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Scott Taylor

Scott Taylor is editor and publisher of Esprit de Corps magazine.

The rush to re-arm the Army

  • As military defence procurements go, the plan to purchase new rifles for the CAF is something of a no-brainer.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 15, 2025
If the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle program were ramped up, the country would actually have the genesis of a national defence force worthy of the name, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Private Kareen Brochu-Harvey

The rush to re-arm the Army

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 15, 2025
  • As military defence procurements go, the plan to purchase new rifles for the CAF is something of a no-brainer.

The rush to re-arm the Army

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 15, 2025
  • As military defence procurements go, the plan to purchase new rifles for the CAF is something of a no-brainer.
If the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle program were ramped up, the country would actually have the genesis of a national defence force worthy of the name, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Private Kareen Brochu-Harvey

Between a rock and a hard place

  • Canada’s latest contribution to a Ukraine aid package will once again reward U.S. firms while the Trump administration is trying to force Ukraine to
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 8, 2025
Defence Minister David McGuinty. The money Canada and allies are donating to the Ukraine war effort is actually being spent in the U.S. to buy the weapons and ammunition that only the Americans can produce in the quantity necessary, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Between a rock and a hard place

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 8, 2025
  • Canada’s latest contribution to a Ukraine aid package will once again reward U.S. firms while the Trump administration is trying to force Ukraine to

Between a rock and a hard place

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 8, 2025
  • Canada’s latest contribution to a Ukraine aid package will once again reward U.S. firms while the Trump administration is trying to force Ukraine to
Defence Minister David McGuinty. The money Canada and allies are donating to the Ukraine war effort is actually being spent in the U.S. to buy the weapons and ammunition that only the Americans can produce in the quantity necessary, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

F-35 fighter purchase takes flak

  • The Air Force brass can’t control public perception and the longer this Gripen versus F-35 debate continues, the more people become aware of the
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 1, 2025
There appears to be some wiggle room for Canada to back out of the full program to buy American jets to replace Canada’s aging fleet of CF-18 Hornets, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sgt. Norm McLean

F-35 fighter purchase takes flak

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 1, 2025
  • The Air Force brass can’t control public perception and the longer this Gripen versus F-35 debate continues, the more people become aware of the

F-35 fighter purchase takes flak

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 1, 2025
  • The Air Force brass can’t control public perception and the longer this Gripen versus F-35 debate continues, the more people become aware of the
There appears to be some wiggle room for Canada to back out of the full program to buy American jets to replace Canada’s aging fleet of CF-18 Hornets, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sgt. Norm McLean

The future fighter debate

  • Saab’s fighter jet offer must be music to the ears of those Canadians who truly want to send a message of patriotic defiance to
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 24, 2025
The fight over who gets to replace Canada’s aging fleet of CF-18 Hornets heated up recently, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sgt. Norm McLean

The future fighter debate

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 24, 2025
  • Saab’s fighter jet offer must be music to the ears of those Canadians who truly want to send a message of patriotic defiance to

The future fighter debate

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 24, 2025
  • Saab’s fighter jet offer must be music to the ears of those Canadians who truly want to send a message of patriotic defiance to
The fight over who gets to replace Canada’s aging fleet of CF-18 Hornets heated up recently, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sgt. Norm McLean

Chief of defence staff in full retreat

  • To try and deny or diminish your own comments once they have been ridiculed in public is not good leadership.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 17, 2025
One has to wonder what sort of advice Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan is getting from her current legion of public affairs experts, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Chief of defence staff in full retreat

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 17, 2025
  • To try and deny or diminish your own comments once they have been ridiculed in public is not good leadership.

Chief of defence staff in full retreat

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 17, 2025
  • To try and deny or diminish your own comments once they have been ridiculed in public is not good leadership.
One has to wonder what sort of advice Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan is getting from her current legion of public affairs experts, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Is our military ready to be a half a million strong?

