Canada's nuclear debate returns after recent comments.

Retired Gen. Wayne Eyre and former prime minister Stephen Harper publicly raised the idea of Canada possessing nuclear weapons; the defence minister dismissed the prospect and Canada remains a party to the Non‑Proliferation Treaty.

Senior Canadian figures have reopened public debate about whether Canada should possess nuclear weapons. Retired General Wayne Eyre said Canada lacks true strategic independence without its own deterrent, and former prime minister Stephen Harper made similar remarks about defending territory without allies. The exchange followed a Foreign Affairs article that suggested the United States encourage allies such as Canada, Germany and Japan to develop nuclear capabilities. Defence Minister David McGuinty publicly dismissed the prospect the day after Gen. Eyre's comments. Key reported developments: - Retired Gen. Wayne Eyre and former prime minister Stephen Harper publicly suggested Canada should consider a nuclear deterrent. - A Foreign Affairs article recommending that the U.S. encourage certain allies, including Canada, to develop nuclear capabilities helped trigger the debate. - Canada is a signatory to the Non‑Proliferation Treaty (1970); the reporting notes that withdrawing would require giving three months' notice, and government ministers have rejected pursuing nuclear weapons. Summary: The remarks by senior figures have revived a long-dormant public conversation about Canadian nuclear capability and raised legal and political questions. Canada remains bound by the NPT and would need to provide notice to withdraw; ministers have said they will not pursue nuclear arms. Undetermined at this time.