Canada's Sovereignty in Jeopardy: the Militarization of North America

Canada's Sovereignty in Jeopardy: the Militarization of North America By Michel Chossudovsky08/18/07 "Global Research" -- -- Canadian jurisdiction over its Northern territories was redefined, following an April 2002 military agreement between Ottawa and Washington.
This agreement allows for the deployment of US troops anywhere in Canada, as well as the stationing of US warships in Canada's territorial waters.
Following the creation of US Northern Command in April 2002, Washington announced unilaterally that NORTHCOM's territorial jurisdiction (land, sea, air) extended from the Caribbean basin to the Canadian arctic territories.
"The new command was given responsibility for the continental United States, Canada, Mexico, portions of the Caribbean and the contiguous waters in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans up to 500 miles off the North American coastline. NorthCom's mandate is to "provide a necessary focus for [continental] aerospace, land and sea defenses, and critical support for [the] nation’s civil authorities in times of national need."
(Canada-US Relations - Defense Partnership – July 2003, Canadian American Strategic Review (CASR), http://www.sfu.ca/casr/ft-lagasse1.htm
NORTHCOM's stated mandate was to "provide a necessary focus for [continental] aerospace, land and sea defenses, and critical support for [the] nation’s [US] civil authorities in times of national need."
(Canada-US Relations - Defense Partnership – July 2003, Canadian American Strategic Review (CASR), http://www.sfu.ca/casr/ft-lagasse1.htm)
Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld boasted that "the NORTHCOM – with all of North America as its geographic command – 'is part of the greatest transformation of the Unified Command Plan [UCP] since its inception in 1947.'" (Ibid)
Canada and US Northern Command
In December 2002, following the refusal of (former) Prime Minister Jean Chrétien to join US Northern Command (NORTHCOM), an interim bi-national military authority entitled the Binational Planning Group (BPG) was established.
Canadian membership in NORTHCOM would have implied the integration of Canada's military command structures with those of the US. That option had been temporarily deferred by the Chrétien government, through the creation of the Binational Planning Group (BPG).
The BPG's formal mandate in 2002 was to extend the jurisdiction of the US-Canada North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to cover sea, land and "civil forces",
"to improve current Canada–United States arrangements to defend against primarily maritime threats to the continent and respond to land-based attacks, should they occur."
Although never acknowledged in official documents, the BPG was in fact established to prepare for the merger of NORAD and NORTHCOM, thereby creating de facto conditions for Canada to join US Northern Command.
The "Group" described as an "independent" military authority was integrated from the outset in December 2002 into the command structures of NORAD and NORTHCOM, both operating out the same headquarters at the Paterson Air Force base in Colorado. In practice, the "Group" functioned under the jurisdiction of US Northern Command, which is controlled by the US Department of Defense.
In December 2004, in the context of President Bush's visit to Ottawa, it was agreed that the mandate of the BPG would be extended to May 2006. It was understood that this extension was intended to set the stage for Canada's membership in NORTHCOM.
In March 2006, two months before the end of its mandate, the BPG published a task force document on North American security issues:
"'A continental approach' to defense and security could facilitate binational maritime domain awareness and a combined response to potential threats, 'which transcends Canadian and U.S. borders, domains, defense and security departments and agencies,' (quoted in Homeland Defense watch, 20 July 2006)
The BPG task force report called for the establishment of a "maritime mission" for NORAD including a maritime warning system. The report acted as a blueprint for the renegotiation of NORAD, which was implemented immediately following the release of the report.
On April 28, 2006, an agreement negotiated behind closed doors was signed between the US and Canada. The renewed NORAD agreement was signed in Ottawa by the US ambassador and the Canadian Minister of Defense Gordon O'Connor, without prior debate in the Canadian Parliament. The House of Commons was allowed to rubberstamp a fait accompli, an agreement which had already been signed by the two governments.
"'A continental approach to defense and security could facilitate binational maritime domain awareness and a combined response to potential threats, "which transcends Canadian and U.S. borders, domains, defense and security departments and agencies,' the report says." (Homeland Defense Watch, May 8, 2006)
While NORAD still exists in name, its organizational structure coincides with that of NORTHCOM. Following the April 28, 2006 agreement, in practical terms, NORAD has been merged into USNORTHCOM.
NORTHCOM Commander Gen. Gene Renuart, USAF happens to be Commander of NORAD, Maj. Gen. Paul J. Sullivan who is NORTHCOM Chief of Staff, is Chief of Staff of NORAD.
With a exception of a token Canadian General, who occupies the position of Deputy Commander of NORAD, the leadership of NORAD coincides with that of NORTHCOM. (See photo gallery below). These two military authorities are identical in structure, they occupy the same facilities at the Peterson Air Force base in Colorado.
There was no official announcement of the renewed NORAD agreement, which hands over control of Canada's territorial waters to the US, nor was there media coverage of this far-reaching decision.
The Deployment of US Troops on Canadian Soil
At the outset of US Northern Command in April 2002, Canada accepted the right of the US to deploy US troops on Canadian soil.
"U.S. troops could be deployed to Canada and Canadian troops could cross the border into the United States if the continent was attacked by terrorists who do not respect borders, according to an agreement announced by U.S. and Canadian officials." (Edmunton Sun, 11 September 2002)
With the creation of the BPG in December 2002, a binational "Civil Assistance Plan" was established. The latter described the precise "conditions for deploying U.S. troops in Canada, or vice versa, in the aftermath of a terrorist attack or natural disaster." (quoted in Inside the Army, 5 September 2005).
Canadian Sovereignty
