United States of America

Canada and the United States (U.S.) enjoy a strong and long standing relationship.  We share vast land and water borders and hold similar democratic values. We also have common security interests.  We often work together on the marine security efforts of international groups such as The International Maritime Organization (IMO), The Organization of American States (OAS), the G8, and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. 

Transport Canada’s main U.S. marine security partner is the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Reporting to the Secretary of Homeland Security, it is one of the five branches of the U.S. armed services and has broad security, safety, military and law enforcement authorities.

Transport Canada works with the USCG on the bi-national Compliance and Enforcement Working Group, the Joint Initial Verification Team in the Port of Montreal and capacity building in the Americas under the Organization of American States.

Since the USCG is not the only player in the U.S. marine security regime, Transport Canada Marine Security also works with the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection and the US Navy.  These continental efforts reflect Canada’s role as a maritime nation and help maintain and improve U.S. and international confidence in our marine transportation system.  They also ensure that Canada is able to move people and products across great distances to world markets effectively and efficiently.