Canada is poised to set aside some hard feelings and play a role in developing the U.S.’s planned continental missile defence system — dubbed the Golden Dome.
Driving the news: The U.S. NORAD commander told attendees at an annual security conference this week in Ottawa that Canada was in talks with the U.S. about working on sensors that will contribute to the Golden Dome, and was “hopeful” the two would partner on the project.
Catch-up: Donald Trump signed an executive order in January for the creation of a national defence system that could shoot down missiles, inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome. Despite some critics calling the plan impractical, Canada signalled it was interested in helping out.
- This would mark a policy shift for Canada, which has been hesitant to work with the U.S. on missile defence programs since opting out of one in 2005.
Why it matters: Missile defence is a pressing issue for North American security, given fears about Chinese and Russian hypersonic missiles and aging detection infrastructure. It’s pressing enough that bickering neighbours might look past spats about trade and statehood.
What they’re saying: When asked this week how he could square working with the U.S. even after annexation threats, Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair said, "I square because it's in our national interest to defend our country [... and] to make sure that we are prepared to do our part.”—QH