CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier advances Canada’s sovereignty and Northern Partnerships in the Western Arctic

September 18, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard

Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Sir Wilfrid Laurier is carrying out a wide range of operations across the western Arctic, from charting Canada’s waters to strengthen ties with Northern communities, bolstering Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic. 

Following its participation in Operation North Pacific Guard, the CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier

arrived in Canada’s Arctic on July 16, 2026. Working with the Canadian Hydrographic Service, the CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier supported seabed mapping with multi-beam technology to help build a more accurate picture of Canada’s oceans and waterways. 

On August 12, 2026, the CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier delivered 43 bicycles to youth in Paulatuk, Northwest Territories, as part of the Arctic Bikes Program – a joint initiative with British Columbia-based Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachments that provide bikes to support active transportation and recreation in Northern communities. Collaborative efforts like this allow the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) strengthen ties with Northern communities and partner organizations.

The CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier is a capable icebreaker able to reach this remote region and carry out a broad set of missions, including ice escorts supporting commercial traffic, aids to navigation work, aviation fuel cache restocking, environmental response, science research, and search and rescue.

Additional multimedia

CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier in Franklin Bay, Northwest Territories on August 13, 2026.

Quick facts

• The CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier is based in Victoria, British Columbia, and is the only Western Canada-based ship to be deployed to the Arctic on an annual basis. 

• Through its enduring presence and operations in Canada’s Arctic waters, the CCG reinforces Canada’s sovereignty and security in the North. The CCG’s Arctic operational season runs annually from June to November to support Northern communities, carry out critical services, and support Government of Canada Arctic missions.