Responsibilities

In accordance with Canada's defence policy, Canada Command's primary responsibilities are the defence and security of Canadians here in Canada, and the defence of North America in concert with the United States.

Canada Command oversees routine and contingency operations in Canada and North America.

It conducts national contingency planning and exercises in collaboration with its federal partners, like Public Safety Canada, and its continental partners, like U.S. Northern Command.

It is also responsible for bilateral relations with its equivalent organization south of the border, United States Northern Command and it works closely with North American Aerospace Defence Command, the binational, Canada-United States treaty organization responsible for monitoring and defending North America's skies.

Roles

Canada Command's roles include:

• Surveillance and sovereignty patrols.
• Air and maritime search and rescue.
• Assisting civil authorities during disasters or other emergencies.
• Supporting law enforcement agencies.
• Support to major public events.

On any given day, Canada's Navy, Army, and Air Force have some 10,000 personnel on standby, ready to defend Canadian sovereignty, to assist Canadians in need, or to help our neighbours to the south.

RJTF authorities and responsibilities

The commanders of the six RJTFs are responsible for military planning and response in their geographic areas of responsibility.

During emergencies, they have the immediate authority to task Navy and Army assets located within their region. On behalf of Canada Command, the Combined Force Air Component Commander tasks Air Force support, assisted by its Regional Air Component Elements co-located in each regional headquarters, as well as a detachment at Canada Command headquarters.

RJTF commanders also support routine operations as tasked by Canada Command, including:

• Support to RCMP marijuana eradication operations.
• Support to Fisheries and Oceans Canada patrols.
• Avalanche control in support of Parks Canada.
• Sovereignty patrols in support of the federal government.