Recent security incidents have once again highlighted the deep cooperation between Canada and the United States, but they have also reignited concerns about Canada’s growing dependence on its southern ally for critical threat detection and response.
In just the past week, U.S. agencies played a pivotal role in several security-related developments affecting Canada. These included helping disrupt a potential school attack in Nova Scotia, assisting in monitoring suspicious activity involving Montreal-bound flights, and dismantling an Iranian-linked online network tied to intimidation efforts using Canadian-registered domains.
While unrelated, these events underscore a recurring pattern: American intelligence and security capabilities are often the first line of defense against threats impacting Canadian soil.
Authorities in Manitoba and Nova Scotia recently arrested two teenagers accused of planning coordinated attacks on their schools. According to investigators, the information that led to these arrests came from international partners, including Interpol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Security experts say such reliance is not unusual given the close alliance between the two countries, but it raises concerns when domestic agencies are not the first to detect threats.
Scott McGregor, a former intelligence officer with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian military, warned that while cooperation is essential, complacency is not.
“The dependency is understandable,” he said. “But failing to build our own detection capabilities is a serious issue.”
In another case, the United States Department of Justice seized several internet domains allegedly linked to Iranian intelligence operations. Two of these domains had been registered in Toronto and were reportedly used for intimidation campaigns, including threats against critics of the Iranian regime.
Meanwhile, heightened alert levels in North American airspace led to the monitoring of commercial flights heading to Montreal. Under the joint command of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), fighter jets were deployed as a precaution, although the situation was later deemed non-terror-related.
Such responses demonstrate the operational strength of U.S. defense systems, which often extend into Canadian airspace when needed.
Canada and the United States are close allies in intelligence-sharing networks such as the Five Eyes alliance, which also includes the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Officials on both sides emphasize that cooperation remains strong despite occasional political tensions.
Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty has stated that the two nations work in “lockstep” on security matters.
However, U.S. leaders including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have publicly criticized Canada’s defense spending and border security, arguing that the U.S. shoulders an unfair share of the burden.
Security veterans argue that Canada must strengthen its own institutions rather than rely heavily on American intelligence.
Gary Clement, a former senior official with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, stressed that Canada should be identifying threats independently.
“If our agencies aren’t the ones detecting these risks first, that’s a problem,” he said.
Experts also point to structural challenges within Canada’s policing system. The RCMP serves both federal and local roles, which critics say can dilute its focus on national security priorities such as foreign interference and organized crime.
There are also calls for stronger legal frameworks, including a system similar to the U.S. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) laws, to better combat complex criminal networks.
Beyond immediate threats, analysts warn of broader risks from so-called “hybrid warfare” a mix of cyberattacks, economic pressure, and covert influence operations by foreign states.
McGregor cautioned that adversaries exploit gaps in Canada’s enforcement and policy systems, particularly in areas like counterintelligence and economic security.
He also emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the United States, describing it as “foundational” to Canada’s national security.
At the same time, recent moves by Prime Minister Mark Carney to deepen ties with China have raised questions among some experts about Canada’s strategic direction.
Canada has taken steps to address these concerns, including increased defense spending and a $1.3 billion border security initiative. The government has also pledged to meet NATO’s target of spending 2 percent of GDP on defense.
Still, experts argue that more needs to be done to ensure Canada is not overly dependent on its ally.
“The partnership with the U.S. is essential,” McGregor said. “But it should never replace Canada’s own responsibility to protect itself.”
As global threats grow more complex, Canada faces a critical challenge: maintaining strong alliances while building the independent capabilities needed to safeguard its own security.
