[naturalman1975]

The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence recognised by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.

I suspect General St-Amand is simply trying to make Canadian MPs understand that a nation always has to be prepared to stand alone, even when it has strong alliances. Too often US allies - even very close US allies - start to take the umbrella of American protection for granted. It's supposed to be a two way street - not an excuse to neglect your own defence.

[Former Proud Canadian]

I think your analysis is spot on. Let me add that the general is probably hearing it from his peers in NORAD, “why aren’t you part of the missile shield?” This is a question Canadian citizens might want to start asking their government.