The US and Canada have signed an agreement which allows each nation to send troops across each other's borders in emergency situations.

The agreement was signed by the U.S. Air Force Gen. Gene Renuart and head of Canada Command Lt.-Gen. Marc Dumais, on Feb. 14 in Texas, which allows the military from one nation to support the armed forces of the other nation during a civil emergency.

However, this agreement has sparked suspicions in the left wing in Canada and the right wing in the US as the Council of Canadians is opposing the plan because of the increasing integration of the US and Canadian militaries.

"It's kind of a trend when it comes to issues of Canada-U.S. relations and contentious issues like military integration. We see that this government is reluctant to disclose information to Canadians that is readily available on American and Mexican websites," said Stuart Trew, a researcher with the Council of Canadians.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Command spokesman Commander, David Scanlon said that it will be up to the civilian authorities in both countries to confirm if military assistance is needed or should be used.

On the other hand, the right-wing in the US sees this as evidence of a plan for a 'North American union' where foreign troops, not bound by US laws, could be used by the American federal government to override local authorities.

However, Commander Scanlon added that the final agreement hasn't been released to the public yet because it requires the approval from both nations.

NA/RA