In August 2006, the US State Department confirmed that a new NORAD Agreement had entered into force, while emphasizing that "the maritime domain awareness component was of 'indefinite duration,' albeit subject to periodic review." (US Federal News, 1 August 2006). In March 2007, the US Senate Armed Services Committee confirmed that the NORAD Agreement had been formally renewed, to include a maritime warning system. In Canada, in contrast, there has been a deafening silence. In Canada, the renewed NORAD agreement went virtually unnoticed. There was no official pronouncement by the Canadian government of Stephen Harper. There was no analysis or commentary of its significance and implications for Canadian territorial sovereignty. The agreement was barely reported by the Canadian media.
Operating under a "North American" emblem (i.e. a North American Command), the US military would have jurisdiction over Canadian territory from coast to coast; extending from the St Laurence Valley to the Queen Elizabeth archipelago in the Canadian Arctic. The agreement would allow for the establishment of "North American" military bases on Canadian territory. From an economic standpoint, it would also integrate the Canadian North, with its vast resources in energy and raw materials, with Alaska.
Ottawa's Military Facility in Resolute Bay
Ottawa's July 2007 decision to establish a military facility in Resolute Bay in the Northwest Passage was not intended to reassert "Canadian sovereignty. In fact quite the opposite. It was established in consultation with Washington. A deep-water port at Nanisivik, on the northern tip of Baffin Island is also envisaged.
The US administration is firmly behind the Canadian government's decision. The latter does not "reassert Canadian sovereignty". Quite the opposite. It is a means to eventually establish US territorial control over Canada's entire Arctic region including its waterways. This territory would eventually fall under the jurisdiction of US Northern Command (NORTHCOM).
The Security and Prosperity Partnership Agreement (SPP)
The Security and Prosperity Partnership Agreement (SPP) signed between the US, Canada and Mexico contemplates the formation of a North American Union (NAU), a territorial dominion, extending from the Caribbean to the Canadian arctic territories.
The SPP is closely related to the Binational Planning Group initiative. An Independent Task Force sponsored by The Council on Foreign Relations calls for the transformation of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) into a "multiservice Defense Command". The CFR document entitled "North American Community" drafted on behalf of the SPP endorses the BPG March 2006 recommendations:
"As recommended in a report of the Canadian-U.S. Joint Planning Group [BPG], NORAD should evolve into a multiservice Defense Command that would expand the principle of Canadian-U.S. joint command to land and naval as well as air forces engaged in defending the approaches to North America. In addition, Canada and the United States should reinforce other bilateral defense institutions, including the Permanent Joint Board on Defense and Joint Planning Group, and invite Mexico to send observers.
(North American Community, Task Force documented sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) together with the Canadian Council of Chief Executives and the Consejo Mexicano de Asuntos Internacionales)
The accession of Canada to this Multiservice Defense Command, as recommended by the CFR, has already been established, signed and sealed, approved by the Canadian Parliament in May 2006, in the context of the renewal of the NORAD agreement.
In all likelihood, the formal merging of "the renewed NORAD" and US NORTHCOM will be on the agenda at the August Security and Prosperity Partnership Agreement (SPP) Summit meeting of President Bush, Prime Minister Harper and President Calderon at Montebello, Quebec. This decision would lead to the formation of a US-Canada NORTHCOM, with a new name, but with substantially the same NORTHCOM rhetorical mandate of "defending the Northern American Homeland" against terrorist attacks. The military of both the US and Canada would also be called to play an increasing role in civilian law enforcement activities.
The real objective underlying the SPP is to militarize civilian institutions and repeal democratic government.
"Integration" or the "Annexation" of Canada?
Canada is contiguous to "the center of the empire". Territorial control over Canada is part of the US geopolitical and military agenda. It is worth recalling in this regard, that throughout history, the "conquering nation" has expanded on its immediate borders, acquiring control over contiguous territories.
Military integration is intimately related to the ongoing process of integration in the spheres of trade, finance and investment. Needless to say, a large part of the Canadian economy is already in the hands of US corporate interests. In turn, the interests of big business in Canada tend to coincide with those of the US.
Canada is already a de facto economic protectorate of the USA. NAFTA has not only opened up new avenues for US corporate expansion, it has laid the groundwork under the existing North American umbrella for the post 9/11 integration of military command structures, public security, intelligence and law enforcement.
No doubt, Canada's entry into US Northern Command will be presented to public opinion as part of Canada-US "cooperation", as something which is "in the national interest", which "will create jobs for Canadians", and "will make Canada more secure".
Ultimately what is at stake is that beneath the rhetoric, Canada will cease to function as a Nation:
-Its borders will be controlled by US officials and confidential information on Canadians will be shared with Homeland Security.
-US troops and Special Forces will be able to enter Canada as a result of a binational arrangement.
-Canadian citizens can be arrested by US officials, acting on behalf of their Canadian counterparts and vice versa.
But there is something perhaps even more fundamental in defining and understanding where Canada and Canadians stand as nation.
By endorsing a Canada-US "integration" in the spheres of defense, homeland security, police and intelligence, Canada not remains a full fledged member of George W. Bush's "Coalition of the Willing", it will directly participate, through integrated military command structures, in the US war agenda in Central Asia and the Middle East, including the massacre of civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan, the torture of POWs, the establishment of concentration camps, etc.
Canada would no longer have an independent foreign policy. Under an integrated North American Command, a North American national security doctrine would be formulated. Canada would be obliged to embrace Washington's pre-emptive military doctrine, its bogus "war on terrorism which is used as a pretext for waging war in the Middle East. .
The Canadian judicial system would be affected. Moreover, binational integration in the areas of Homeland security, immigration, policing of the US-Canada border, not to mention the anti-terrorist legislation, would imply pari passu acceptance of the US sponsored police State, its racist policies, its "ethnic profiling" directed against Muslims, the arbitrary arrest of anti-war activists.

