Canadian Coast Guard

SCRIPT FOR DM: SOA LAUNCH

Videotaping Session, March 18, 2005

As you know, today, the Canadian Coast Guard officially becomes a Special Operating Agency.

SOA status will bring about many changes —
and many benefits — to the Coast Guard and its employees.

SOA status is not about making big changes for individual employees in their day-to-day work.

It’s about giving the Coast Guard more authority and flexibility in its operations — and more control over its financial resources.
It’s a huge opportunity for this national institution to focus its resources on what it does best — providing top-notch marine services throughout Canada.

And through the recent Budget, the Government of Canada recognized the importance of a strong Coast Guard.

It invested $276 million over five years in the Coast Guard’s fleet, as well as funding to acquire four new vessels for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, in support of the government’s maritime security objectives.

SOA status — and the added measure of financial autonomy it brings — will go a long way towards helping the Coast Guard make the most of this new funding.

The CCG is also an important part of DFO’s team.

In terms of resources, the Coast Guard comprises in the order of half of our department.

And it plays a number of roles in our mandate —
from scientific research, to conservation and protection, to helping ensure maritime security.

SOA status will give the Coast Guard the measure of autonomy and flexibility it needs to continue meeting these goals, and making such a valuable contribution to our department’s mandate.

At the same time, Coast Guard will enjoy continued access to DFO’s corporate services.

This is an ongoing process.

SOA implementation does not begin and end today.

The changes associated with this initiative will continue over many years — and will lead to a stronger Coast Guard, one that is well-positioned to continue serving Canadians for years to come.

I look forward to continuing to work closely with Commissioner Adams, and indeed, everyone in the Canadian Coast Guard, to make the most of this new status, and ensure a strong Coast Guard into the future.

Thank you very much.