Canadian drone industry experts will tell you Canada is behind. Richard Shimooka will tell you exactly how far, and it is not a comfortable number.

There is a version of Canada that orders parts and figures it out as it goes. There is also the version where you need trained personnel, supply chains, doctrine, and demand signals from a government that spent decades not providing any of them. One of those is the version we actually have.

The money is finally arriving. Shimooka's argument is that arriving with money and arriving ready to spend it well are completely different things, and Canada needs to know the difference before the cheques clear.

Topics: Canadian drone industry, Canada defence spending, military drone technology, defence industrial strategy, undersea drone capabilities

GUEST: Richard Shimooka | MacDonald Laurier Institute

Originally aired on 2026-04-21

Canadian drone industry experts will tell you Canada is behind. Richard Shimooka will tell you exactly how far, and it is not a comfortable number.
There is a version of Canada that orders parts and figures it out as it goes. There is also the version where you need trained personnel, supply chains, doctrine, and demand signals from a government that spent decades not providing any of them. One of those is the version we actually have.
The money is finally arriving. Shimooka's argument is that arriving with money and arriving ready to spend it well are completely different things, and Canada needs to know the difference before the cheques clear.
Topics: Canadian drone industry, Canada defence spending, military drone technology, defence industrial strategy, undersea drone capabilities
GUEST: Richard Shimooka | MacDonald Laurier Institute
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-04-21

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.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

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.