By rights you need five things to paddlle in Canadian coastal and
inshore waters.
A paddle ( just one )
A PFD ( Boyancy Aid , Life Vest.)
A bailng device ( Pump or bailer )
A 15 Meter floating tow rope .
A sounding device ( Whistle )

Off shore or after dark there is more stuff.
Flares and Signaling device for over one mile from a headland and a
light visible from 360 degrees for night. A flashlight qualifies there.

I would always carry a paddle float, inflatable in summer and rigid
styrafoam paddle float in winter.
Practice in reentry skills is a must as well.
Hope this helps Muzz
Alex