Amid tumultuous times, NORAD needs a consistent Canada-U.S. commitment

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Defence Minister Anita Anand join U.S. officials in a NORAD briefing at the North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command Headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., in June 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has often struggled for political and military attention.

This unique Canada-United States military command is in the spotlight right now because of growing tensions among the U.S., Russia and China. Both the U.S. National Defense Strategy of 2022 and Canada’s 2017 Strong, Secure, Engaged policy prioritize defending North America, NORAD’s reason for being.