  • Before looking to enlist hundreds of thousands more soldiers, the CAF needs to start taking proper care of those already in uniform.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 10, 2025
Jennie Carignan
Jennie Carignan
Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan recently told MPs that the Canadian Armed Forces is on track to recruit 7,000 personnel this fiscal year, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Is our military ready to be a half a million strong?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 10, 2025
  • Before looking to enlist hundreds of thousands more soldiers, the CAF needs to start taking proper care of those already in uniform.

Is our military ready to be a half a million strong?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 10, 2025
  • Before looking to enlist hundreds of thousands more soldiers, the CAF needs to start taking proper care of those already in uniform.
Jennie Carignan
Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan recently told MPs that the Canadian Armed Forces is on track to recruit 7,000 personnel this fiscal year, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The CAF’s emotional apology for racism

  • The general consensus at the Oct. 30 ceremony was that this emotional apology is a starting point, not the closure of an historical chapter.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 3, 2025
Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan delivered the Canadian Armed Forces’ formal apology for racial discrimination and harassment suffered by current and former members of the military on Oct. 30. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The CAF’s emotional apology for racism

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 3, 2025
  • The general consensus at the Oct. 30 ceremony was that this emotional apology is a starting point, not the closure of an historical chapter.

The CAF’s emotional apology for racism

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 3, 2025
  • The general consensus at the Oct. 30 ceremony was that this emotional apology is a starting point, not the closure of an historical chapter.
Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan delivered the Canadian Armed Forces’ formal apology for racial discrimination and harassment suffered by current and former members of the military on Oct. 30. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Room for improvement in the CAF? Yeah, I’ll say

  • There is a time-honoured tradition when it comes to Canada's defence procurement: seeing is believing.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 27, 2025
Jennie Carignan
Jennie Carignan
Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan is doing her best to point to the progress being made, but the fact is that the Canadian military needs nearly everything in their inventory replaced—yesterday, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Room for improvement in the CAF? Yeah, I’ll say

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 27, 2025
  • There is a time-honoured tradition when it comes to Canada's defence procurement: seeing is believing.

Room for improvement in the CAF? Yeah, I’ll say

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 27, 2025
  • There is a time-honoured tradition when it comes to Canada's defence procurement: seeing is believing.
Jennie Carignan
Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan is doing her best to point to the progress being made, but the fact is that the Canadian military needs nearly everything in their inventory replaced—yesterday, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Is Canada at risk of being complicit in U.S. military crimes?

  • The recent U.S. navy attacks on shipping off the coast of Venezuela have raised concerns at DND headquarters in Ottawa. 
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 20, 2025
Canada has partnered with the U.S. on Operation Caribbe, a counter-narcotic effort in the Caribbean, since 2006. DND photograph by 12 Wing Imaging Services

Is Canada at risk of being complicit in U.S. military crimes?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 20, 2025
  • The recent U.S. navy attacks on shipping off the coast of Venezuela have raised concerns at DND headquarters in Ottawa. 

Is Canada at risk of being complicit in U.S. military crimes?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 20, 2025
  • The recent U.S. navy attacks on shipping off the coast of Venezuela have raised concerns at DND headquarters in Ottawa. 
Canada has partnered with the U.S. on Operation Caribbe, a counter-narcotic effort in the Caribbean, since 2006. DND photograph by 12 Wing Imaging Services

Accountability needed after forged documents used to smear journalist and compromise House committee

  • Now that documents used to allege that David Pugliese is a Russian spy have been debunked as forgeries, the Public Safety and National Security
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 13, 2025
Defence reporter David Pugliese, left, was left to defend himself after former Conservative cabinet minister Chris Alexander lobbed now-debunked allegations at an October 2024 House committee meeting that he was a foreign spy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade and screenshot courtesy of ParlVu

Accountability needed after forged documents used to smear journalist and compromise House committee

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 13, 2025
  • Now that documents used to allege that David Pugliese is a Russian spy have been debunked as forgeries, the Public Safety and National Security

Accountability needed after forged documents used to smear journalist and compromise House committee

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 13, 2025
  • Now that documents used to allege that David Pugliese is a Russian spy have been debunked as forgeries, the Public Safety and National Security
Defence reporter David Pugliese, left, was left to defend himself after former Conservative cabinet minister Chris Alexander lobbed now-debunked allegations at an October 2024 House committee meeting that he was a foreign spy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade and screenshot courtesy of ParlVu

