The United States wants the Canadian Navy's help patrolling the high seas and searching cargo vessels for illicit nuclear material going to or from North Korea.
In talks here this week, senior U.S. and Canadian officials discussed naval co-operation as part of the global effort to counter North Korea's nuclear program.
U.S. officials noted that Canada has more than a dozen modern frigates and other warships that could help track cargo vessels suspected of carrying illegal weapons.
Canadian officials say the government agrees in principle with the nuclear-policing project. But Ottawa is not yet ready to announce details of any deployment of ships.
North Korea tested a nuclear warhead last month, raising fears that the reclusive and cash-starved regime might try to sell nuclear material or ballistic-missile components to terrorist groups.
The United Nations Security Council recently approved a toughly worded resolution authorizing the interception of ships bound to, or sailing from North Korea to look for equipment and other material that can be used to make nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles. The ban also applies to chemical and biological weapons and components plus luxury goods, a sanction aimed at the presumed high-living of North Korea's dictatorial leadership.
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