Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed on Wednesday that his government is engaged in high-level discussions with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump regarding participation in the proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system, a U.S.-led initiative aimed at enhancing North American protection against emerging threats.
Speaking at the conclusion of a two-day Cabinet retreat in Ottawa, Carney said that while no final decision has been made, Canada is actively considering investment and partnership options to join the defense shield, which is intended to counter potential missile attacks from adversaries such as North Korea, China, Russia, and possibly threats “from outer space” in the future.
“We are conscious that we have an ability, if we so choose, to complete the Golden Dome with investments and partnership,” Carney stated. He described the proposal as a strategic military decision that “will be evaluated accordingly,” but declined to disclose the potential financial contribution Canada might make.
The remarks follow Trump’s statement earlier this week, in which he claimed Canada had expressed interest in joining the initiative. Trump also emphasized that any partnership would require Ottawa to pay its “fair share” of the costs—a long-standing theme in his approach to defense alliances.
Carney confirmed that he has spoken directly with Trump about the Golden Dome project and noted that Canadian and U.S. defense officials have been engaged in missile defense discussions for years, although progress has been slow amid political and budgetary challenges.
Highlighting the evolving security landscape, Carney said, “Greater military protection is a good idea,” referencing recent threats and weapons testing by North Korea, escalating tensions with Russia, and rising competition with China. He also hinted at the broader future of defense, mentioning the possibility of missile threats from space-based platforms.
Despite his previously critical stance on Trump, including past remarks accusing the U.S. president of trying to “break” Canada’s international alliances and trade integrity, Carney struck a pragmatic tone on defense cooperation. “We are in a position now where we cooperate when necessary, but not necessarily cooperate,” he said.
Canada’s potential involvement in the Golden Dome system marks a significant shift in its defense posture, signaling a willingness to engage more deeply in North American missile defense after decades of caution and political debate, particularly surrounding participation in the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) program.
Details of the Golden Dome’s architecture, funding model, and timeline have yet to be made public. A formal announcement from the U.S. Department of Defense is expected later this year.
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Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 27 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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The U.S. and Iran have reportedly reached a preliminary 60-day ceasefire and nuclear talks deal, pending Donald Trump’s approval, Axios reports. Meanwhile, the GCC condemned Iran’s missile strike on a U.S. airbase in Kuwait, which Tehran said was retaliation for a U.S. strike near Bandar Abbas.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
A growing majority of Europeans believe the European Union should pursue a more independent foreign policy and reduce its reliance on the U.S., according to a new survey published on Friday.
An Inca child mummy discovered high in the Andes more than a century ago has been returned to an indigenous community in north-western Argentina after spending 119 years in a museum collection.
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Kenyan authorities have arrested eight students on suspicion of arson following a fire at a girls’ boarding school that killed 16, according to the country’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations. The blaze, which happened in Kenya's Rift Valley, also injured dozens of students.
The British government has unveiled 300,000 new work experience and training placements for young people after a major review warned that rising youth unemployment could leave more young people disconnected from work, education and training.
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