Defence Minister David McGuinty has stated that labeling issues in Canada-U.S. defence discussions as “irritants” might be misleading, emphasizing that both nations are collaborating on common projects such as integrated air missile defense systems.
“We possess an integrated defense system,” McGuinty noted during an interview on Rosemary Barton Live which aired on Sunday morning. “We are active participants in NORAD. It stands as the only binational command globally.”
Host Rosemary Barton inquired about Canada’s ongoing evaluation of its F-35 contract with U.S.-based Lockheed Martin — an issue U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra has referred to as an irritant — and whether this topic had been discussed with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
McGuinty shared that he had a recent meeting with Hegseth where “we dedicated considerable time to discussing various aspects of our cooperation and progress, particularly in integrated air missile defense systems.”
“Thus, the notion of irritants may not be entirely accurate,” McGuinty added.
Rising U.S. trade tensions have some questioning if American-made fighter jets are still the right decision for Canada. For The National, CBC’s David Common looks at what goes into building the F-35 and finds a surprising Canadian contribution.
During the summer, Hoekstra commented that Canada “should just decide what they want” in relation to the F-35 fighter jets, insisting that the Canadian government cannot sustain two separate fighter jet programs.
The review was initiated in March by then-defence minister Bill Blair amid escalating trade tensions with the United States. Since that announcement, Canadian officials have indicated that Prime Minister Mark Carney will make a decision regarding the review when he deems it appropriate.
Barton also asked McGuinty if the F-35 jets are part of discussions between Canadian and American officials regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed Golden Dome.
The phrase Golden Dome refers to a system that integrates surveillance capabilities — in space, air, ground, and sea through advanced radar technology — with anti-missile and counter-drone systems, such as the U.S.-produced Patriot system.
This system is designed to identify, track, and neutralize any air or missile threats originating globally.
Chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton speaks with the former deputy commander of NORAD, retired lieutenant-general Christopher Coates, about U.S. President Donald Trump’s plans for a ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence system. The American Roundtable weighs in, and also discusses Trump’s latest threats against the EU and Harvard.
Initially, McGuinty refrained from mentioning the term “Golden Dome.” He stated, “the issue of a continental shield is a topic we are discussing. It builds on our current NORAD interoperable system.”
When asked further, McGuinty remarked, “the primary point for Canadians to remember is that we are uncertain what the Golden Dome entails. I understand continental security for us… and we must approach this strategically and cohesively.”
Canada strengthening defence connections with Europe
As the F-35 review progresses, Canada is aiming to enhance its defence and security collaboration with the European Union. In July, Carney formalized a strategic agreement with the EU, perceived as a move to reduce Canada’s dependence on the United States.
This agreement paves the way for Canadian businesses to engage in the $1.25 trillion ReArm Europe initiative. Ultimately, it will also facilitate the Canadian government’s collaboration with other allied nations to procure military equipment through the SAFE program.
Geneviève Tuts, the EU ambassador to Canada, informed Barton that this partnership represents “a significant advancement and we are currently negotiating… the means to convert this into tangible outcomes.”
When asked if the EU partnership would have been feasible without Canada’s commitment to expedite its plan to achieve the NATO 2 percent spending target by March 2026, Tuts responded.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a joint strategic defence and security partnership with the EU on Monday in Brussels.
“This might not be for me to evaluate what Canada has chosen or should have chosen, but this likely simplifies matters,” Tuts commented.
McGuinty affirmed that the government is confident it can make the necessary investments promptly to meet the spending target by the set deadline, which includes “significant updates to pay and remuneration packages” for members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
