Canadian Coast Guard

Speaking Notes for Commissioner Adams

Canadian Coast Guard SOA Video Launch

(Taping March 18, 2005)

April 1, 2005

Good morning everyone. I would first like to extend a warm greeting to our ships crews and other employees throughout the country who are unable to be here with us today for the official launch of the Canadian Coast Guard as a special operating agency (or SOA). Today is a momentous day in the history of the Canadian Coast Guard. We are taking the next step in making this great organization even better.

I would like to take a minute to remind everyone how far we have come in the last few years as an organization and as a vital member of the DFO Team.

The last 24 months has seen a major change in attitude within the government regarding the importance of the Canadian Coast Guard as a national institution.

We are, today, a special operating agency – an SOA. Perhaps more importantly, we are a united national institution with a mission of excellence in maritime services.

We are a “line organization,” with all regions of the Coast Guard reporting directly to Coast Guard headquarters.

We’ve received Cabinet approval of a long-term fleet renewal plan. We also received substantial funding for the first part of that plan in the recent Budget.

All these developments show that the government is committed to making Coast Guard even better.

You may ask: What does SOA status mean? How will it help Coast Guard achieve its goals?

As of today, there will be some changes that everyone in Coast Guard will see. Some have to do with our identity. While we remain an integral part of DFO, we have received permission from the Deputy Minister to develop our own identity. We will issue Coast Guard identity cards, to replace the DFO cards you have. Regional Directors will have the new title of Assistant Commissioners. We will be able to use the Coast Guard badge and name on publications.

In addition, SOA status will give us increased flexibility in reporting our annual capital funds carry forward to Treasury Board Secretariat.

As well, Coast Guard will be able to deal with oil spill cleanups more effectively, by reducing some of the administrative burden. We’ll also be able to respend revenues related to oil spills. Direct purchase authorities will be increased.

In many respects, ships officers and crews may not notice a huge change as a result of SOA status. Things will not be different for you today or tomorrow. You’ll continue to do a fantastic job delivering excellent services for the citizens of this country. The majority of changes will take place at headquarters. SOA status means we will be able to take steps to improve service delivery by Coast Guard. And we will take those steps. The services we deliver are critical to Canadians. Delivering them more effectively and efficiently is the goal that we, as an SOA, have to strive for.

Coast Guard’s new status will also act as a catalyst for change within the department by clarifying and strengthening accountabilities and responsibilities, and linking them directly to anticipated results.

I want to stress: today is the start of Coast Guard as an SOA. It is not the end of the journey. I know there will be a lot of work involved to implement SOA status, but I have the utmost confidence in your ability.

Since I became Commissioner, I have always been extremely proud of the men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard. You consistently deliver beyond expectations. Today, I am also extremely excited about the promise of the future for this great organization, of which I am proud to be Commissioner.

Thank you.