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Andrew Erskine

A defence reality check for the Canadian Armed Forces

  • In having more mixed firepower capacity, the CAF can conduct more precision strikes, alongside extended barrages needed to sustain attritional combat operations over months
Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | February 18, 2026
National Defence Minister David McGuinty. Getting the firepower the Canadian Armed Forces needs without bankruptcy is the defence reality check Ottawa can no longer avoid, writes Andrew Erskine. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A defence reality check for the Canadian Armed Forces

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | February 18, 2026
  • In having more mixed firepower capacity, the CAF can conduct more precision strikes, alongside extended barrages needed to sustain attritional combat operations over months

A defence reality check for the Canadian Armed Forces

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | February 18, 2026
  • In having more mixed firepower capacity, the CAF can conduct more precision strikes, alongside extended barrages needed to sustain attritional combat operations over months
National Defence Minister David McGuinty. Getting the firepower the Canadian Armed Forces needs without bankruptcy is the defence reality check Ottawa can no longer avoid, writes Andrew Erskine. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Budget 2025 could have enhanced Canada’s military mobility by investing in roads and rails

  • Without key defence infrastructure, the task of deterring, confronting, and combatting adversaries that pose a threat will be insurmountably difficult.
Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | November 19, 2025
Ottawa should have improved northern road networks by funding new all-season roads fit for military purpose, writes Andrew Erskine. DND photograph by Master Corporal Jax Kennedy

Budget 2025 could have enhanced Canada’s military mobility by investing in roads and rails

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | November 19, 2025
  • Without key defence infrastructure, the task of deterring, confronting, and combatting adversaries that pose a threat will be insurmountably difficult.

Budget 2025 could have enhanced Canada’s military mobility by investing in roads and rails

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | November 19, 2025
  • Without key defence infrastructure, the task of deterring, confronting, and combatting adversaries that pose a threat will be insurmountably difficult.
Ottawa should have improved northern road networks by funding new all-season roads fit for military purpose, writes Andrew Erskine. DND photograph by Master Corporal Jax Kennedy

A bigger defence budget may increase Canada’s hollow force risk

  • To prevent this from happening, a force capacity review must accompany new defence budgets and funding streams.
Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | September 17, 2025
Defence Minister David McGuinty. To rebuild, rearm, and reinvest in the CAF, we must avoid the temptation to spend large streams of defence funding forthcoming in the fall and subsequent budgets in unstrategic ways, writes Andrew Erskine. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A bigger defence budget may increase Canada’s hollow force risk

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | September 17, 2025
  • To prevent this from happening, a force capacity review must accompany new defence budgets and funding streams.

A bigger defence budget may increase Canada’s hollow force risk

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | September 17, 2025
  • To prevent this from happening, a force capacity review must accompany new defence budgets and funding streams.
Defence Minister David McGuinty. To rebuild, rearm, and reinvest in the CAF, we must avoid the temptation to spend large streams of defence funding forthcoming in the fall and subsequent budgets in unstrategic ways, writes Andrew Erskine. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A new Arctic archipelagic defence concept will project Canada’s power in the North

  • Developing this concept would signal to both allies and adversaries that Canada no longer views its North as peripheral.
Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | June 26, 2025
Defence Minister David McGuinty should consider developing a comprehensive Arctic archipelagic defence concept that would shift attention towards Canada’s land domain, writes Andrew Erskine. Ottawa has already invested heavily in its air and maritime capabilities. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A new Arctic archipelagic defence concept will project Canada’s power in the North

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | June 26, 2025
  • Developing this concept would signal to both allies and adversaries that Canada no longer views its North as peripheral.

