The Globe and Mail - May 6, 2003
By Colin Kenny
A missile defence system for North America– offering the United States and its allies protection from rogue states, terrorists and accidental firings – may well not be a priority for a majority of Canadians who have scrutinized threats to our safety.
Many thoughtful Canadians might be more interested in taking action to lessen poverty-induced unrest around the world, combat the spread of virulent diseases, and perhaps guard against terrorist attacks utilizing more devious devices than missiles.
I won’t argue with them. As Chair of the Senate Committee on National Security and Defence, I spend a lot of time discussing threats to Canadians with military personnel and security analysts. As a result, countering terrorist missiles isn’t at the top of my list either.
That having been said, I think it would be foolish for Canada not to respond quickly and positively to American hints that Washington would welcome our participation in America’s contemplated continental defence system.
Why do I think we should get involved? To toady up to the Americans after disappointing them with our non-participation in their invasion of Iraq? Nope. I really don’t think it is the Canadian government’s role to pursue American interests. We do not have to grovel.
It is, however, the Canadian government’s role to pursue Canada’s own interests. Getting involved in a continental missile defence system would fill that bill.
First, while terrorist missiles don’t belong at the top of our worry list, they do at least belong on the list. There are a lot more states out there with the technical potential to inflict long-range damage than their used to be, and thinks can go very wonky in different parts of the world very quickly.
Yes, the Americans are at the bull’s eye of the terrorists target. But we Canadians are in the second inner ring on the target. We are close by, terrorists hate our values too, and if America hardens its defences, Canada automatically becomes a softer hunting ground.
Second, the Americans are going ahead with a continental missile defence system, with or without us. They seem willing to integrate Canada into the command structure, as we have been integrated in NORAD command. Involvement in a continental missile defence system would actually be less scary than our cold war involvement within NORAD.
NORAD’s role was to alert us to a Soviet air attack, allowing the U.S. to launch a counter-attack. As essential as NORAD was during the cold war, it was a key element of a policy of mutually-assured destruction.
This time around we’re not talking about retaliation – we’re talking about self-protection. Canadian territory will be a “debris zone” whether we are involved or not. I think it is in Canada’s interests to be part of the planning as to how and where things will be shot down, rather than leaving that decision entirely in the hands of our neighbours.
Third, it isn’t like we are going to be asked to invest a huge chunk of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product into an anti-missile system. The Americans are putting up almost all the money. It appears that the British and the Danes will supply the main radar sites. Canada’s main commitment would be to provide a few senior military personnel to get involved in the command structure. That’s hardly a major investment, given the payback.
Fourth, Canada’s hard-hit aerospace industry – filled with talent but short on opportunities at the moment – would have a chance to participate in the development of technology.
Fifth – and this is important – international concerns that this kind of defensive system would destabilize international security and lead to a new international arms race have largely dissipated. Russia, which expressed initial concerns, is now on board. It is unlikely that any other state is going to invest in the development of dangerous new weapons technologies just because North America is more securely defended.
Will a continental missile defence shield lead to weapons in space? Possibly. Probably. But this is as inevitable as putting weapons in the air and the sea became in the late 19th and early 20th century. We would all prefer a world without weapons, but there isn’t going to be one. Space is no more sacred that the depths of the sea and the earth’s atmosphere when it comes to effective weapons systems. There will be weapons in space, and they may actually help deter war.
Like most sensible Canadians, I have my doubts about the value of investing vast sums of money into a missile defence system. But it’s not our money. If we can be part of deploying such a system to create a more secure North America, at very little cost, why not?
Chummy with the Yanks? You bet – when it makes sense. Let’s get on with becoming part of the control structure a continental missile defence system before we find ourselves on the outside looking in. It would be a mistake to dither and wait for the arrival of a new prime minister. The time to act in Canada’s best interests is now.
Senator Kenny is chair of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence. He can be reached via email at kennyco@sen.parl.gc.ca