Canada’s moves on procurement overshadowed as the U.S. prepares for war against its citizens

  • As important as Canadian defence issues might seem, what happens south of our border will have a far greater impact on our future as
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 6, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump told a group of assembled generals that their country was ‘under invasion from within’ on Sept. 30. Screenshot courtesy of YouTube/PBS NewsHour

Canada’s moves on procurement overshadowed as the U.S. prepares for war against its citizens

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 6, 2025
  • As important as Canadian defence issues might seem, what happens south of our border will have a far greater impact on our future as

Canada’s moves on procurement overshadowed as the U.S. prepares for war against its citizens

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 6, 2025
  • As important as Canadian defence issues might seem, what happens south of our border will have a far greater impact on our future as
U.S. President Donald Trump told a group of assembled generals that their country was ‘under invasion from within’ on Sept. 30. Screenshot courtesy of YouTube/PBS NewsHour

The Canadian Armed Forces is a shrinking tribe

  • With only roughly one in 684 Canadians serving in the regular forces, thinking that the country could mount any meaningful deployment to either Ukraine or Gaza
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 29, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke at the High-Level Segment of the International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement on the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York on Sept. 22. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC

The Canadian Armed Forces is a shrinking tribe

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 29, 2025
  • With only roughly one in 684 Canadians serving in the regular forces, thinking that the country could mount any meaningful deployment to either Ukraine or Gaza

The Canadian Armed Forces is a shrinking tribe

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 29, 2025
  • With only roughly one in 684 Canadians serving in the regular forces, thinking that the country could mount any meaningful deployment to either Ukraine or Gaza
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke at the High-Level Segment of the International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement on the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York on Sept. 22. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC

CAF leadership lacks courage

  • It's the responsibility of military brass to pound on the desks of their political masters to address shortcomings in the institution. Instead, they sugar
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 22, 2025
Canadian soldiers take part in Exercise Resolute Warrior in Latvia in 2024. A House of Commons committee recently heard that the Canadian Army does not have enough vehicles to support the forward deployed NATO mission in Latvia and conduct a similar-sized training exercise in Canada, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Department of National Defence/Cpl. Marc-André Leclerc

CAF leadership lacks courage

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 22, 2025
  • It's the responsibility of military brass to pound on the desks of their political masters to address shortcomings in the institution. Instead, they sugar

CAF leadership lacks courage

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 22, 2025
  • It's the responsibility of military brass to pound on the desks of their political masters to address shortcomings in the institution. Instead, they sugar
Canadian soldiers take part in Exercise Resolute Warrior in Latvia in 2024. A House of Commons committee recently heard that the Canadian Army does not have enough vehicles to support the forward deployed NATO mission in Latvia and conduct a similar-sized training exercise in Canada, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Department of National Defence/Cpl. Marc-André Leclerc

Future planning needed amid Canada’s defence budget boost

  • If we truly wish to provide a deterrent to Russian aggression, we need to learn from the ongoing war in Europe.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 15, 2025
Members of a CH-147F Chinook medical team with Operation Presence in Mali in 2018. With 14 CH-147F Chinooks remaining in RCAF service, Canada possesses a considerable aviation asset, but one suited to wage a counter-insurgency against a poorly equipped foe, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Canadian Forces Combat Camera/MCpl. Jennifer Kusche

Future planning needed amid Canada’s defence budget boost

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 15, 2025
  • If we truly wish to provide a deterrent to Russian aggression, we need to learn from the ongoing war in Europe.

