Army Gen. Charles Jacoby, commander of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command, joined Lt. Gen. Walter Semianiw, Canada Command commander, recently to sign three key bilateral documents that further develop the combined defense and security of Canada and the United States.
The commanders were in Ottawa attending the meetings at the Permanent Joint Board on Defense (PJBD).
The documents signed during the meeting include the Civil Assistance Plan (CAP), the Combined Defense Plan (CDP) and an Information Sharing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The CAP, which was first signed on Feb. 14, 2008, was renewed for two years.
The CDP establishes a planning framework among Canada Command, U.S. Northern Command, and NORAD for enhanced defense cooperation between Canada and the United States should governments require each other’s assistance. These arrangements are not unlike Requests for Assistance in response to natural disasters or in the event of a defense emergency.
The Information Sharing MoU updates and formalizes existing arrangements among NORAD, USNORTHCOM and Canada Command that help identify and provide for ease of sharing information amongst the three organizations.
Jacoby said, “Canada and the United States are great security partners who have worked together for over half a century. These three documents provide us with the necessary means to better coordinate our combined military resources to help our fellow Americans and Canadians during emergencies. They also help us be better prepared to defend the interests of our two great countries.”
Canadian Minister of National Defense Hon. Peter McKay delivered the forum’s keynote address. Speaking about the importance of the PJBD for Canada’s defense and security relations with the United States, he said: “The United States is Canada’s most important ally and defence partner, and strategic discussion entrench our defence relationship at a critical time.”
The agenda for the 228th PJBD meeting included topics such as continental defense and security cooperation, regional engagement and the Arctic.
The PJBD has been in existence for over 70 years and is the highest level bilateral defense forum between Canada and the United States. The Board meets semiannually, with hosting duties rotating between the two countries. This year, the event took place Jan. 24-25.