Overview
- Wayne Eyre, who retired as chief of the defence staff in 2024, told an Ottawa meeting on Feb. 2 that Canada should keep the option of a national nuclear deterrent.
- Defence Minister McGuinty has categorically denied any intention to acquire nuclear weapons.
- The remarks have stirred controversy and broadened public debate over Canada’s security posture.
- Coverage highlights Canada’s longstanding dependence on the U.S. nuclear umbrella and new scrutiny of strategic autonomy given friction with the Trump administration.
- Local reports situate the conversation alongside similar discussions in Japan, citing comments from within the Takaichi government.