They are Naval Reserve boats, for use by Naval reserve units.
The Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels (MCDVs) were designed and built to commercial standards, although some key areas such as stability, flood control, manoueverability and ammunition storage are built to military specifications. The ships are very flexible -- inter-changeable modular payloads can be fitted for route survey, bottom object inspection and minesweeping. KINGSTON Class ships are crewed primarily by Naval Reservists.
Vital Roles
Coastal surveillance involves general naval operations and exercises, search and rescue, law enforcement, resource protection and fisheries patrols. The ships' Naval Reserve crews are augmented by two Regular Force naval electronic technicians. MCDVs offer an economical alternative to major surface units for routine but nevertheless important patrolling duties, as these are vital in maintaining our sovereignty and protecting our shores. The 12 vessels are divided equally between both coasts.
Leading-edge Communications and Engineering Technologies
The vessels' design accommodates three modular payloads: a mechanical minesweeping system (MMS), a route survey system, and a bottom object inspection vehicle. These can be on- or off-loaded within 12 hours. During Route Survey tasks, the ships deploy a partially controllable "fish" fitted with a side scan sonar. This towed system creates imagery and a database of the condition and objects on the seabed for subsequent investigation. The database can later be used during mine hunting tasks for example, to avoid investigating previously located and known objects. A remote operating vehicle (bottom object inspection) can also be deployed to closely investigate objects that have been observed.
The onboard fully integrated communication system includes VHF, UHF and HF radios as well as secure voice. Four 2450 Hp diesel engines drive two 3000 Hp electric motors, each turning an azimuthing thruster fitted with a five-bladed fixed-pitch propeller.
A 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun and two 50 calibre machine guns provide a basic level of self-defence.
http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/mspa_fleet/mcd_overview_e.asp