Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet speaks after assuming command of the Royal Canadian Air Force at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum on July 10, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet speaks after assuming command of the Royal Canadian Air Force at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum on July 10, 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith is opening up the debate for ‘renewal’ in Ontario provincial leadership, according to an email obtained by The Hill Times. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Kingston Liberal MPP Ted Hsu says he supports Bonnie Crombie as the party leader but would leave it up to party delegates to vote
Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith is opening up the debate for ‘renewal’ in Ontario provincial leadership, according to an email obtained by The Hill Times. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Austerity masked as modernization has a history. Former Conservative PM Stephen Harper offers the real lessons for navigating the balance between fiscal targets and
Prime Minister Mark Carney shouldn’t lean too heavily on his corporate background, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. Applying Bay Street’s quarterly logic of returns on capital investment to a 158-year-old civil service is a slow grind to institutional death. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Austerity masked as modernization has a history. Former Conservative PM Stephen Harper offers the real lessons for navigating the balance between fiscal targets and
Austerity masked as modernization has a history. Former Conservative PM Stephen Harper offers the real lessons for navigating the balance between fiscal targets and
Prime Minister Mark Carney shouldn’t lean too heavily on his corporate background, writes Bhagwant Sandhu. Applying Bay Street’s quarterly logic of returns on capital investment to a 158-year-old civil service is a slow grind to institutional death. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and interim NDP Leader Don Davies have some work to do this summer to pull their parties ahead, writes Andrew Tzembelicos. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
During the break, the Liberals should try to sway opposition MPs to their benches, which would be a challenge to Pierre Poilievre’s leadership; and
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and interim NDP Leader Don Davies have some work to do this summer to pull their parties ahead, writes Andrew Tzembelicos. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Finance and National Revenue Minister François-Philippe Champagne speaks with reporters in the West Block on May 14, while his director of communications, Audrey Milette, left, looks on. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Staffers currently leading Champagne’s policy team previously worked for the ministers of international trade, innovation, and housing.
Finance and National Revenue Minister François-Philippe Champagne speaks with reporters in the West Block on May 14, while his director of communications, Audrey Milette, left, looks on. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
The Liberal government needs to prioritize giving Canadians a longer and more prosperous life rather than aligning itself with the fossil fuel industry.
A new Clean Energy Canada polls suggests 85 per cent of Canadians want stronger federal climate action. But Prime Minister Mark Carney's government appears to be moving in the opposite direction, write Richard van der Jagt, Maria Medeleanu, and Geoff Strong. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The Liberal government needs to prioritize giving Canadians a longer and more prosperous life rather than aligning itself with the fossil fuel industry.
The Liberal government needs to prioritize giving Canadians a longer and more prosperous life rather than aligning itself with the fossil fuel industry.
A new Clean Energy Canada polls suggests 85 per cent of Canadians want stronger federal climate action. But Prime Minister Mark Carney's government appears to be moving in the opposite direction, write Richard van der Jagt, Maria Medeleanu, and Geoff Strong. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and Prime Minister Mark Carney have agreed on further collaboration across a range of sectors. No 10 Downing Street photograph by Simon Dawson
The new plan defines strengthening ties with key partners like Canada as an 'obvious priority,' and builds on leaders' commitments.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and Prime Minister Mark Carney have agreed on further collaboration across a range of sectors. No 10 Downing Street photograph by Simon Dawson
Wildfires require unprecedented co-ordination across jurisdictions and countries. Yet our communication infrastructure remains siloed, fragmented, and vulnerable to the conditions these disasters create.
As thousands of people evacuate due to raging wildfires, our communications infrastructure is breaking down exactly when emergency responders and evacuees need it, writes Kevin Fernandes. Photograph courtesy of the Government of Manitoba
Wildfires require unprecedented co-ordination across jurisdictions and countries. Yet our communication infrastructure remains siloed, fragmented, and vulnerable to the conditions these disasters create.
Wildfires require unprecedented co-ordination across jurisdictions and countries. Yet our communication infrastructure remains siloed, fragmented, and vulnerable to the conditions these disasters create.
