May 12, 1998 No. 119

CANADA CONGRATULATES NORAD ON ITS

40TH ANNIVERSARY

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and National Defence Minister Art Eggleton today congratulated the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) on its 40th anniversary.

"The agreement reached 40 years ago between Canada and the United States on continental air defence remains as vital today as it was when it was created," said Mr. Axworthy. "Although the Cold War is over, NORAD has adapted to a changing world and will continue to play a critical role in the defence and security of North America."

NORAD has been the cornerstone of Canada-U.S. defence

co-operation since its formal inception on May 12, 1958. The original purpose of the agreement was to provide air defence against long-range Soviet bombers. That role expanded during the Cold War to include deterrence and early warning of missile attacks. As its role changed, so did its name -- "aerospace" replaced "air" in 1981.

"I am proud to salute the professionalism and dedication of the men and women of Canada and the United States who have protected us through the changes of the last four decades," said

Mr. Eggleton. "Today, NORAD is involved in a large number of activities that protect and enhance the well-being of Canadians."

During the 1990s, NORAD has been transformed from a largely Cold War defence arrangement to one that meets the challenges of this decade and beyond. NORAD's mission reflects the new strategic environment, focussing on aerospace warning and aerospace control for North America. Its activities include the monitoring of man-made objects in space; surveillance and control -- including air defence -- over Canadian and U.S. airspace; and the detection, validation and warning of aerospace attacks against North America.

NORAD provides a major gateway for Canadian participation in space, through operations, activities and related research and technology. It is also an important vehicle for the implementation of Canadian space programs under the Joint Space Project. In addition, it plays a significant role in combatting the trafficking in illegal drugs en route to North America, and monitors the orbital decay of space objects, providing warning and predicted points of impact on earth.

Canada's national capabilities in communications, surveillance, navigation, meteorology, mapping, intelligence and arms control verification are all enhanced by its participation in NORAD.

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