Canada gave up its nuclear weapons in 1984. At that time it seemed completely rational to no longer have nuclear weapons stationed in Canada. That was until this week. Trump’s assertions of annexing Canada means that Canada can no longer trust America for protection of any kind. In fact it now begs the question, “Should Canada seek a nuclear force in order to protect itself from both Russian and American interests?”
In 1963, Canada acquired nuclear weapons that were placed on Bomarc Missiles in Canada. Few, if any, envisioned a day where America would threaten Canada, but that day has come. Canada has been a signatory of the NNPT or nuclear non-proliferation treaty, which until now has served Canada’s interests.
But the NNPT has lost a great deal of its validity as Pakistan, India, Israel, North Korea and shortly, Iran either possess or intend to possess nuclear weapons. Canada certainly has the right to develop nuclear weapons, based on the threat posed by both Russia and the United States. Creating a nuclear deterrent force for Canada would not be difficult technologically or physically, as Canada has both the expertise and the necessary materials to do so.
The only thing stopping Canada from developing nuclear weapons has been its internal decisions to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Canada, within two years could develop nuclear weapons. It simply requires the will to do so. Canada could choose to ignore the NNPT, just as Trump chooses to ignore the CUSMA trade agreement, which he has already done. Canada needs no one’s permission to develop a nuclear program.
Canada has manufactured nuclear reactors since 1971, and had nuclear reactors in service in Canada since the late 1940’s. CANDU reactors are in service in half a dozen countries around the world, including in Canada.
It is interesting that Canada has actually broached just such a discussion since the United States has expressly intimated that it would like Canada to join America, unwillfully. Canada has all the necessary means to build a nuclear deterrent force, and consideration is being given to Canada placing nuclear cruise missiles aboard a new fleet of submarines. With 16 submarines in the planning stage, and with relations with America now reduced to simply geographical neighbours, Canada would do well to consider just such a possibility.
It does not require Canada to have ballistic submarines as AIP submarines would allow Canadian submarines to remain submerged for up to 20 days at a time. Nuclear weapons equipped cruise missiles would serve as a sufficient deterrent, as any submarine so equipped would be able to target within a range of 1500 miles. A single EMP explosion over Russia or the continental U.S. would send either country back to pre-industrial times for years at a minimum. Obviously a sizeable deterrent. Both France and Britain possess those weapons and deployment technologies at the present time.
Canada is in the process of procuring submarines with the capability of launching cruise missiles. The submarines will mark a departure for Canada, as Canada’s subs, to date were incapable of launching missiles, either anti-ship, or cruise missiles. The new submarine fleet (16) will provide Canada with not just a patrol capability but a deterrent cruise missile and anti-ship capability as well as long range heavy torpedoes. Canada is considering AIP equipped submarines with cruise missiles capabilities from France, Japan and Korea at the present time.
Once your neighbour deliberately threatens you, you do not go back to “business as usual”.
You arm yourself, and pull away permanently.
It’s time for Canada to step out of the shadow of the United States, as the U.S. is no longer an ally or protector of Canada, and will likely soon remove itself from NATO.
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