Introduction

The fall 1988 Canadian election campaign attracted unprecedented attention in the United States (US) because of its single overriding issue, the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The release of the White Paper had also generated considerable controversy within Canada prior to the election campaign. During the campaign, it is true, defense was overshadowed by the FTA; however, it is expected that as the Conservatives confront the decisions arising out of the White Paper, particularly with regard to capital spending, the defense debate will heat up again. Canada was not only one of North Atlantic Treaty Organization's original twelve members; it also took an active role in the very establishment of the Alliance. Under various informal and formal arrangements, American forces do operate in waters and airspace for which Canada is responsible, largely because of a lack of adequate Canadian capabilities. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.