The federal government does not intend to arm the Canadian Coast Guard, despite its integration into Canada's NATO defence capabilities and being moved under the defence minister's control. This decision was announced by Lt-Gen. Stephen Kelsey to a Senate committee, as Canada faces pressure to meet NATO spending commitments.
Coast Guard vessels won’t be armed under defence plan: military vice-chief
Defence SpendingNational defenceDefence spendingCanadian Coast GuardCanadian coast guardNational Defence
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The federal government does not intend to arm the Canadian Coast Guard, despite its integration into Canada's NATO defence capabilities and being moved under the defence minister's control. This decision was announced by Lt-Gen. Stephen Kelsey to a Senate committee, as Canada faces pressure to meet NATO spending commitments.
Trending- 1 Canada has failed to meet NATO spending commitments for years.
- 2 Last week: Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new defence spending and vowed to integrate the Coast Guard into Canada’s NATO defence capabilities.
- 3 Today (June 17, 2025): Lt-Gen. Stephen Kelsey told a Senate committee that the Coast Guard will not be armed.
- 4 Next week: Mark Carney will attend the annual NATO summit where a new 5% GDP defence spending target is expected.
- The Coast Guard will remain a civilian maritime force and will not be armed.
- Only a small portion of the Coast Guard's budget will count towards Canada's NATO spending.
- Canada continues to face pressure to meet NATO defence spending commitments.
What: The federal government's decision not to arm the Canadian Coast Guard, despite its integration into Canada's NATO defence capabilities and being moved under the defence minister's control.
When: Today (June 17, 2025) at a Senate committee; Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new defence spending last week; NATO summit next week.
Where: Canada, NATO.
Why: The Coast Guard will remain a separate civilian entity. Canada is under pressure from allies to boost military spending to meet NATO benchmarks (2% of GDP, potentially 5% target).
How: Lt-Gen. Stephen Kelsey informed a Senate committee. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new defence spending and integration plans.