In renewing the Agreement, Canada and the US have enhanced defence cooperation by increasing NORAD's capacity to assist in addressing emerging security challenges, such as maritime threats.

This Agreement supports the Government's "Canada First" commitment to protect Canadians and defend national security and sovereignty.

Questions and answers

Here are answers to common questions about the NORAD renewal and what this means for Canada:

Why has the NORAD Agreement been renewed now?

The existing NORAD Agreement was due to expire on May 12, 2006. Renewing the Agreement also provided Canada and the US with an opportunity to enhance defence cooperation by increasing NORAD's capacity to assist in addressing emerging security challenges, such as maritime threats. This Agreement supports the Government's "Canada First" commitment to protect Canadians and defend national security and sovereignty. 

What does the new agreement change to NORAD?

The enhanced Agreement adds a maritime warning mission to NORAD and renews NORAD indefinitely, subject to periodic reviews. Canada and the US have been partners in NORAD since 1958. Enhancing NORAD provides increased protection against emerging threats.


Why has NORAD been given a maritime warning mission?
Establishing a maritime warning function allows NORAD to assist in developing a more complete picture of the approaches to -- and internal waterways of -- North America, and provides NORAD with an enhanced capacity to deter real or possible threats to the continent. It is an example of the commitment of both Canada and the US to ensure this bi-national organization continues to evolve to address new and emerging threats.


Why does Canada support a permanent NORAD agreement?

Canada's commitment to a permanent Agreement demonstrates our long-term commitment to the defence of North America. NORAD's unique bi-national command structure provides an excellent model for Canada-US cooperation. It enables face-to-face contact between Canadians and Americans responsible for continental air defence. Both governments will review the NORAD Agreement regularly to ensure that it continues to evolve to meet new threats.


How is NORAD still relevant to Canada and to North America?

The events of September 11, 2001, underscored NORAD's relevance in today's security environment. On that day, NORAD helped restore control of continental airspace within hours of the terrorist attacks. To adapt to the new threat environment, NORAD increased its operational readiness, as well as its ability to respond to threats from outside and inside North America's airspace. NORAD remains important to our respective interests.  It is a longstanding and mutually beneficial arrangement.


Is Canada's participation in NORAD a threat to Canadian sovereignty?

No. On the contrary, NORAD enhances Canada's ability to ensure surveillance and control over Canadian airspace -- and now over its maritime approaches and internal waterways.  NORAD's unique bi-national command structure also enhances Canada's ability to participate in decisions related to the defence of North America. At the same time, both Governments continue to exercise control over their respective sovereign territories and command their national forces.  In nearly 50 years of involvement, Canada's participation in NORAD has never prevented it from making independent choices. Canada's ongoing participation in NORAD will continue to ensure the protection of Canadian interests, objectives and sovereignty.


Is NORAD part of Canada Command or US Northern Command?

No. NORAD is a bi-national command responsible for aerospace warning and airspace control, and now maritime warning, for North America. NORAD is a separate and distinct bi-national command that is complementary to Canada Command and US Northern.