Trudeau says Canada considering nuclear-powered subs as part of plan to defend Arctic

Canada will consider purchasing nuclear-powered submarines as it seeks to join a military alliance with the UK, US and Australia, Justin Trudeau has announced.

The prime minister, who was speaking in Ontario this morning, said the submarines could be used to defend Canada’s Arctic territory.

The UK–US–Australia alliance – known as AUKUS – was formed in 2021 and is focused on producing nuclear-powered submarines for Australia. The US and UK already possess the warships.

AUKUS’s geographical priority is the Indo-Pacific.

Trudeau made the remarks while announcing the federal government’s defence policy review, which is titled ”Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence.”

The review includes billions of dollars in proposed new spending, including on ocean sensors ($1.4 billion), new helicopters ($18.4 billion) and the “sustainment of our naval fleets” ($9.9 billion).

The funding, which also includes $5.5 billion on satellites and $2.7 billion on long-range missiles, is set to be spent over the next 20 years. In total, the feds have pledged about $38 billion.

It will take defence spending up from 1.33 per cent of GDP to 1.76 per cent.

That’s still lower than NATO’s minimum target for spending, which is two per cent.

“Members of our Armed Forces serve our country with unwavering dedication,” the prime minister said.

“With today’s announcement, we’re strengthening the Canadian Armed Forces with transformative investments in equipment, capabilities, and talent. As we tackle the evolving challenges ahead, including protecting and defending the Arctic, these investments will keep Canada safe, secure, and prosperous.”

When asked about nuclear submarines at the press conference this morning, Trudeau said "we will be looking at" what submarines are "most appropriate" for defending Canada.

"We recognize that with climate change, the opening of the Northwest Passage to ship traffic is going to require a lot more capabilities by Canada to demonstrate and responsibly patrol its own internal waters," he explained.