Future planning needed amid Canada’s defence budget boost

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 15, 2025
  • If we truly wish to provide a deterrent to Russian aggression, we need to learn from the ongoing war in Europe.
Members of a CH-147F Chinook medical team with Operation Presence in Mali in 2018. With 14 CH-147F Chinooks remaining in RCAF service, Canada possesses a considerable aviation asset, but one suited to wage a counter-insurgency against a poorly equipped foe, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Canadian Forces Combat Camera/MCpl. Jennifer Kusche

A thin façade of combat capability

  • If your military cupboard is hurting, you can’t throw a coat of fresh paint on a disabled tank and pretend all is good for
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 8, 2025
It’s understandable that the military brass at Camp Adazi would try to impress Prime Minister Mark Carney, but it’s putting lipstick on a pig, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of X

A thin façade of combat capability

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 8, 2025
  • If your military cupboard is hurting, you can’t throw a coat of fresh paint on a disabled tank and pretend all is good for

A thin façade of combat capability

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 8, 2025
  • If your military cupboard is hurting, you can’t throw a coat of fresh paint on a disabled tank and pretend all is good for
It’s understandable that the military brass at Camp Adazi would try to impress Prime Minister Mark Carney, but it’s putting lipstick on a pig, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of X

Are we offering human bait in Ukraine?

  • Canada would need to acquire modern battlefield necessities before it can send any soldiers into Ukraine.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 1, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
If Prime Minister Mark Carney intends to actually put Canadian boots on the ground in Ukraine, he needs to make some tough decisions, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of X

Are we offering human bait in Ukraine?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 1, 2025
  • Canada would need to acquire modern battlefield necessities before it can send any soldiers into Ukraine.

Are we offering human bait in Ukraine?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 1, 2025
  • Canada would need to acquire modern battlefield necessities before it can send any soldiers into Ukraine.
Mark Carney
If Prime Minister Mark Carney intends to actually put Canadian boots on the ground in Ukraine, he needs to make some tough decisions, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of X

The hits keep coming for the CAF

  • If soldiers do know what the Nazi salute symbolizes and do it anyway, then they have no business wearing a Canadian uniform.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 25, 2025
Due to alleged soldier misconduct, Canada’s military has received three black eyes in rapid succession, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Brian Lindgren

The hits keep coming for the CAF

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 25, 2025
  • If soldiers do know what the Nazi salute symbolizes and do it anyway, then they have no business wearing a Canadian uniform.

The hits keep coming for the CAF

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 25, 2025
  • If soldiers do know what the Nazi salute symbolizes and do it anyway, then they have no business wearing a Canadian uniform.
Due to alleged soldier misconduct, Canada’s military has received three black eyes in rapid succession, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Brian Lindgren

The case for making national service mandatory

  • If one-year military engagements were part of a mandatory youth national service program, there would be a steady flow of new recruits for the
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 18, 2025
A 12-month stint of required youth service with the military could be a much-enhanced version of the current Naval Experience Program, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Braden Trudeau

The case for making national service mandatory

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 18, 2025
  • If one-year military engagements were part of a mandatory youth national service program, there would be a steady flow of new recruits for the

The case for making national service mandatory

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 18, 2025
  • If one-year military engagements were part of a mandatory youth national service program, there would be a steady flow of new recruits for the
A 12-month stint of required youth service with the military could be a much-enhanced version of the current Naval Experience Program, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Braden Trudeau

It’s time to strike back at Trump’s tactics

  • Now that U.S. President Donald Trump has indeed whacked Canada with a whopping trade tariff, perhaps it's time to make sure that economic pain
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 11, 2025
There are downsides to cancelling the remainder of the F-35 purchase and operating a mixed fighter fleet into the future, but the savings may balance out, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Master Sgt. John R. Nimmo Sr.

It’s time to strike back at Trump’s tactics

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 11, 2025
  • Now that U.S. President Donald Trump has indeed whacked Canada with a whopping trade tariff, perhaps it's time to make sure that economic pain

It’s time to strike back at Trump’s tactics

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 11, 2025
  • Now that U.S. President Donald Trump has indeed whacked Canada with a whopping trade tariff, perhaps it's time to make sure that economic pain
There are downsides to cancelling the remainder of the F-35 purchase and operating a mixed fighter fleet into the future, but the savings may balance out, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Master Sgt. John R. Nimmo Sr.

