The Canadian Armed Forces conduct continental operations to:
Continental operations typically fit into one of three categories:
All continental operations by the Canadian Armed Forces arise from direction and priorities set out in the following sources:
Under Section 73.6 of the National Defence Act, the Canadian Armed Forces may be authorized to “perform any duty involving public service
”. This provision is used most frequently to provide assistance to law enforcement in Canada.
Except in minor matters and cases when only logistical, technical or administrative support is required, the following conditions apply:
in the national interest
” and Some Canadian Armed Forces continental operations are part of Canadian “whole-of-government
” initiatives in which the military operation is part of a long-term strategy or capacity-building program with objectives related to upholding Canadian sovereignty or maintaining the safety and security of Canadians. Other federal government organizations often engaged as partners in whole-of-government initiatives are:
Continental operations conducted in partnership with other Canadian government departments and agencies as part of whole-of-government initiatives are generally initiated by the Chief of the Defence Staff with direction by the Government of Canada through the Minister of National Defence.
Continental operations such as emergency response, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, that are conducted in support of federal or provincial government organizations, are initiated upon receipt of a formal request from the responsible ministry, department or organization.
Routine continental operations such as fisheries patrols, avalanche control, and some support to law enforcement operations are carried out under formal arrangements (e.g., Memoranda of Understanding) with the participating mission partners.
Aeronautical and maritime search-and-rescue operations are conducted in close collaboration with the Canadian Coast Guard under the authority of a Privy Council Cabinet Directive of the Government of Canada.