The size and character of naval force structure is ultimately a political decision which the Navy will implement. Nevertheless, the Navy cannot help but have opinions on what is a proper mix of platforms and an appropriate sized fleet given the tasks that are assigned to it. The Defence Development Guidance Plan lists the missions of Maritime Command as national maritime defence, protection of sovereign interests, collective maritime defence, peacekeeping operations, support to Canadian interests abroad, and the exercise of command and control of NATO operations. Canadian naval forces, if they are to both effectively enforce our sovereign rights, and conduct international operations, particularly in conjunction with multinational units, will have to be maintained at high degree of readiness, and professionalism. The most important asset in Canada's Navy remains our people, who are without doubt among the best in the world.
Professionalism can go a long way to overcoming technical deficiencies.
However, factors such as job mobility, family benefits, education, pay, and the general image of the forces within Canadian society will all impact on whether the Navy can continue to attract its current level of fine individuals. Careful thought will also have to be devoted how best to spend the Navy's portion of the defence budget in the next century. However these issues are resolved, it will remain true that maintaining high standards of professionalism must be a critical priority in the future, particularly given the wide range of missions that the Navy is likely to be tasked with. Today, Canada's naval forces include some of the finest ships and aircraft in the world. Further, a number of aging vessels have been impressively modernised, such as the Iroquois class destroyers.