Should Canada have nuclear weapons?

A CBC Front Burner episode examines debate sparked by the recent expiry of the New START treaty and reports that U.S. and Russian officials remain in talks, while some Canadian figures, including former defence chief Wayne Eyre, have commented on keeping options open regarding nuclear arms.

The CBC Front Burner episode asks whether Canada should have nuclear weapons following the recent expiry of the New START treaty. The New START treaty was established in 2010 by U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and has shaped much of the global framework on nuclear limits and non-proliferation. The episode reports that the treaty expired last week and that U.S. and Russian officials are reportedly still in talks. The program includes comments from former Canadian defence chief Wayne Eyre and guest George Perkovich of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Key points: - The New START agreement constraining U.S. and Russian nuclear weapons expired last week. - Reporting indicates U.S. and Russian officials remain in talks about the treaty’s future. - Former Canadian defence chief Wayne Eyre said Canada should "keep our options open" on acquiring nuclear weapons. Summary: The podcast links the treaty's expiry to renewed discussion about nuclear arms and national security choices, including views expressed about Canada's options. Undetermined at this time.