Posted on 02/24/2008 7:08:02 PM PST by exg
Canada, U.S. quietly sign mutual military aid pact Either nation could send troops across each other's borders during emergency David Pugliese , The Ottawa Citizen Published: Friday, February 22, 2008 Canada and the U.S. have signed an agreement that paves the way for the militaries from either nation to send troops across each other's borders during an emergency, but some are questioning why the Harper government has kept silent on the deal.
Neither the Canadian government nor the Canadian Forces announced the new agreement, which was signed Feb. 14 in Texas.
The U.S. military's Northern Command, however, publicized the agreement with a statement outlining how its top officer, Gen. Gene Renuart, and Canadian Lt.-Gen. Marc Dumais, head of Canada Command, signed the plan, which allows the military from one nation to support the armed forces of the other nation during a civil emergency.
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Printer friendly Font:****The new agreement has been greeted with suspicion by the left wing in Canada and the right wing in the U.S.
The left-leaning Council of Canadians, which is campaigning against what it calls the increasing integration of the U.S. and Canadian militaries, is raising concerns about the deal.
"It's kind of a trend when it comes to issues of Canada-U.S. relations and contentious issues like military integration. We see that this government is reluctant to disclose information to Canadians that is readily available on American and Mexican websites," said Stuart Trew, a researcher with the Council of Canadians.
Trew said there is potential for the agreement to militarize civilian responses to emergency incidents. He noted that work is also underway for the two nations to put in place a joint plan to protect common infrastructure such as roadways and oil pipelines.
"Are we going to see (U.S.) troops on our soil for minor potential threats to a pipeline or a road?" he asked.
Trew also noted the U.S. military does not allow its soldiers to operate under foreign command so there are questions about who controls American forces if they are requested for service in Canada. "We don't know the answers because the government doesn't want to even announce the plan," he said.
But Canada Command spokesman Commander David Scanlon said it will be up to civilian authorities in both countries on whether military assistance is requested or even used.
He said the agreement is "benign" and simply sets the stage for military-to-military co-operation if the governments approve.
"But there's no agreement to allow troops to come in," he said. "It facilitates planning and co-ordination between the two militaries. The 'allow' piece is entirely up to the two governments."
If U.S. forces were to come into Canada they would be under tactical control of the Canadian Forces but still under the command of the U.S. military, Scanlon added.
News of the deal, and the allegation it was kept secret in Canada, is already making the rounds on left-wing blogs and Internet sites as an example of the dangers of the growing integration between the two militaries.
On right-wing blogs in the U.S. it is being used as evidence of a plan for a "North American union" where foreign troops, not bound by U.S. laws, could be used by the American federal government to override local authorities.
"Co-operative militaries on Home Soil!" notes one website. "The next time your town has a 'national emergency,' don't be surprised if Canadian soldiers respond. And remember - Canadian military aren't bound by posse comitatus."
Posse comitatus is a U.S. law that prohibits the use of federal troops from conducting law enforcement duties on domestic soil unless approved by Congress.
Scanlon said there was no intent to keep the agreement secret on the Canadian side of the border. He noted it will be reported on in the Canadian Forces newspaper next week and that publication will be put on the Internet.
Scanlon said the actual agreement hasn't been released to the public as that requires approval from both nations. That decision has not yet been taken, he added.
© The Ottawa Citizen 2008
Canada ping
what’s next,we sign an agreement with the Frito Bandito’s to the south so they can cross our border without permission?
nevermind they are already doing it
The day the canadians come to our defense is the day hell freezes over.
I might start to believe what appears to be a bunch of crap circulating about the NAU only if the forthcoming SCOTUS decision on our 2nd Amendment right for individuals to possess weapons is deemed as unconstitutional.
Until that time, I will refrain from comment ;)
It's like having our very own "Euroweenies" next door, heh?
I’m surprised we haven’t already has an alliance with Canada, like we do with Britain, France, Germany, Australia etc for decades.
I live 4 miles from the border and everyone (the locals) travel unimpeded anyway. For the most part all the Canadians & Alaskans I know wish it was one country already. You have the far right & far left in both places resenting the process but most realize it’s eventual.
Are you cold yet?
We can have personal firearms.
Try again.
Sir, I helped man an early warning radar site in Northern Ontario during the late 60's, early 70's.
We were not primarily watching for missiles headed towards Toronto.
In 1998, the Department of Justice reported that there were approximately:
The population of Canada in 1998 was approximately 30,300,000 persons, and therefore the number of firearms per capita in Canada is approximately 0.25. This means there were about 25 firearms per 100 citizens.
Do you really think the government knows how many guns there are in Canada? I personally know of eleven that will never be reported.
Registered (ALWAYS a precurser to CONFISCATION), no less.
When your much-vaunted strike planes are grounded, who takes over CAP for the continent?
Who are the only folks who sent you ships and personnel during the Katrina aftermath?
Going a few years back, who snuck several of your diplomats out of Teheran?
It’s not considered polite to constantly insult and denigrate your friends. Especially one that helps you when you need it without question, or asking recompense.
Thank you.
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