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Backgrounder

Enhanced Canada-U.S. Security Cooperation and the Bi-National Planning Group

BPG/GPB BG - 04.001 - April 29, 2004

In the weeks that followed the events of September 11th, 2001, United States and Canadian officials discussed means of improving the safety and security of citizens through enhanced cooperation within North America. These discussions resulted in an agreement to enhance Canada-U.S. security cooperation by establishing a Bi-National Planning Group (BPG).

Under this agreement, both countries are working together on contingency plans for defending against, and responding to, possible threats in Canada and the U.S., including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. The objective of the arrangement is to work out the details of a coordinated response in advance of a potential crisis.

The Role of the Planning Group

The BPG will improve current U.S.-Canada arrangements to defend against primarily maritime threats to the continent and respond to land-based attacks, should they occur. The BPG will also enhance both countries’ response to natural disasters by providing well-coordinated, bi-national support to civilian authorities. Closer cooperation in terms of shared threat assessments, planning and exercises will help prevent potential attacks and mitigate their impact, should they occur.

There are no standing forces assigned to the BPG. Rather, the BPG is focusing on contingency planning by examining possible scenarios that have implications on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border and might require a coordinated response, based on pre-established arrangements.

The BPG’s activities include:

• preparing contingency plans to ensure a cooperative and well-coordinated response to national requests for military assistance in the event of a threat, attack, or civil emergency in the U.S. or Canada;

• coordinating maritime surveillance and intelligence sharing to enhance our overall awareness of potential maritime threats;

• assessing maritime threats, incidents, and emergencies and advising the two governments;

• establishing appropriate planning and liaison mechanisms between the militaries and civilian authorities involved in crisis response, such as police, fire fighters and other first responders;

• designing and participating in exercises;

• conducting joint training programs; and

• validating the practicality and effectiveness of plans prior to their approval.

Structure

The BPG is located at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, in order to take advantage of existing infrastructure and proven capabilities and expertise.

A Canadian, Lieutenant-General Rick Findley, heads the BPG and works with an American deputy, Lieutenant-General Edward Anderson. LGen Findley is responsible to both governments. He reports to the Canadian government through the Chief of the Defence Staff. He also works with General Ralph Eberhart, an American officer and Commander of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command, who acts as a point of contact for consultation with the U.S. government.

The Canadian and U.S. governments jointly direct the BPG. Both countries will approve the plans when completed. This agreement recognizes each county’s right to approve the execution of a plan just prior to its implementation.

Representatives from Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC) are involved in the BPG, providing a link to civilian agencies. In Canada, PSEPC works closely with the provinces and territories in responding to events where federal government assistance is required to ensure the safety and security of Canadian citizens. Similarly, representatives from the various agencies under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at U.S. Northern Command provide the BPG access to those key agencies.

The BPG was established in December 2002 for an initial two-year period.

Progress

The BPG has made significant progress towards enhancing the safety and security of American and Canadian citizens. Some of the BPG’s accomplishments include:

• Developed bi-national awareness of Vessels of Interest to both countries and sharing information on what assets are available to deal with these potential threats.

• Developed eight consequence management scenarios focused on weapons of mass destruction, terrorists and natural disasters and are developing a bi-national Civil Assistance Plan to deal with these and other scenarios.

• Reviewing and revising documents that form the core of our bi-national security cooperation in the post Sep 11 world, such as the Basic Security document and the Combined Defense Plan.

The work of the BPG has already helped Canada and the U.S. to better position themselves to deal with a maritime threat, terrorist attack or natural disaster.

For further information ;

• Sorting Through 50 Years Of Military Agreements - U.S.-Canadian Planning Group Eyes Enhanced Defense Cooperation
  [ August 14, 2003 ]

• Bi-National Planning Group Supports North American Security

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