1. Canada cold not have bought US, the US no longer builds conventional submarines. A SSN purchase from the US was considered...but the Canadian public couldn't figure out the difference between nuclear powered and nuclear armed.
2. The type 214 is the most modern conventional sub class in the world...but is not suitable for Canadian service. The greater size of the new Victorias is required to accomodate the variety of gear to suit Canada's operational area.
3. Canada lacks the capability to build submarines. The upcoming addition of an Air Independant Propulsion System to the Victorias will provide experience in this type of work...perhaps whatever replaces the Victorias can be built in Canada.
