The National Missile Defence system (NMD) is being developed by the United States despite major opposition from several other countries.

The space-based system is aimed at destroying incoming missiles from "rogue states," and US plans envisage it being integrated with NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defence system run jointly by Canada and the United States.

Speaking to reporters at a ceremony to mark a new air travel agreement between Canada and the United States, Cellucci said: "We are hopeful that Canada will make a positive decision (on joining NMD). We think this would strengthen NORAD."

But while confirming that the US invitation to join NMD was currently being discussed in the cabinet, Canadian Foreign Minister Bill Graham admitted: "We have had reservations about National Missile Defence."

"No decision has been made by the cabinet yet on this," Graham told the House of Commons, after refusing to speculate whether cabinet members might agree to sign on.

In the House of Commons Tuesday, Prime Minister Jean Chretien said: "There is a possibility of a discussion (with Washington on NMD), but we have not started a discussion."

The leading candidate to succeed Chretien as leader of the governing Liberal Party and as prime minister, former finance minister Paul Martin, said last weekend that he favoured Canada joining the United States in the NMD development.

SPACE.WIRE