A new Arctic archipelagic defence concept will project Canada’s power in the North

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | June 26, 2025
  • Developing this concept would signal to both allies and adversaries that Canada no longer views its North as peripheral.
Defence Minister David McGuinty should consider developing a comprehensive Arctic archipelagic defence concept that would shift attention towards Canada’s land domain, writes Andrew Erskine. Ottawa has already invested heavily in its air and maritime capabilities. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Investing in first-person-view kamikaze drones is a practical move to help shut Canada’s artillery gap

  • During combat operations, FPVs offer an array of tactical advantages that aim to make the battlefield more lethal, forcing adversaries to be on the
Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | May 28, 2025
Ottawa must be bolder in addressing its overall indirect fire shortcomings while pursuing options to replace the outdated M777 howitzers, writes Andrew Erskine. DND photograph by Corporal Stéphanie Labossière

Investing in first-person-view kamikaze drones is a practical move to help shut Canada’s artillery gap

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | May 28, 2025
  • During combat operations, FPVs offer an array of tactical advantages that aim to make the battlefield more lethal, forcing adversaries to be on the

Investing in first-person-view kamikaze drones is a practical move to help shut Canada’s artillery gap

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | May 28, 2025
  • During combat operations, FPVs offer an array of tactical advantages that aim to make the battlefield more lethal, forcing adversaries to be on the
Ottawa must be bolder in addressing its overall indirect fire shortcomings while pursuing options to replace the outdated M777 howitzers, writes Andrew Erskine. DND photograph by Corporal Stéphanie Labossière

Deploying CAF to Canada-U.S. border could prove useful

  • The Armed Forces don’t need to be dragged into another domestic emergency operation, but border security missions could provide vital insights if managed correctly.
Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | February 20, 2025
Although Defence Minister Bill Blair has vowed that no Armed Forces members will be deployed to the border, no guarantee can ward off that reality, writes Andrew Erskine. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Deploying CAF to Canada-U.S. border could prove useful

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | February 20, 2025
  • The Armed Forces don’t need to be dragged into another domestic emergency operation, but border security missions could provide vital insights if managed correctly.

Deploying CAF to Canada-U.S. border could prove useful

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | February 20, 2025
  • The Armed Forces don’t need to be dragged into another domestic emergency operation, but border security missions could provide vital insights if managed correctly.
Although Defence Minister Bill Blair has vowed that no Armed Forces members will be deployed to the border, no guarantee can ward off that reality, writes Andrew Erskine. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s military has a give-and-take dilemma with its force capacity

  • Ottawa should immediately launch a force capacity review to look at the CAF’s short- and long-term needs, and strengthen our readiness and lethality.
Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | January 20, 2025
Bill Blair
Bill Blair
Defence Minister Bill Blair. Enhancing Canada’s defence spending to meet international targets is by no means the singular issue most affecting our force capacity, writes Andrew Erskine. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s military has a give-and-take dilemma with its force capacity

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | January 20, 2025
  • Ottawa should immediately launch a force capacity review to look at the CAF’s short- and long-term needs, and strengthen our readiness and lethality.

Canada’s military has a give-and-take dilemma with its force capacity

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | January 20, 2025
  • Ottawa should immediately launch a force capacity review to look at the CAF’s short- and long-term needs, and strengthen our readiness and lethality.
Bill Blair
Defence Minister Bill Blair. Enhancing Canada’s defence spending to meet international targets is by no means the singular issue most affecting our force capacity, writes Andrew Erskine. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The River-class frigates cannot be the ‘be-all, end-all’ of Canada’s sea domain

  • An overrelliance will lead to logistical constraints that will significantly diminish the Navy’s combat power and combat-readiness.
Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | December 9, 2024
Bill Blair
Bill Blair
Defence Minister Bill Blair. Ottawa must find the right fleet composition and capacity so the Navy can make more tactically informed decisions about its operations, writes Andrew Erskine. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The River-class frigates cannot be the ‘be-all, end-all’ of Canada’s sea domain

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | December 9, 2024
  • An overrelliance will lead to logistical constraints that will significantly diminish the Navy’s combat power and combat-readiness.

The River-class frigates cannot be the ‘be-all, end-all’ of Canada’s sea domain

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | December 9, 2024
  • An overrelliance will lead to logistical constraints that will significantly diminish the Navy’s combat power and combat-readiness.
Bill Blair
Defence Minister Bill Blair. Ottawa must find the right fleet composition and capacity so the Navy can make more tactically informed decisions about its operations, writes Andrew Erskine. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Wargaming offers parliamentarians greater exposure to military realities

  • Wargaming offers such an opportunity for MPs and Senators.
Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | September 26, 2024
Liberal MP John McKay chairs the House National Defence Committee. By making it mandatory for all committee members to participate in educational wargames, our political system would see stronger debates and decision-making, writes Andrew Erskine. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Wargaming offers parliamentarians greater exposure to military realities

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | September 26, 2024
  • Wargaming offers such an opportunity for MPs and Senators.