As thousands of people evacuate due to raging wildfires, our communications infrastructure is breaking down exactly when emergency responders and evacuees need it, writes Kevin Fernandes. Photograph courtesy of the Government of Manitoba
Based on his recent podcast appearances, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon comes across as a diehard who has no clue about Canada or its people, writes Andrew Caddell. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon could be Quebec’s next premier. What does that mean for Canada?
Based on his recent podcast appearances, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon comes across as a diehard who has no clue about Canada or its people, writes Andrew Caddell. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
For all the effort towards building new overseas trade relationships, the prospects for an outward-focused nation like Canada—where exports account for 34 per cent
International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu. The reordering of Canadian export options is taking place in a world of increasing anti-globalization, splintering trade frameworks, and deteriorating supply chains, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
For all the effort towards building new overseas trade relationships, the prospects for an outward-focused nation like Canada—where exports account for 34 per cent
For all the effort towards building new overseas trade relationships, the prospects for an outward-focused nation like Canada—where exports account for 34 per cent
International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu. The reordering of Canadian export options is taking place in a world of increasing anti-globalization, splintering trade frameworks, and deteriorating supply chains, writes Les Whittington. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Plus, NDP leadership hopefuls start readying their campaigns, Travis Dhanraj exits CBC News, politicos converge on Calgary for the Stampede, former Tory MP Damien
Kent Vachon, left, is heading up Canada's new full embassy in Laos, which opened in March. His was one of 24 heads-of-mission appointments announced on July 3, including Anderson Blanc to Mozambique, Alison Grant to Austria, and Tarik Khan to Pakistan. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia, screenshots courtesy of X and the Government of Canada
Plus, NDP leadership hopefuls start readying their campaigns, Travis Dhanraj exits CBC News, politicos converge on Calgary for the Stampede, former Tory MP Damien
Plus, NDP leadership hopefuls start readying their campaigns, Travis Dhanraj exits CBC News, politicos converge on Calgary for the Stampede, former Tory MP Damien
Kent Vachon, left, is heading up Canada's new full embassy in Laos, which opened in March. His was one of 24 heads-of-mission appointments announced on July 3, including Anderson Blanc to Mozambique, Alison Grant to Austria, and Tarik Khan to Pakistan. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia, screenshots courtesy of X and the Government of Canada
Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson is meeting with his provincial and territorial counterparts in Charlottetown this week. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson is meeting with his provincial and territorial counterparts in Charlottetown this week. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Conservative MP Ziad Aboultaif is among the first 30 MPs who will get a chance to bring forward private members' business. He says he plans to table a bill tackling organ and tissue donation—a subject close to his heart. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
‘I’m very excited about it,’ says Liberal MP Ahmed Hussen, who’s among the first set of MPs to get a crack at proposing legislation
Conservative MP Ziad Aboultaif is among the first 30 MPs who will get a chance to bring forward private members' business. He says he plans to table a bill tackling organ and tissue donation—a subject close to his heart. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
As Mark Carney struggled at the griddle, Pierre Poilievre was busy pitching himself as an Albertan returned ‘home’ at the festival where Alberta Senator
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, pictured with Conservative MP Dalwinder Gill, said that, if elected in a Aug. 18 byelection, he would fight for Alberta, adding that ‘the era of Ottawa telling Alberta to shut up and pay up must come to an end once and for all.’ Photograph courtesy of X
As Mark Carney struggled at the griddle, Pierre Poilievre was busy pitching himself as an Albertan returned ‘home’ at the festival where Alberta Senator
As Mark Carney struggled at the griddle, Pierre Poilievre was busy pitching himself as an Albertan returned ‘home’ at the festival where Alberta Senator
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, left, pictured with Conservative MP Dalwinder Gill, said that, if elected in a Aug. 18 byelection, he would fight for Alberta, adding that ‘the era of Ottawa telling Alberta to shut up and pay up must come to an end once and for all.’ Photograph courtesy of X
The new government must demonstrate a genuine commitment to rebuilding confidence in our democratic system by appointing a commissioner for the Foreign Influence Transparency
The upcoming fall sitting of Parliament will be a test of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s seriousness about democratic integrity, writes Henry Chan. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The new government must demonstrate a genuine commitment to rebuilding confidence in our democratic system by appointing a commissioner for the Foreign Influence Transparency
The new government must demonstrate a genuine commitment to rebuilding confidence in our democratic system by appointing a commissioner for the Foreign Influence Transparency
The upcoming fall sitting of Parliament will be a test of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s seriousness about democratic integrity, writes Henry Chan. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The system is 'marked by silos of responsibility and accountability,' and needs a convening figure, says Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic in a new report.
Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic tells reporters that there needs to be a major overhaul of Canada's $37-billion procurement system to fix persistent issues on July 8. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The system is 'marked by silos of responsibility and accountability,' and needs a convening figure, says Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic in a new report.
The system is 'marked by silos of responsibility and accountability,' and needs a convening figure, says Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic in a new report.
Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic tells reporters that there needs to be a major overhaul of Canada's $37-billion procurement system to fix persistent issues on July 8. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
U.S. President Donald Trump greets Prime Minister Mark Carney on May 6, 2025, at the West Wing entrance of the White House. White House photograph courtesy of Gabriel B. Kotico
‘Everything is negotiable at all times’ with U.S. President Donald Trump, says trade consultant Eric Miller.
U.S. President Donald Trump greets Prime Minister Mark Carney on May 6, 2025, at the West Wing entrance of the White House. White House photograph courtesy of Gabriel B. Kotico
Senior leadership may be accurate in assessing a seven-year window to recover the military. However, in what universe can that be considered a plan, asks Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Brendan Gamache
Perhaps the Liberals need to do more than make promises of massive budget increases if there are too few personnel left in uniform to
Senior leadership may be accurate in assessing a seven-year window to recover the military. However, in what universe can that be considered a plan, asks Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Brendan Gamache
The Dalai Lama, pictured in April 2012 during a visit to Ottawa, turned 90 on July 6. China views his death as a golden opportunity to ‘nationalize’ Tibetan Buddhism by giving the state the power to choose his successor, writes Gwynne Dyer. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
Since the Chinese invasion of 1950, Tibet has been officially part of of the country and Beijing does not like religious leaders who are
The Dalai Lama, pictured in April 2012 during a visit to Ottawa, turned 90 on July 6. China views his death as a golden opportunity to ‘nationalize’ Tibetan Buddhism by giving the state the power to choose his successor, writes Gwynne Dyer. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland has criticized a decision by BC Ferries to buy vessels made in China. A Commons committee is meeting on that topic today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland has criticized a decision by BC Ferries to buy vessels made in China. A Commons committee is meeting on that topic today. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Bill C-5 will create a major projects office with an advisory council of Indigenous representatives, but leaders from those groups are still waiting for
Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty said in an Intergovernmental Affairs press release on June 26 that the One Canadian Economy Act 'marks a historic milestone in creating a stronger, more inclusive Canada—one where Indigenous partnership is not only valued, but is fundamental to every step of development.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Bill C-5 will create a major projects office with an advisory council of Indigenous representatives, but leaders from those groups are still waiting for
Bill C-5 will create a major projects office with an advisory council of Indigenous representatives, but leaders from those groups are still waiting for
Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty said in an Intergovernmental Affairs press release on June 26 that the One Canadian Economy Act 'marks a historic milestone in creating a stronger, more inclusive Canada—one where Indigenous partnership is not only valued, but is fundamental to every step of development.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
U.S. President Donald Trump, right, meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the White House's Oval Office, on May 6, 2025. Official White House photograph by Emily J. Higgins
Donald Trump hates Canada’s supply-management policies. What if he next says either you drop supply management as a policy of your country, or the
U.S. President Donald Trump, right, meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the White House's Oval Office, on May 6, 2025. Official White House photograph by Emily J. Higgins
NDP interim leader Don Davies, left, and Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, who won New York City's mayoral primary race last week, may have dramatically changed the dynamics of left-wing politics in the U.S., writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Just because a 'new American left' might be surging in the U.S., that doesn’t mean it’ll also happen here in Canada.