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=6572

An awful lot of what is mentioned in this piece has already come to fruition.Canada has re-organized her Armed forces to integrate into the US Armed Services. Witness "Canada Command", the over-arching Canadian military HQ for north of the 49th parallel.Fits kinda neatly into the lexicon of existing US Commands, NorthCom, CentCom, SouthCom, and now CanCom.Whatever you thought of Jean Chretien, at least he had the interests of Canada at heart, very unlike our present treasonous, past-his-Prime Minister who, unsatisfied with our past role of being a middle power, wants very much to be a 'player' on the world stage, and will prostitute my country to any length to achieve his egoist aims.With the deliverance of Harper to the highest post in civil service in this country, we have, collectively, effectively renounced our sovereignty.It seems that our Loyal Opposition is no better than the US Congress.I feel like throwing up.rgl 08.19.07 - 1:54 pm #

You think this is bad?Wait until the next referendum in Quebec. Well, we were wondering what the corporatists' strategy might be, now we have it. When Quebec leaves, Canada without a contiguous border will naturally gravitate towards their economic masters. I can't help but think that this is what this is all about.Good luck Canucks!T.Turtle 08.19.07 - 2:11 pm #

rgl--this agreement was signed in 2002--under what is now the Opposition with Chretien as the signer. Don't forget he campaigned on the fact that he would not sign FTA and then as his first act as PM he signed it!Then the SPP was signed by the Corporate darling, Paul Martin as the leader of Canada and also a Liberal and member now, of the Loyal? Opposition! Yes, Harper has fallen in with the ultimate plan of Manifest Destiny for the US and we will lose our country.George 08.19.07 - 2:22 pm #

