ABSTRACT
The Canadian experience with nuclear energy has been unique. From the earliest days, there has been Canadian involvement in almost all aspects of nuclear technology and Canadian expertise contributed to the research and development work on the first atomic bomb. Canada simply continued to abide by the tacit decision not to make a bomb but to proceed only with the development of peaceful civilian uses of atomic energy. The main question at issue was whether Canada should accept nuclear warheads under the ownership and custody of the United States for weapon systems which the government had already obtained or had on order for Canadian forces in Canada and Europe. The nuclear controversy in Canada also became sharper after the Cuban missile crisis with growing support in Parliament and the press for the acquisition of the nuclear components of the weapon systems.