NDP interim leader Don Davies, left, and Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, who won New York City's mayoral primary race last week, may have dramatically changed the dynamics of left-wing politics in the U.S., writes Gerry Nicholls. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Global Affairs Canada, led by Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, announced that Canada and Saudi Arabia would be resuming diplomatic relations at the ambassador level on the basis of 'mutual respect and common interests.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
'Some people view this as a reward, but it just isn’t,' says former envoy Dennis Horak of restarting ambassadorial ties with Saudi Arabia.
Global Affairs Canada, led by Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, announced that Canada and Saudi Arabia would be resuming diplomatic relations at the ambassador level on the basis of 'mutual respect and common interests.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
David Johnston, independent special rapporteur on foreign interference, holds a press conference in Ottawa on May 23 after presenting his first report. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
This week, MPs have been debating an NDP motion to remove former governor general David Johnston from his role as special rapporteur on foreign
David Johnston, independent special rapporteur on foreign interference, holds a press conference in Ottawa on May 23 after presenting his first report. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
In an address to municipal leaders last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered a stump speech, far more common on the campaign trail, writes Andrew Caddell. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
A summer campaign could avoid a Conservative pivot and allow the Liberals to portray Pierre Poilievre as a man who is always ‘putting the
In an address to municipal leaders last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered a stump speech, far more common on the campaign trail, writes Andrew Caddell. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
U.S. President Joe Biden, far left, meets with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to discuss the debt ceiling in the Oval Office of the White House on May 9. White House photograph by Adam Schultz
While nothing in Canada is on a par with the debt ceiling clash in the U.S., voters here should think twice about endorsing a
U.S. President Joe Biden, far left, meets with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to discuss the debt ceiling in the Oval Office of the White House on May 9. White House photograph by Adam Schultz
For-profit health care is fundamentally wrong. Ontario’s health-care system has been pushed to the brink. This is an emergency, but it’s not an accident.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford leaves a meeting in Ottawa on Feb. 7, 2023, after meeting with fellow first ministers to discuss a health-care deal. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
For-profit health care is fundamentally wrong. Ontario’s health-care system has been pushed to the brink. This is an emergency, but it’s not an accident.
For-profit health care is fundamentally wrong. Ontario’s health-care system has been pushed to the brink. This is an emergency, but it’s not an accident.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford leaves a meeting in Ottawa on Feb. 7, 2023, after meeting with fellow first ministers to discuss a health-care deal. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio hold a joint media availability at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on Jan. 12. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Both Canada and Japan are committed to capacity building in the region to strengthen the ability of smaller powers to adapt to their own
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio hold a joint media availability at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on Jan. 12. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
On-boarding materials and standardized orientation sessions for staff can dramatically decrease the learning curve across the Hill, writes Alex Kohut. Unsplash photograph by John Schnobrich
Conversations about improving culture and supporting staff need to become more commonplace.
