Canada was invited to take part in the American Ballistic Missile Defence program of NORAD twelve years ago, when then-prime minister Paul Martin declined at the last minute. Current Conservative defence critic Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman MP James Bezan says the nation's in need of getting involved, now that the North Korean threat is looming over us, but Martin's refusal didn't fare well.

"That resulted in some bad feelings," explains Bezan. "That invitation was taken off the table. So, here we are twelve years later. Technology has been proven. The program exists, and the United States is prepared to take down any missile that's launched at them."

He says Canada has always been a part of NORAD, but never entered into that specific program, so the Conservatives are urging Prime Minister Trudeau to assume his responsibility to keep Canada safe and immediately launch discussions to include Canada. Bezan notes if North Korea misses their mark, or intentionally seeks to strike Canada, we need protection. He explains ramped up rhetoric between the States and North Korea doesn't specifically include Canada, but North Korea sees Canada as a US-friendly nation, and the States' closest ally in terms of philosophy and physicality, along with the fact that Canada is technically still at war with North Korea. He notes this makes us a potential target. Bezan says the Korean War ended in 1956, and there was a cease-fire armistice signed back then, Canada and Australia were allies with the USA back at that time. Bezan notes we shed blood in protecting democracy, human rights, and freedom in South Korea, and are likely still viewed as an enemy of the state of North Korea.

Bezan adds the Conservatives will keep putting pressure on the Liberal government to start those negotiations and be transparent in it all. He notes they need to informing the country if the invitation will be open, and how soon can we become part of it. Bezan adds any costs should also be explained to Canadians and how those costs will be paid if we do join.