The Armed Forces’ selective accountability

  • Two senior officers have already been sanctioned in the early days of the Blue Hackle Mafia affair, which contrasts oddly with previous military scandals.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 4, 2025
Heads have begun to roll in the ‘Blue Hackle Mafia’ scandal, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Facebook first published by The Ottawa Citizen

The Armed Forces’ selective accountability

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 4, 2025
  • Two senior officers have already been sanctioned in the early days of the Blue Hackle Mafia affair, which contrasts oddly with previous military scandals.

The Armed Forces’ selective accountability

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 4, 2025
  • Two senior officers have already been sanctioned in the early days of the Blue Hackle Mafia affair, which contrasts oddly with previous military scandals.
Heads have begun to roll in the ‘Blue Hackle Mafia’ scandal, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Facebook first published by The Ottawa Citizen

Sniffing out alleged terrorists in the military’s ranks

  • This is exactly what the hard-pressed CAF did not need at this juncture—another bad news story to throw on the pile.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 28, 2025
The RCMP arrested four men on July 8 who were allegedly involved in activities intending to forcibly take possession of land in the Québec City area. Military-style training in which the accused took part. Photograph courtesy of the RCMP

Sniffing out alleged terrorists in the military’s ranks

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 28, 2025
  • This is exactly what the hard-pressed CAF did not need at this juncture—another bad news story to throw on the pile.

Sniffing out alleged terrorists in the military’s ranks

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 28, 2025
  • This is exactly what the hard-pressed CAF did not need at this juncture—another bad news story to throw on the pile.
The RCMP arrested four men on July 8 who were allegedly involved in activities intending to forcibly take possession of land in the Québec City area. Military-style training in which the accused took part. Photograph courtesy of the RCMP

Standing on ceremony

  • With the current state of the Canadian Armed Forces, perhaps it is time to drop the historical re-enactment duties.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 21, 2025
Members of Lord Strathcona's Horse spent 10 days as the King’s Life Guard. Using regular force and reserve combat soldiers to parade in period costume is no longer necessary, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of CBC News

Standing on ceremony

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 21, 2025
  • With the current state of the Canadian Armed Forces, perhaps it is time to drop the historical re-enactment duties.

Standing on ceremony

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 21, 2025
  • With the current state of the Canadian Armed Forces, perhaps it is time to drop the historical re-enactment duties.
Members of Lord Strathcona's Horse spent 10 days as the King’s Life Guard. Using regular force and reserve combat soldiers to parade in period costume is no longer necessary, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of CBC News

Raising hackles: why can’t the CAF help stepping on their own dicks?

  • Protecting the military’s reputation should never take priority over actually handling an issue, like that of the service members involved in a Facebook group sharing
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 14, 2025
The self-proclaimed ‘Blue Hackle Mafia’ Facebook group posted images of male soldiers in uniform exposing their genitals, others posing naked with Canadian Forces weapons, or simulating sexual acts with each other in uniform. Photograph courtesy of Facebook first published by The Ottawa Citizen

Raising hackles: why can’t the CAF help stepping on their own dicks?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 14, 2025
  • Protecting the military’s reputation should never take priority over actually handling an issue, like that of the service members involved in a Facebook group sharing

Raising hackles: why can’t the CAF help stepping on their own dicks?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 14, 2025
  • Protecting the military’s reputation should never take priority over actually handling an issue, like that of the service members involved in a Facebook group sharing
The self-proclaimed ‘Blue Hackle Mafia’ Facebook group posted images of male soldiers in uniform exposing their genitals, others posing naked with Canadian Forces weapons, or simulating sexual acts with each other in uniform. Photograph courtesy of Facebook first published by The Ottawa Citizen

Is the CAF past the point of no return?

