12. Interdepartmental Marine Security Working Group Backgrounder

INTERDEPARTMENTAL MARINE SECURITY WORKING GROUP (IMSWG)

MISSION: The Interdepartmental Marine Security Working Group (IMSWG) is a forum for identifying and coordinating federal government actions in support of the Government of Canada’s obligations and objectives concerning domestic, continental and international security in the maritime realm. The IMSWG governance includes 17 federal departments and agencies with appropriate responsibilities associated with marine security.

GOVERNANCE: IMSWG reports to the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) Marine Security Committee (MSC). The Term of Reference (TOR) for the IMSWG were approved by the ADM MSC.

OBJECTIVES: The IMSWG looks to maintain awareness of evolving and new threats to the maritime domain, conduct analysis and provide recommendations to mitigate risks to Canada’s marine security, establish and periodically update strategic policy documents dealing with Canada’s marine security and facilitate interdepartmental and multi-agency state-to-state collaboration as well as awareness and collaboration with and between domestic stakeholders having marine security responsibilities.

AUTHORITY: Transport Canada’s Director General (DG) of Marine Safety and Security is the chairperson of the IMSWG. The National Security Policy (NSP) identifies the Minister of Transport as having leadership responsibility to coordinate maritime security policies and regulations.

ACTIVITIES: IMSWG DG-Level meetings are scheduled semi-annually or as required. Supporting the IMSWG is the Director-level Steering Committee. The aim of the IMSWG Steering Committee is to provide advice, as requested or required, to the IMSWG on interdepartmental marine security policy and operational issues including maritime domain awareness, safeguarding, responsiveness, resilience, and collaboration activities. The Steering Committee also provides support in defining and assessing the IMSWG’s priorities including reviewing the results of gaps analyses. The Steering Committee coordinates as required with other IMSWG standing and sub-committees and working groups on behalf of the IMSWG.

CONSIDERATIONS: IMSWG is a tool through which various federal programs may collaborate and together provide a whole of government effect. Additionally the IMSWG provides an opportunity for whole of government to whole of government collaboration with allies.