The federal defence minister says Canada “unequivocally supports” the United States government’s decision to shoot down a high−altitude surveillance balloon that was suspected of spying for China, noting the balloon violated Canadian airspace.
Fighter jets downed the balloon off the Carolina coast on Saturday afternoon after it had travelled over sensitive military sites across North America.
Anita Anand issued a statement hours later saying she and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were briefed on the operation by the national security and intelligence advisor and the chief of the defence staff beginning on Friday night and continuing Saturday.
She said Canada has been closely engaged with its American counterparts on the decision and went on to thank the U.S. for its close collaboration….