Canada is in talks with the United States about joining President Donald Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome,” a missile shield system similar to Israel’s “Iron Dome” but for North American security.Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office confirmed the discussions, saying officials are studying what role Canada might play and how much Ottawa would be asked to spend. No decisions have been made.Trump wants the Golden Dome working by 2029, the final year of his current term. The White House says the “layered network” would spot and stop missiles at every stage of flight, using next-generation radars, satellites, and interceptors. .The cost is estimated at $175 billion USD, yet some analysts say it may require up to $500 billion.Canada already partners with the US through NORAD, sharing radar data and patrolling northern skies. But Canada is not part of the existing US ballistic missile defence program, leaving the order to shoot down an enemy’s rocket to Washington. Trump told reporters Canada “wants to be a part” of the new shield and must “pay their fair share.”.Carney has pledged to lift military spending to NATO’s 2% benchmark by 2030. Defence experts warn even that increase may not cover Canada’s share of the Golden Dome’s cost or the extra ships, satellites, and command centres it would require to operate.For now, Canada’s place in the Golden Dome remains an open question. Officials say talks will continue alongside wider negotiations on continental security and trade.
