Without mentioning the “Golden Dome,” Defence Minister David McGuinty strongly supported a closer collaboration with the United States to defend North America from missile threats posed by hostile countries.
During a Canada-U.S. conference in Toronto organized by the Eurasia Group and BMO, McGuinty highlighted ongoing talks with the U.S. government regarding the necessity of an air defense shield over North America.
Emphasizing the importance of detecting incoming threats, McGuinty stated that Canada must be prepared for any potential attacks.
Although Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration has not explicitly confirmed participation in the U.S.-backed initiative led by President Donald Trump, groundwork has been quietly laid out in recent months.
Carney previously acknowledged discussions with the Trump administration about the Golden Dome earlier in the year.
In a move signaling openness to exploring air and missile defense capabilities, McGuinty announced the removal of restrictions on missile defense activities in July.
This decision aligns with the defense policy update from the previous year, hinting at Canada’s intent to delve deeper into integrated air and missile defense capabilities as part of the NORAD modernization.
Referring to ongoing negotiations with the U.S., McGuinty mentioned the potential establishment of a “continental shield” to safeguard North America.
The term “Golden Dome” encapsulates a system that integrates surveillance technologies across various domains, including space, air, ground, and sea, along with anti-missile and counter-drone defenses like the U.S.-made Patriot system.
President Trump estimated Canada’s entry into the program at $61 billion USD, suggesting that joining as the 51st state would incur no cost.
Concerns remain within the Canadian government about the financial implications of joining the Golden Dome initiative in addition to the existing $38 billion contribution to NORAD modernization.
While estimates from Washington project a cost of $175 billion USD for the program, critics argue that this figure may be underestimated given the ambitious scope of the project.
It’s worth noting that the Golden Dome project is still in the developmental phase.
Some defense analysts assert that Canada’s longstanding involvement in NORAD necessitates participation in an integrated missile defense network with the U.S., as NORAD currently lacks the mandate to intercept all potential threats, such as cruise missiles.
Canada’s decision to consider joining the Golden Dome marks a shift from its previous stance of staying outside the U.S. ballistic missile defense system since 2005.
Questions remain about the extent of protection Canada would receive as part of the Golden Dome initiative, with U.S. publications indicating a focus on safeguarding the contiguous United States.
Technical challenges include the vast territorial coverage required, as the Golden Dome would need to protect 9.8 million square kilometers in the U.S. and 9.9 million square kilometers in Canada, far surpassing the coverage area of Israel’s Iron Dome system.