On-boarding materials and standardized orientation sessions for staff can dramatically decrease the learning curve across the Hill, writes Alex Kohut. Unsplash photograph by John Schnobrich
I didn’t make time for this kind of reflection when I first took on political speechwriting more than a decade ago, and I wish I had, writes Jeni Armstrong. Unsplash photograph by Tom Rogerson
Taking a moment to reflect on your personal reasons for pursuing a political life is critical for anyone about to take on a Hill
I didn’t make time for this kind of reflection when I first took on political speechwriting more than a decade ago, and I wish I had, writes Jeni Armstrong. Unsplash photograph by Tom Rogerson
Work hard, stay humble, and learn everything you can are just some of the tips for political staffers offered by Yaraslav Baran and Marci Surkes. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Politics can be a rough-and-tumble business, but there are ways to navigate a successful career without falling prey to ego and burnout, write two
Work hard, stay humble, and learn everything you can are just some of the tips for political staffers offered by Yaraslav Baran and Marci Surkes. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
MONDAY, MAY 29—WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 Canadian Animal Health Institute Convention—The Canadian Animal Health Institute hosts its 2023 Annual Convention from May 29-31. This year’s
Defence Minister Anita Anand will be the opening keynote speaker at this year’s CANSEC trade show in Ottawa on May 31. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
MONDAY, MAY 29—WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 Canadian Animal Health Institute Convention—The Canadian Animal Health Institute hosts its 2023 Annual Convention from May 29-31. This year’s
MONDAY, MAY 29—WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 Canadian Animal Health Institute Convention—The Canadian Animal Health Institute hosts its 2023 Annual Convention from May 29-31. This year’s
Defence Minister Anita Anand will be the opening keynote speaker at this year’s CANSEC trade show in Ottawa on May 31. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Danusia Tsehelska, policy analyst with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, left; Chasse Helbin, officer to the Usher of the Black Rod; John Shand, staffer to Senator Bev Busson; and Javeria Mirza, parliamentary assistant to International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan attend a reception at Métropolitain Brasserie on Oct. 27. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson
Best practices, knowledge of the country, good advice, and intelligent opinions know no party lines, so why are we pretending that they do?
Danusia Tsehelska, policy analyst with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, left; Chasse Helbin, officer to the Usher of the Black Rod; John Shand, staffer to Senator Bev Busson; and Javeria Mirza, parliamentary assistant to International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan attend a reception at Métropolitain Brasserie on Oct. 27. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson
John Hannaford will bring his experience with defence and foreign policy to the office of the Clerk of the Privy Council when Janice Charette retires next month. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
John Hannaford will bring his experience with defence and foreign policy to the office of the Clerk of the Privy Council when Janice Charette retires next month. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is working to restart its internship program this fall, while the National Council on Canada-Arab Relations is
Not only do internships offer a 'recruitment function' to help people find jobs on the Hill, 'interns have become a very essential part' of Hill life, says Parliamentary Internship Programme director Paul Thomas. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is working to restart its internship program this fall, while the National Council on Canada-Arab Relations is
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is working to restart its internship program this fall, while the National Council on Canada-Arab Relations is
Not only do internships offer a 'recruitment function' to help people find jobs on the Hill, 'interns have become a very essential part' of Hill life, says Parliamentary Internship Programme director Paul Thomas. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Conservative MP Leslyn Lewis addresses the National Prayer Breakfast at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa on May 30, 2023, which was also attended by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, among others politicians of various partisan stripes. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Conservative MP Leslyn Lewis addresses the National Prayer Breakfast at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa on May 30, 2023, which was also attended by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, among others politicians of various partisan stripes. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Former federal ethics commissioner Mario Dion expanded the post-employment rules through a 2018 advisory opinion, so that former reporting public office holders face a cooling-off period during which they may not work for any public sector entity with which they had direct and significant official dealings, including government departments. The Hill TImes photograph by Andrew Meade
The federal ethics office cannot shorten the cooling-off period for former public office holders seeking new work without an ethics commissioner.
Former federal ethics commissioner Mario Dion expanded the post-employment rules through a 2018 advisory opinion, so that former reporting public office holders face a cooling-off period during which they may not work for any public sector entity with which they had direct and significant official dealings, including government departments. The Hill TImes photograph by Andrew Meade
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault's office said the government reversed its position on a 'redundant' environmental protection amendment in order to rebuild trust with Indigenous communities affected by tailings pond leaks. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Bill S-5, which would update the Canadian Environmental Protection Act for the first time since 1999, is at third reading in the House following
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault's office said the government reversed its position on a 'redundant' environmental protection amendment in order to rebuild trust with Indigenous communities affected by tailings pond leaks. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
As a sort of chess-move counter to Russia losing the battlefield advantage, Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently ordered the forward deployment of tactical nuclear weapons into neighbouring Belarus, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia/Flickr
It would seem that after 15 months of fighting, the tables have been turned and it is the Russian military that has become the
As a sort of chess-move counter to Russia losing the battlefield advantage, Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently ordered the forward deployment of tactical nuclear weapons into neighbouring Belarus, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia/Flickr