>>Since NORAD hasn't existed for many years, no, they didn't.
Perhaps you're not very familiar with military aviation but NORAD has increased its vigilance since the 9-11 attacks.
See:
http://www.norad.mil/
After the news about BA 223's fighter escort yesterday, it does look very possible that AF may have been escorted, perhaps starting in Canadian airspace. And no, it wasn't for practice...