Canadian military capability deficit creates impossible nuclear weapons debate. You're watching former Chief of Defense Staff Wayne Eyre recommend Canada reconsider its hardline no on nuclear weapons. Trump threatens sovereignty. Japan's Prime Minister questioned their nuclear taboo. South Korea explored programs. You're thinking Canada needs dramatic deterrence now. But you can't defend your own airspace. American F-22s intercepted the Chinese balloon over Canada because you barely have fighters capable of protecting your country.

Shimooka calls the nuclear debate backwards. Canada can barely defend itself with conventional capabilities. You don't need nuclear weapons to threaten a country that can't protect its own borders with basic fighters. The American ambassador already said it: if Canada doesn't have F-35s, America will have to defend Canadian airspace. That's not future tense anymore. The Chinese balloon intercept happened with an American F-22 over Canadian territory because Canada lacked capability. Submarine procurement jumping from four to twelve reveals massive Arctic capability deficit. Even those are conventionally powered, not designed for under-ice operations. One will operate in peri-ice conditions just to patch the security hole.

The nuclear weapons debate assumed Canada's security problem is dramatic deterrence. America still defends Canadian airspace because Canada won't fund conventional capabilities. Submarines matter more than warheads when you can't patrol your own territory. The dependency isn't the nuclear umbrella. It's the conventional capability collapse.

Topics: Canadian military capability deficit, nuclear weapons debate, conventional defense gaps, Arctic submarine procurement, F-35 fighter dependency

GUEST: Richard Shimooka

Originally aired on 2026-02-03

Canadian military capability deficit creates impossible nuclear weapons debate. You're watching former Chief of Defense Staff Wayne Eyre recommend Canada reconsider its hardline no on nuclear weapons. Trump threatens sovereignty. Japan's Prime Minister questioned their nuclear taboo. South Korea explored programs. You're thinking Canada needs dramatic deterrence now. But you can't defend your own airspace. American F-22s intercepted the Chinese balloon over Canada because you barely have fighters capable of protecting your country.
Shimooka calls the nuclear debate backwards. Canada can barely defend itself with conventional capabilities. You don't need nuclear weapons to threaten a country that can't protect its own borders with basic fighters. The American ambassador already said it: if Canada doesn't have F-35s, America will have to defend Canadian airspace. That's not future tense anymore. The Chinese balloon intercept happened with an American F-22 over Canadian territory because Canada lacked capability. Submarine procurement jumping from four to twelve reveals massive Arctic capability deficit. Even those are conventionally powered, not designed for under-ice operations. One will operate in peri-ice conditions just to patch the security hole.
The nuclear weapons debate assumed Canada's security problem is dramatic deterrence. America still defends Canadian airspace because Canada won't fund conventional capabilities. Submarines matter more than warheads when you can't patrol your own territory. The dependency isn't the nuclear umbrella. It's the conventional capability collapse.
Topics: Canadian military capability deficit, nuclear weapons debate, conventional defense gaps, Arctic submarine procurement, F-35 fighter dependency
GUEST: Richard Shimooka
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-03

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

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Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.