Ottawa is transferring Transport Canada’s aviation fleet to National Defence, raising questions about surveillance, safety, and Canada’s NATO spending goals.
Ottawa Transfers Transport Canada’s Aircraft to Defence, Raising Questions
A Major Shift in Federal Aviation Responsibilities
The federal government is moving Transport Canada’s aviation fleet and core aviation services to the Department of National Defence (DND), a change revealed in the Nov. 4 federal budget. The shift affects aircraft used for pollution monitoring, Arctic surveillance, and coastal protection, yet few details have been provided about what the transition will look like.
Government Cites Budget Review But Offers Few Details
The transfer stems from Transport Canada’s effort to meet savings targets under the government’s Comprehensive Expenditure Review. While Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne’s budget notes that pilot training and certification regimes will remain unchanged, neither Finance nor Transport Canada has explained how civilian functions will continue once aircraft, staff, and facilities move into the defence portfolio.
Impact on National Aerial Surveillance Program Unclear
Transport Canada operates a fleet of 52 aircraft—24 owned and the rest leased—including fixed-wing planes, helicopters, and a new Hermes 900 Starliner drone for Arctic missions. These assets form the backbone of the National Aerial Surveillance Program (NASP), which monitors pollution and marine activity along Canada’s three coastlines. With the fleet now shifting to DND, it remains uncertain how civilian pollution monitoring will continue without disruptions.
Parallel to Coast Guard Integration Raises Concerns
The move mirrors the recent integration of the Canadian Coast Guard into DND’s broader surveillance network. Coast Guard Commissioner Mario Pelletier recently told a parliamentary committee he could offer little clarity beyond new requirements to share intelligence with the military. Questions about data-sharing, operational independence, and whether civilian crews could defend themselves in dangerous scenarios remain unanswered.
NATO Spending Targets a Key Driver, Experts Say
Defence analysts suggest the transfer is less about operational efficiency and more about meeting NATO’s new benchmark of spending five per cent of GDP on defence. Michael Byers, a political scientist at the University of British Columbia, says the real motive is boosting Canada’s defence spending numbers by reclassifying civilian assets under the military umbrella. He warns that essential civilian functions must not be neglected in the process.
Arctic Surveillance Capabilities in Transition
The transition comes at a sensitive time for Arctic security. Canada recently acquired a $36-million Hermes 900 drone for northern patrols, though it has not yet been deployed. Meanwhile, the Royal Canadian Air Force is expecting a separate fleet of MQ-9 Reaper drones. How the two systems will coexist—and whether the civilian-intended Hermes drone fits military requirements—remains unknown.
Facilities and Land Transfers Still Not Defined
Transport Canada maintains four dedicated aviation bases and uses facilities at nine Coast Guard sites nationwide. The department also owns land at 26 airports, but Ottawa has not confirmed whether these properties will be transferred to Defence. With operational structures still unclear, the federal government has offered no timeline for when the transition will be complete or how essential services will be preserved.