Wargaming offers parliamentarians greater exposure to military realities

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | September 26, 2024
  • Wargaming offers such an opportunity for MPs and Senators.
Liberal MP John McKay chairs the House National Defence Committee. By making it mandatory for all committee members to participate in educational wargames, our political system would see stronger debates and decision-making, writes Andrew Erskine. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s newest defence policy has vision, but lacks prioritization to strengthen Canadian Armed Forces

  • The new defence policy should have created a strategy that would see our military structured as a maritime force, prioritizing the CAF’s sea and
Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | May 23, 2024
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured recently in Ottawa. The defence policy has directed its vision for how investments in sea, air, land, space, and cyber domains will secure and defend Canadian territory, writes Andrew Erskine. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s newest defence policy has vision, but lacks prioritization to strengthen Canadian Armed Forces

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | May 23, 2024
  • The new defence policy should have created a strategy that would see our military structured as a maritime force, prioritizing the CAF’s sea and

Canada’s newest defence policy has vision, but lacks prioritization to strengthen Canadian Armed Forces

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | May 23, 2024
  • The new defence policy should have created a strategy that would see our military structured as a maritime force, prioritizing the CAF’s sea and
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured recently in Ottawa. The defence policy has directed its vision for how investments in sea, air, land, space, and cyber domains will secure and defend Canadian territory, writes Andrew Erskine. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Casting the Conservatives in a MAGA light over Ukraine can backfire on Trudeau and Canada

  • Demonstrating our resolve to support Ukraine despite any outcome following the next Canadian election will evade the catastrophic foreign policy decision to make Canadian
Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | March 4, 2024
With declining approval ratings and a vocal disdain by right-leaning voters, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s political gamble on Ukraine may unconsciously open the floodgate to more opposition to Canada furthering its military support, writes Andrew Erskine. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Casting the Conservatives in a MAGA light over Ukraine can backfire on Trudeau and Canada

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | March 4, 2024
  • Demonstrating our resolve to support Ukraine despite any outcome following the next Canadian election will evade the catastrophic foreign policy decision to make Canadian

Casting the Conservatives in a MAGA light over Ukraine can backfire on Trudeau and Canada

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | March 4, 2024
  • Demonstrating our resolve to support Ukraine despite any outcome following the next Canadian election will evade the catastrophic foreign policy decision to make Canadian
With declining approval ratings and a vocal disdain by right-leaning voters, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s political gamble on Ukraine may unconsciously open the floodgate to more opposition to Canada furthering its military support, writes Andrew Erskine. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

More evacuation operations for citizens will happen, Ottawa must act now to be prepared

  • The likelihood is increasing of Canadians being in harm's way when they’re abroad. If Ottawa does not take action, the safety and well-being of
Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | December 21, 2023
To boost Canada's capacity to protect its citizens abroad, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, left, must maximize Ottawa’s diplomatic reach, and Defence Minister Bill Blair must address non-combatant evacuation operations in the forthcoming defence policy update. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

More evacuation operations for citizens will happen, Ottawa must act now to be prepared

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | December 21, 2023
  • The likelihood is increasing of Canadians being in harm's way when they’re abroad. If Ottawa does not take action, the safety and well-being of

More evacuation operations for citizens will happen, Ottawa must act now to be prepared

Opinion | BY ANDREW ERSKINE | December 21, 2023
  • The likelihood is increasing of Canadians being in harm's way when they’re abroad. If Ottawa does not take action, the safety and well-being of
To boost Canada's capacity to protect its citizens abroad, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, left, must maximize Ottawa’s diplomatic reach, and Defence Minister Bill Blair must address non-combatant evacuation operations in the forthcoming defence policy update. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
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