Canada needs ocean-going submarines, not small coastal boats

What submarines would suit Canada's ocean and Arctic requirements?

For non-nuclear boats, he would look to Japanese ocean-going designs such as Soryu derivatives; nuclear boats would fit Canadian geography but are politically and export-wise much harder.

Canada needs serious undersea capability because of Russia, the high Arctic, and long ocean approaches. Smaller German-style submarines suit confined waters such as the Baltic, Mediterranean, or Red Sea, while Canada needs an ocean-going SSK if nuclear boats are unavailable. Japanese designs are preferred for their range, suitability, and likelihood of delivery on time and budget; a nuclear option is treated as politically and legally difficult. Canada's problems with the former Upholder boats are also framed as an institutional transition issue. The Royal Navy transferred sophisticated conventional submarines after winding down its own SSK force, while the Royal Canadian Navy had to rebuild deep operating and maintenance expertise from a low base. The boats can be capable when properly maintained, but their complexity magnifies the cost of rebuilding that knowledge.