So, Canadians - what are you going to do about it?blizzard 08.19.07 - 2:34 pm #

I don't think the Pentagon consulted with anyone in Mexico as to Northcom's responsibility for Mexico's territory.A bit presumtuous, to say the leasst.The real terrorists are in the White House and the PentagonGustavo Caldas 08.19.07 - 2:37 pm #

Who says marx was not a prophet?History does repeat its self!This is anschuss mk 2paul 08.19.07 - 2:47 pm #

blizzard:(Name like that, I was sure you was a Canuck .. lol)Well. I cannot speak for any Canadian other than myself, but I think I will begin a letter campaign to the appropriate MPs, make sure that everybody I know is made aware of this, and encourage them to start bugging their MPs.I am somewhat more confident of this action in Canada, than I would be if I were an American, (and no, not because of some misbegotten idea that we are moral, and you are not) simply because we have five political parties, vice two.Not to mention a slew of 'fringe' parties that would be willing to take up any cause, if for no other reason than to get media exposure.You have to admit that five parties are a lot more difficult to subvert than two (one?).It is also somewhat of a comfort that a minority government is far and away more vulnerable than the monolithic one-party system that exists in the States.Will we have any better luck than our confreres south of the border? Will I find the same degree of apathy north of the border that seems to exist south of the border?I don't know. But I'm gonna find out.rgl 08.19.07 - 3:12 pm #

US Citizens can no longer count on taking refuge in Canada.Where are they to go?Ideas anyone.DeRein 08.19.07 - 3:12 pm #

It sounds like Canadians are being conditioned for their next prime minister, Mr. George Bush of the U.S. starting in 09. He's just too great and brilliant an asset to retire from public life. With Cheney/Ashcroft installed in the U.S. after a surprise election victory, U.S. - Canadian cooperation will reach cordial new highs.Professor Ku 08.19.07 - 3:14 pm #

I think I have made it plain that, done correctly, I am all for World Government. I still have to resolve my own issues with my nationality and the above statement, but it really is the only way forward to ensure not only the survival of the species, but as a means to a more equitable world. But by consent. Not coercion.I spent a quarter of my life as a rifleman in an infantry company. I thought I left that life behind, but if some group of pinheads tries to force this upon us without our consent, well then perhaps I should start boning up on past training.Double-tap, centre of mass, first.rgl 08.19.07 - 3:28 pm #

To my Canadian friends who are in the dark as much as American citizens: you have our sympathy. Believe me, we know as little about what is going on as you and certainly do not condone or support the dictorial realm that Bush has created and will continue to create....unless AMERICANS WAKE UP. So many people...so little awareness. How is this possible?...the educational system...the media..economics...lies and more lies..false flag operations ....arrogance...blind religious belief...on and on. We are being led by an administration and congress comprised of amoral, power hungry, greedy and thoughtless sub-humans. And those are the nice qualities. Tell your friends...speak up when you can. This is not a time to be tactful and quiet. Throw away your TVs and get ready to defend yourself against whatever is coming down the pike. DO NOT sit back and let it happen as they did in the Germany of the 30's. POWER TO THE PEOPLE! DON'T LET BUSH SUCCEED WHERE PRESCOTT BUSH FAILED. WE STOPPED THEM THEN AND WE CAN STOP THEM NOW.Willy Bill 08.19.07 - 3:48 pm #

Want to contact your MP? Find the SOAB here...http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/ind....asp? Language=EBe nice, T.Turtle 08.19.07 - 3:57 pm #

So even BAFFIN ISLAND will get a "port"!!! On the bright side anyone wanting to visit Baffin Island, which I hear is remote, might be a little more comfortable. Wow, I hope the Canadian people are paying attention. I would hate to see them become part of the U.S. just because they had their heads in the sand. It sounds like alot of this is happening while the populace is too busy with other things, sounds kind of familiar? But on a brighter note since the Canadian people are so much more superiour and moral than Americans, I'm sure they will be able to end the State Sponsored terrorists of the U.S. once they realize they are complicit also.I have heard several times by Canadians that "the Canadian people will never, ever allow the NAU and Amero". It would never pass parliament. But already it sounds like their parliament is back stabbing them. What will the Canadians do?Cat 08.19.07 - 4:09 pm #

