NEWS RELEASES
May 12, 2006 (9:35 a.m. EDT)
No. 51
CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES STRENGTHEN NORTH
AMERICAN AEROSPACE DEFENCE COMMAND
Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay and National Defence Minister Gordon O’Connor
today announced that Canada and the United States have renewed the North American
Aerospace Defence (NORAD) Agreement through the exchange of diplomatic notes.
This marks the final step in the renewal process.
“We have followed through on yet another commitment of our new government, namely
to bring all significant international treaties to Parliament for approval prior to final
ratification,” said Minister MacKay upon signing the diplomatic note. The House of
Commons voted on May 8, 2006, to support the government’s ratification of NORAD.
The vote followed a parliamentary debate.
“Our defence relationship with the United States is one of the pillars of our wider
relationship. NORAD has been a key element of Canada-U.S. defence cooperation
since its establishment in 1958,” said Minister MacKay. “Strengthening NORAD
enhances Canada’s ability to exercise its sovereignty and protect Canadian interests. It
is a further step in our mutually beneficial defence and security relationship with the
United States.”
The new agreement will enhance NORAD by including a maritime warning responsibility
in addition to its long-standing aerospace warning and airspace control responsibilities.
This will allow the binational command to develop a more complete picture of potential
threats to North America. It demonstrates Canada’s commitment to ensuring that
NORAD remains flexible and capable of responding in an evolving threat environment.
“Incorporating a maritime warning function into NORAD will assist in providing
increased protection against emerging threats such as terrorism,” stated Minister
O’Connor. “It will increase the ability of Canada and the U.S. to work together in
response to these threats. This is yet another example of the commitment by both
nations to ensure that this binational command continues to adapt to new security
challenges.”
The NORAD Agreement has also been made permanent, subject to a review every four
years. This arrangement underscores the long-term commitment of both Canada and
the U.S. to the joint defence of North America.
NORAD was originally established in 1958 to provide binational air defence for the
United States and Canada, and has adapted over the years in response to changes in
the international security environment. The agreement enters into force today through
this exchange of diplomatic notes.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
Media Liaison Office
Department of National Defence
(613) 996-2353/2354
http://www.forces.gc.ca
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