Canada is currently engaged in bilateral discussions with the United States over its potential participation in the proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense project. This long awaited strategic review has the potential to drastically change the trajectory of Canada’s defense policies. This decision, therefore, comes two decades after Canada decided not to participate in a comparable U.S. ballistic missile defense scheme. That decision further complicated Canada’s diplomatic relations and sparked a furious political firestorm in Canada.
The crossroads at which Canada now finds itself recalls one of those past pivotal moments. Frank McKenna, former Canadian ambassador to the U.S., recalls vividly an early committee hearing in Ottawa. At that meeting, then-Prime Minister Paul Martin took the fateful step of refusing to participate in U.S. missile defense initiatives. This recent ruling added unnecessary tension to a fragile Canada-U.S. relationship and raised troubling doubts about what position Canada will occupy in the continental defence framework.
At the moment, the Canadian federal government is deliberating on how best to diffuse rising trade hostilities with the United States. McKenna noted that President Donald Trump’s new defence project could offer a pathway to resolving some of these trade disputes. He was struck by a bit of déjà vu. This announcement follows Trump’s unrealistic announcement last month that Canada wished to join the program.
“Canada has called us and they want to be a part of it,” – Donald Trump.
Unfortunately, Canada’s hesitance over the last two decades has kept it from taking part in several transformative critical defence initiatives. The country is key to aerospace security across North America and contributes heavily to NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command). Unlike committing to countering specific missile threats, the United States Northern Command has to pick up those responsibilities.
David Perry, an expert with the Ottawa-based Canadian Global Affairs Institute, noted that time is running out for Ottawa to act. The time to resolve the “Golden Dome” problem is now. He emphasized that if Canada wants to play a substantial role in this new global breakthrough, it needs to jump in with both feet and quickly.
“For it to appear that Canada is actually participating in the discussion, I felt somewhat vindicated,” – Frank McKenna.
McKenna went on to issue a dire warning about the imminent missile threats from above. He stressed that Canada must make a concerted effort to strengthen and bolster its defense strategy. He warned about the consequences of failing to act amidst the advancements in military technology and rising global tensions.
The current dialogue around missile defence illustrates a broader trend within Canadian politics, reflecting a desire to strengthen ties with the United States amidst ongoing trade negotiations. McKenna is clearly aware that past decisions on missile defence have made it difficult for Canada to get involved in U.S. military projects in a meaningful way.
“Quite frankly, a lot of my staff felt that we should find ways of trying to get to ‘yes’ with the Americans on some issues because we had so many issues that we were offside on,” – Frank McKenna.
As discussions continue, Prime Minister Mark Carney has commented on Canada’s strategic options regarding missile defence. He saw the political and financial investment and partnership opportunities in the “Golden Dome” initiative. He was clear that military decisions will drive the final form of Canada’s strategy.
“It’s something that we are looking at and something that has been discussed at a high level, but not I’m not sure one negotiates on this. These are military decisions that have been taken in that context, and we will evaluate it accordingly,” – Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Times may have changed, and there are strong signs that Canada’s leadership is reconsidering its traditional opposition to missile defence. Historical context plays a vital role. Canada’s initial rejection of participation during George W. Bush’s administration created long-lasting repercussions. That unwillingness to play ball at the time has, in turn, made it difficult for Canada to stack itself onto the current U.S. defence strategies.
Perry acknowledged that some political weather generated better conditions to talk about these issues. Reflecting on missed opportunities, he said, “Why on Earth we didn’t do this during the Biden administration is beyond me, which would have been a much better time to have had a discussion about joining with the United States.”
As both countries navigate complex issues, including tariffs and trade agreements, Canada’s potential participation in U.S. missile defence plans remains uncertain but indicates a shift towards closer military collaboration.
