Canada's search and rescue system will be reviewed every four years to ensure the military has the equipment and personnel it needs, beginning "as soon as possible," Defence Minister Peter MacKay announced Thursday.

"In short, this will be a systemic review so that all responders are seized of the issues that better our ability to save lives," MacKay said, speaking in Ottawa.

The review will be led by the minister of defence in his or her capacity as lead minister for search and rescue, and will provide a "comprehensive perspective of Search and Rescue in Canada, with a view to enhance integration and alignment to provide a seamless system for Canadians," according to a statement.

Earlier this week Auditor General Michael Ferguson said Canada's search-and-rescue system was in distress and some aspects were even at the "breaking point" -- particularly when it comes to aircraft. Ferguson said the country doesn't have enough, or the right type, of planes to respond to emergencies.

MacKay said recent reviews have shown Canada's search-and-rescue system is among the best in the world, but said changes are necessary to ensure it remains at the forefront.

"The government considers search and rescue to be a key frontline priority for the government and for Canadians," MacKay said.

MacKay didn't specify whether the military's aging fleet of C-115 Buffalo planes and older C-130 Hercules transport aircraft will be slated for replacement.

Ferguson specifically noted in his report the Hercules lack sensors and data management found on search aircraft in other countries. And maintenance on the Buffalo fleet alone has climbed to $20 million a year.

The government now appears to be “on the right track to get those planes,” MacKay said on CTV’s Power Play Thursday.

A process now in place will result in a tender for replacing the Buffalo planes “within the calendar year.”

MacKay acknowledged that equipment procurement has been a “challenge” and a “frustration,” because it’s a complex matter involving various governmental departments including Industry Canada and Public Works.

“If this was about going out to Canadian Tire and simply picking out the equipment that you need, we’d have it,” he said.

MacKay outlined five other new initiatives to improve Canada's search and rescue efforts.

  • $2 million in improvements to technology used at the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Halifax;
  • A new website allowing people to register their rescue beacons and update their personal information;
  • $16.2 million for the development of satellite-aided search and rescue through the Medium Earth Orbit Search and Rescue (MEOSAR) and Low Earth Orbit Search and Rescue (LEOSAR) satellite systems;
  • New requirements for search and rescue bases to immediately inform the Joint Rescue Coordination Centres of changes to equipment readiness. Previously, bases only reported once daily;
  • "Seasonal optimization" of search and rescue efforts -- meaning shifts will be adjusted to accommodate busier seasons of the year, for example the lobster harvest.

MacKay has referred to the aircraft procurements as a top priority, but at this point no new planes are expected for delivery until 2017.