Defend North America

The defence of North America is integral to the protection of Canada. By working with Canada's closest ally, the United States, the Canadian Armed Forces contribute to the defence of the continent. In order to be a strong and reliable partner in North America, the Canadian Armed Forces are required to:

• conduct daily continental operations;
• carry out bilateral training and exercises with the United States;
• respond to crises; and
• maintain interoperability with the armed forces of the United States.

Bilateral defence

The principal bilateral defence arrangements and agreements between Canada and the United States are:

• The Permanent Joint Board on Defence (PJBD): Established in 1940 to advise the Prime Minister of Canada and the President of the United States on defence policy issues related to continental defence and security;
• The Military Cooperation Committee: Established in 1945 to revise the Canada-U.S. Defence Plan for the postwar security environment; now provides the direct link between the national joint staffs of Canada and the U.S.;
• North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD): Established in 1958 to monitor and defend North American airspace; expanded in 2006 to add maritime warning to its responsibilities; and
• The Canada-U.S. Civil Assistance Plan: Established in February 2008 and renewed in January 2012 to facilitate the attachment of military personnel from one nation to the armed forces of the other nation during civil emergencies.

The Tri-Command Framework

The Tri-Command Framework was established in September 2009 to govern cooperation between NORAD, United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and Canada Command, the continental operations forerunner of CJOC. It remains in force under CJOC to address the defence and civil assistance requirements that Canada shares with the United States.

Partnering on security and defence

In addition to the Tri-Command Framework, CJOC maintains partnerships with other U.S. defence and security organizations such as the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). Specifically, CJOC works with its U.S. partners to:

• continue to foster close relationships with each other and with mission partners to anticipate and ensure timely and coordinated responses to defence and security challenges to North America;
• establish and consolidate programs for liaison and exchange officers, including appropriate training for them, to enhance cooperation and coordination at the operational level of command;
• enhance information and intelligence-sharing processes and procedures among the three commands, including national and bi-national advocacy for appropriate technical solutions;
• develop a practical process for compatible tri-command coordination and synchronization during planning and execution of bilateral operations;
• develop more formalized processes for information sharing during deliberate and crisis planning; and
• share education and training processes, best practices, and lessons learned.