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OTTAWA - The Canadian government on the 26th notified the United States of its intention to reject an informal request for enhanced security measures and expanded reconnaissance activities along its northern border. This decision comes in response to strong appeals from the US following increased activity by remote-controlled aircraft, believed to belong to the South American Union (SAU), over the North American continent, which resulted in clashes with joint US-Canadian border patrols. A spokesperson for the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the decision was an "indispensable measure to maintain Canada's sovereignty and autonomy in national defense." The spokesperson added that Canada intends to secure regional security by strengthening existing international partnerships, particularly with the Nordic Defense Alliance and the United Kingdom via the Atlantic and Arctic routes. Sources within the US Department of Defense expressed "disappointment" regarding Canada's response, stating that a "significant rift is emerging" in bilateral cooperation on North American security. The US has pointed to Canada's aging infrastructure and the ongoing influx of highly educated refugees from the US as factors impacting Canada's defense capabilities, claims which Canada has strongly rejected as interference in its internal affairs.