NR–08.024 - April 11, 2008
OTTAWA – The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, along with General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff, concluded their visit of the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) Headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This visit was an important familiarization trip for Minister MacKay during a special 50th anniversary for NORAD.
"I am very honoured to be visiting NORAD during the year of its 50th anniversary" said Minister MacKay. "Canada has a long and successful history of security and defence cooperation with our neighbours to the south. Through our bilateral defence relationship, Canada has been a full and committed partner in the defence and security of North America and its citizens – a necessity for today's security environment."
While touring the facility, Minister Mackay met with U.S. Air Force General Victor E. Renuart Jr., Commander of NORAD and US Northern Command, as well as Lieutenant-General Charlie Bouchard.
"NORAD is and will remain the cornerstone of the Canada-U.S. defence relationship, and Canadian defence and security interests will continue to be addressed," added MacKay. "NORAD remains ready to defend Canada and North America in a changing security environment."
Established in 1958, NORAD is a bi-national organization responsible for the aerospace defence of North America. As part of this mission, NORAD detects and warns both governments of attacks by aircraft or missiles. For almost half a century, NORAD has adapted and evolved to address emerging threats.
This was Minister MacKay's first visit to NORAD Headquarters in Cheyenne Mountain.
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