Turtle,This is not time for the Canadian people to be "nice". They are being backstabbed....nice is not going to cut it. You guys need to stop it NOW, or you'll get swallowed real quick. This is a test for the Canadian people. You will either pass or fail.Cat 08.19.07 - 4:12 pm #

You got that right, Cat. Wake up, Turtle, they are selling the Canadians down the tubes just like this admin. and the congress have sold out Americans. Wonder if you folks have a national ID yet?..ours comes in May 08; then comes the implant. George Orwell has nothing on G. Bush. Rise up against the stagnation of apathy. It's up to the people now...God is not listening. TAKE THE POWER BACK!!Willy Bill 08.19.07 - 4:21 pm #

being canadian makes me wanna puke. I warned so many people of this now i have to start putting up banners. i need some good lines from you people so that i can get these banners up and going. how about,good lord i suck at such things. comeon people i need some help.Helen from canada 08.19.07 - 4:23 pm #

ouch, how many of you have seen the natrual bbeauty of Canada?? I have and it's breath taking. ok if that is the way bush is gonna be i am gonna team up with canada to make sure bush doesn't screw up everything. someone please put a hole in his head.Bluetiger 08.19.07 - 4:28 pm #

What am I doing about it?-wrote my Minister of Parliament-wrote the Prime Minister-wrote to the major newpapers berating them their poor coverage of this issue.-sent this article to friends and family-going to a protest rally tomorrowThis would be a travesty to our country. However, the powers that be are easily bought. This time, bought with tainted, corrupt, dirty, dirty money.Disgusted Canadian 08.19.07 - 4:34 pm #

Turtle:You deserve nice. Politicians certainly do not.rgl 08.19.07 - 4:35 pm #

CANADIANS,Hey I graduated high school in Canada. Love you guys. I can still sing your national anthem and mean it.So for every time I've sung that I "stand on guard for thee", well, now's my chance to make good on the oath.Our antiglobalist people are starting to reach out and share research. Kids on YouTube are doing their best to show that Canada is alive and resisting.I know, either directly or indirectly, pretty much everybody in the movement.What do you guys need? Let's start talking. We'll build our own bridges and international cooperation. To tear these bastards downs we will.I know what Canadians are made of. Strong stuff and solid values. Time to rock! Don't tell me you can't do it, you guys paddled a bunch of canoes and burned our White House down in the 1800s. And lived to tell the tale. That was sheer balls.Oyate. Homepage 08.19.07 - 4:40 pm #

Cat:"...since the Canadian people are so much more superiour and moral than Americans."I don't think I ever heard any canuck say that Canadians were morally superior to Americans, but I will readily admit that we trash your government whenever the opportunity arises.I have myself complained about Americans boastful nationalistic nature, but I never said we were morally superior. Just a lot more laid-back. I think we do have a better healthcare system. Even with the NAU revelation(?) I still think we have a superior political system (five parties opposed to the two (one) party system the States employ.For that reason I think we might be able to enjoy more success opposing this than Americans opposing their gov't do.Time will tell.rgl 08.19.07 - 4:43 pm #

@ Oyate:You are a complete enigma to me. On one hand you can be the most callous, right-wing SOB I have ever heard.With your very next post, you show an uncommon amount of intelligence and compassion. A true humanist.What ARE you made of?rgl 08.19.07 - 4:47 pm #

Our neighbors to the north must get off their butts,and raise hell if they want to protect themselves and their country and its resources because Bush and company are out to dupe their leaders into agreements they will live to regret. As for those of us who reside in the lower 48, when the papers are signed,we're buying vans to haul millions "legals" to Canada at $1000 a clip to take your jobs and tankers by the 1000's to haul your resources back to the states, guarded all the way by U.S. troops who will have full access to both Canada and Mexico. You have been warned.Keith in NC 08.19.07 - 4:51 pm #

Oyate:Addendum to my last. If you have read the posts here, then you have read mine where I agree with one world government. Done by consent, not coercion.Up til right now, I thought I 'knew' you. Presumtious, but there you have it.I would like your thoughts on the matter, when you get a moment.rgl 08.19.07 - 4:52 pm #

