Pentagon says Canada gave no credible response to NORAD priorities document

A senior U.S. defense official has stated that the Pentagon provided Canada with a classified document outlining American priorities for North American defense cooperation but did not receive what it considers a credible response. This development is cited as a key point of friction in bilateral defense relations.

The official, briefing journalists on background, said Ottawa's reply indicated Canada would try to align with the U.S. position, but American officials are seeking a more substantial plan. The classified paper reportedly details U.S. expectations regarding continental defense, Arctic security, and NATO commitments under the framework of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

In response, a spokesperson for Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty did not address whether the document was received or a response was sent. The spokesperson pointed to historic investments in defense, noting Canada spent $63.4 billion on national defense in 2025, meeting the NATO target of two percent of GDP for the first time. The spokesperson added that Canada plans to spend more than $82 billion over five years on military capabilities and is accelerating its path toward...