  • Perhaps the Liberals need to do more than make promises of massive budget increases if there are too few personnel left in uniform to
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 7, 2025
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

Is the CAF past the point of no return?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 7, 2025
  • Perhaps the Liberals need to do more than make promises of massive budget increases if there are too few personnel left in uniform to

Is the CAF past the point of no return?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 7, 2025
  • 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

Investing in critical minerals would be a win-win for Canada

  • An investment in tungsten production could benefit all of our NATO allies, allowing them to source Canadian rather than Chinese tungsten.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 30, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, with U.S. President Donald Trump at the recent G7 Summit in Alberta. Carney has indicated that defence infrastructure investment could include things like the development of Canada's critical minerals, notes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Government of Canada

Investing in critical minerals would be a win-win for Canada

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 30, 2025
  • An investment in tungsten production could benefit all of our NATO allies, allowing them to source Canadian rather than Chinese tungsten.

Investing in critical minerals would be a win-win for Canada

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 30, 2025
  • An investment in tungsten production could benefit all of our NATO allies, allowing them to source Canadian rather than Chinese tungsten.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, with U.S. President Donald Trump at the recent G7 Summit in Alberta. Carney has indicated that defence infrastructure investment could include things like the development of Canada's critical minerals, notes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Government of Canada

Time to walk the walk

  • A clear way to demonstrate to Canadians that he is not simply posturing would be for PM Mark Carney to cancel the remaining F-35 order.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 23, 2025
There's an ongoing review of Canada’s acquisition of 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Donald R. Allen

Time to walk the walk

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 23, 2025
  • A clear way to demonstrate to Canadians that he is not simply posturing would be for PM Mark Carney to cancel the remaining F-35 order.

Time to walk the walk

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 23, 2025
  • A clear way to demonstrate to Canadians that he is not simply posturing would be for PM Mark Carney to cancel the remaining F-35 order.
There's an ongoing review of Canada’s acquisition of 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Donald R. Allen

Carney’s CAF spending spree

  • Unfortunately, the one resource which the military is critically lacking is something that cannot be easily bought: trained personnel.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 16, 2025
A bigger paycheque may cause some existing soldiers to stick around, but simply wearing a uniform does not provide relief for the burnt-out personnel who are trades qualified, and in high demand for operations, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician

Carney’s CAF spending spree

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 16, 2025
  • Unfortunately, the one resource which the military is critically lacking is something that cannot be easily bought: trained personnel.

Carney’s CAF spending spree

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 16, 2025
  • Unfortunately, the one resource which the military is critically lacking is something that cannot be easily bought: trained personnel.
A bigger paycheque may cause some existing soldiers to stick around, but simply wearing a uniform does not provide relief for the burnt-out personnel who are trades qualified, and in high demand for operations, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician
More Stories

Demand for answers about Flight 752 can’t exclude Americans

  • OTTAWA—On Jan. 16, Canada hosted a five-nation meeting at the High Commission in London, England, to declare a united front in confronting Iran over
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 22, 2020
The U.S. claims of self-defence in the killing of Qassem Soleimani are already beginning to unravel, as President Donald Trump’s assertion of Soleimani plotting an imminent attack on American targets could not be substantiated, writes Scott Taylor. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

Demand for answers about Flight 752 can’t exclude Americans

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 22, 2020
  • OTTAWA—On Jan. 16, Canada hosted a five-nation meeting at the High Commission in London, England, to declare a united front in confronting Iran over

Demand for answers about Flight 752 can’t exclude Americans

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 22, 2020
  • OTTAWA—On Jan. 16, Canada hosted a five-nation meeting at the High Commission in London, England, to declare a united front in confronting Iran over
The U.S. claims of self-defence in the killing of Qassem Soleimani are already beginning to unravel, as President Donald Trump’s assertion of Soleimani plotting an imminent attack on American targets could not be substantiated, writes Scott Taylor. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

Nonsensical to not give the benefit of the doubt to Iran’s intentions in Flight 752 tragedy

  • OTTAWA—On Jan. 9, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the downing of Ukrainian Airlines flight 752 was believed to have been caused by
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 15, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau enters the National Press Theatre to provide an update on Ukraine flight 752 on Jan. 11. The most aggressive hawks among Trudeau’s critics viewed his cautionary tone to be a weasel-worded submission to the terrorist regime that rules Iran, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Nonsensical to not give the benefit of the doubt to Iran’s intentions in Flight 752 tragedy