The fact is that most of this already existed as administrative accords. For example, as inexplicable as it may be, Canadian F-16s patrolled the skies over New York after 9-11. A thousand hospital beds were made available in my region for victims of 9-11. Security cooperation has existed since the late 70s, including the sharing of personal and confidential information. NORAD has always evolved and gathered more power. There was no need for a Binational agreement, since these plans have existed now, for ages.NO.Canadians have always been blackmailed by our close friends and dear neighbors. If we do not comply with their wishes, there will be slowdowns at the border and businesses will lose money, the same businesses that contribute largely to the political structure. Consider the hardwood litigation. The US kept us in litigation for years and the money owed to Canadian companies was kept in trust. When these companies faltered financially, they were picked up by US companies at a bargain. The US lost its obviously bogus case, and still decided not to pay the entire sums owed. If we didn't accept, we could expect troubles at the border.The same for the bogus homeland security deal. We comply or else.This is but a symptom. Without globalization, there would be little need for such coordination.Yes be nice, since if you're not, you won't be taken seriously and may not be read. Running with your hair on fire may lose you calories, but you may get some awful dandruff from it. Be intelligent, that should be disconcerting to the lot of them.I doubt that Canadians require advise from people who would let their officials get away with such criminal behavior for so long. A people who would accept the condoning of torture, the abandonment of all human rights and of the Geneva principles. We are by no means perfect, but we hopefully will find a way to stay together and face down the barbarians at the door.T.Turtle 08.19.07 - 4:55 pm #

rgl,It sounds like you ought to start thrashing your own government around very quickly or you may be sorry. Now is not the time to be attacking average joe/janes of US. You may be able to hold it off, but I think you have alot of work cut out for you. Good Luck.Cat 08.19.07 - 4:57 pm #

Turtle,It should not matter if you are blackmailed or Corporations are doing this or that. The Canadian people should stand up to their government. You need to wake the Average Canadian up!! Isn't that what people say of Americans? Americans are guilty of the crimes the state commits? Already you guys agreed to Nafta. Well, I'm sure the nafta card will be played more and more. People do not realize that under Nafta a corporation's "rights" TRUMP all government's laws if it finds those laws interfere with profit. It Trumps all Jury decisions, parliamentary rulings, state laws, etc. The Canadian people allowed this, now they are going to start paying the price, like Americans have.If Canadians allow such as Nafta and any movement towards NAU they only have THEMSELVES to blame.Frankly, I don't care if we take you guys over. If we do its because "You deserve it for not standing up".Cat 08.19.07 - 5:06 pm #

Cat:Agreed. And again, just for the record, I think you will find that I don't trash John/Jane yank. I have defended your people in uniform. I have pointed out that America HAS done great things in the past. But I will readily admit that I have railed against your government's treatment of minorities, your sub-standard education system, healthcare system, and yes, the list goes on.But these are complaints against your government, not the people enslaved by that government.And in truth, I have verbally 'accosted' the occasional yank personally for spouting rightwing, neocon bullshit. Guilty as charged. But we have them up here too. And I have no problem bringing a fellow Canadian up short when I think (s)he needs it.But yes, it seems we have some dogshit we must scoop out of our own backyard now, doesn't it?rgl 08.19.07 - 5:12 pm #

From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli....Canada has oil and water. Additionally, thanks to global warming, Canada will soon, within ten to fifty years from today, be in possession of the mythical Northwest Passage. The wealth that will be generated in northern Canada from commerce and resource extraction is simply stunning to contemplate. Now Canada must yield those resources to U.S. corporate exploitation.GORBALT 08.19.07 - 5:19 pm #

Turtle:Actually, T, the security arrangement you speak of has been in existance since 1815.Upon the conclusion of the War of 1812, a bilateral military commission was enacted to settle border disputes, and like grievances and to prevent another war on this continent.Canada does not possess F16s. Our main combat aircraft is the F18 Hornet, Canadian designation, CF18.That is not to say that we did not have combat aircraft in the skies, we did, but I believe Canadian a/c were 'restricted' to Canadian airspace.Ditto, we may have had Canadian pilots tooling around in American F16s, but I am unaware of any joint combat squadrons in existance.I am not disputing you. I simply don't know the facts. But it would greatly surprise me to find Canadian pilots patrolling the skies of America, outside of the existing Canadian presence at NORAD.rgl 08.19.07 - 5:22 pm #