Why has the United States resisted a Canadian nuclear-submarine capability, and does AUKUS change that position?
Short answerTechnology-transfer and treaty concerns were the main barrier, but allowing Australia nuclear submarines makes continued exclusion of Canada much harder to justify.
NotesCanada possesses a substantial civilian nuclear base, so the obstacle described here is political and legal rather than a complete absence of expertise. The United States had been reluctant to transfer technology that would support an independently operated Canadian nuclear-submarine force. Earlier alternatives therefore included leasing boats rather than granting full ownership and control. Once Australia receives comparable access because it is important to Pacific security, Canada can point to that precedent when making an Arctic case of its own.