Canadian Department of National Defence, OTTAWA: Canadian and American officials today renewed the defence transportation treaty on Integrated Lines of Communications (ILOC). Originally established in 1979, the ILOC agreement allows Canada and the United States to share military transportation resources when the operational requirements of both nations converge.
For example, on various occasions since 2001, the ILOC agreement has allowed for both the transportation of Canadian troops, equipment and supplies to Afghanistan by American aircraft, and for the re-supply of US forces using Canadian aircraft.
“This renewed agreement reflects our Government's commitment to build upon our history of defence cooperation with the United States and to explore new and effective ways to work together towards international security,” said the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “This exchange strengthens Canada's ability to respond to security threats by enhancing the capability of the Canadian Forces to quickly deploy when and where needed.”
“The renewal of the ILOC agreement is indicative of the mutually beneficial defence relationship that Canada and the United States have long shared,” said the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs. “Cooperation of Canadian and American forces contributes to the protection of the security of Canadians at home and to the advancement of Canadian interests abroad.”
Under the renewed agreement, both countries will continue to station exchange officers within their respective organizations to oversee logistical details of air transport. The status of these officers has been clarified to give them greater flexibility and access to information in performing their day-to-day jobs. In addition, whereas before there was an obligation to officially “activate” ILOC prior to any sharing of resources, the new agreement has eliminated this formal requirement prior to activation, making it faster, more flexible and easier to implement.
The ability to move troops and equipment rapidly into an operational theatre is paramount if Canada is to continue to make significant military contributions to international security operations.
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