Prime Minister Paul Martin talks to reporters after a cabinet meeting (CP Photo)

Following a weekly cabinet meeting Thursday, Martin told reporters that when he talked to the president about the issue during his recent visit, Bush said the plan "does not imply the weaponization of space."

But Martin also said "we will continue our discussions with the Americans. We want to make sure that there is no weaponization of space. We want to make sure that whatever decision is taken is one that is going to benefit our own security."

Martin, who would not commit to a specific timeline for a decision on the issue, dismissed suggestions that he was caught off guard when Bush raised the issue during his visit.

"The president's position on missile defence has been known for some time," Martin said. "In the kind of discussions we were having, I wasn't a bit surprised he raised it or spoke his mind in the speech."

The issue of missile defence was not one of the official list of topics to be discussed during Bush's visit.

But the president told a news conference following his meeting with Martin that the issue did come up. And Bush raised the issue again in a later speech in Halifax.

The plan involves using sophisticated radar and intercept missiles to create a protective shield around North America.

But critics doubt the shield will work and will lead to weapons in space.