the Oceans Act and the Canada Shipping Act.

The Oceans Act gives the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans responsibility for providing:

• aids to navigation;
• marine communications and traffic management services;
• icebreaking and ice-management services;
• channel maintenance;
• marine search and rescue;
• marine pollution response; and
• 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;
• Sable Island;
• search and rescue;
• pollution response; and
• vessel traffic services.

Organizational Values

• Teamwork
• Professionalism
• Integrity
• Quality service
• Innovation