Canadian Coast Guard

Canadian Coast Guard
Garde côtière canadienne
Heraldic badge of the Canadian Coast Guard
FoundedJanuary 26, 1962 (1962-01-26)
Country Canada
TypeSpecial operating agency
Role
  • Marine search and rescue
  • aids to navigation and waterways management
  • marine communications and traffic services
  • vessels of concern
  • icebreaking
  • marine pollution response
Size6,700 employees (2025)
Part of
HeadquartersOttawa, Ontario
MottosSaluti Primum, Auxilio Semper (Latin for 'Safety First, Service Always')
Annual budget$2.84 billion (2025-26)
Websitewww.ccg-gcc.gc.ca
Commanders
Minister of National DefenceDavid McGuinty
Deputy MinisterChristiane Fox
CommissionerKevin Brosseau
Deputy Commissioner (Programs)Marc Mes
Deputy Commissioner (Shipbuilding and Material)Andy Smith
Insignia
Jack
Racing stripe
Corporate signature

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG; French: Garde côtière canadienne; GCC) is a special operating agency responsible for marine search and rescue (SAR), navigation aids, marine communications and traffic services, icebreaking, and marine pollution response. Formed in 1962, the CCG is a civilian organization currently housed within the Department of National Defence (DND) and headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario. The CCG operates 119 vessels of varying sizes and 23 helicopters, along with a variety of smaller craft.