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 15, 2020
  • OTTAWA—On Jan. 9, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the downing of Ukrainian Airlines flight 752 was believed to have been caused by

Nonsensical to not give the benefit of the doubt to Iran’s intentions in Flight 752 tragedy

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 15, 2020
  • OTTAWA—On Jan. 9, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the downing of Ukrainian Airlines flight 752 was believed to have been caused by
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau enters the National Press Theatre to provide an update on Ukraine flight 752 on Jan. 11. The most aggressive hawks among Trudeau’s critics viewed his cautionary tone to be a weasel-worded submission to the terrorist regime that rules Iran, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

With no dog in this U.S.-Iran fight, it’s time for Canada to get out of Iraq

  • OTTAWA—In the immediate aftermath of the U.S. assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, American pundits and politicos took to the airwaves to justify this
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 8, 2020
Canadian Armed Forces infantrymen deployed on Joint Task Force Operation Impact board a CC-130J Hercules for Iraq to begin their seven-month tour at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait on Nov. 27, 2019. DND photograph courtesy of Cpl. Jerome Lessard

With no dog in this U.S.-Iran fight, it’s time for Canada to get out of Iraq

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 8, 2020
  • OTTAWA—In the immediate aftermath of the U.S. assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, American pundits and politicos took to the airwaves to justify this

With no dog in this U.S.-Iran fight, it’s time for Canada to get out of Iraq

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 8, 2020
  • OTTAWA—In the immediate aftermath of the U.S. assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, American pundits and politicos took to the airwaves to justify this
Canadian Armed Forces infantrymen deployed on Joint Task Force Operation Impact board a CC-130J Hercules for Iraq to begin their seven-month tour at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait on Nov. 27, 2019. DND photograph courtesy of Cpl. Jerome Lessard

Iraq presence is weakening Canada’s moral high ground

  • OTTAWA—The Western media reports of late have been quick to condemn authoritarian regimes for their excessive use of force against civilian protestors. For more
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 18, 2019
Major-General Jennie Carignan officially assumes command of the NATO Mission Iraq from Major-General Dany Fortin at a Transfer of Authority Ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq, on Nov. 26, 2019. Canada should never have deployed to Iraq because our mission there was never clear and now it has lost all meaning, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Ryan Moulton

Iraq presence is weakening Canada’s moral high ground

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 18, 2019
  • OTTAWA—The Western media reports of late have been quick to condemn authoritarian regimes for their excessive use of force against civilian protestors. For more

Iraq presence is weakening Canada’s moral high ground

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 18, 2019
  • OTTAWA—The Western media reports of late have been quick to condemn authoritarian regimes for their excessive use of force against civilian protestors. For more
Major-General Jennie Carignan officially assumes command of the NATO Mission Iraq from Major-General Dany Fortin at a Transfer of Authority Ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq, on Nov. 26, 2019. Canada should never have deployed to Iraq because our mission there was never clear and now it has lost all meaning, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Ryan Moulton

Canada can handle being ‘slightly delinquent’ on NATO contributions

  • OTTAWA—The fact that Canadian pundits are still pondering the potential fallout from what was labeled Justin Trudeau’s “gaffe” at the NATO Summit speaks volume
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 11, 2019
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau may have bruised President Donald Trump’s ego at the NATO Summit, but Canada shouldn’t feel pressured to mindlessly meet America’s defence-spending push. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

Canada can handle being ‘slightly delinquent’ on NATO contributions

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 11, 2019
  • OTTAWA—The fact that Canadian pundits are still pondering the potential fallout from what was labeled Justin Trudeau’s “gaffe” at the NATO Summit speaks volume

Canada can handle being ‘slightly delinquent’ on NATO contributions

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 11, 2019
  • OTTAWA—The fact that Canadian pundits are still pondering the potential fallout from what was labeled Justin Trudeau’s “gaffe” at the NATO Summit speaks volume
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau may have bruised President Donald Trump’s ego at the NATO Summit, but Canada shouldn’t feel pressured to mindlessly meet America’s defence-spending push. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

Trump’s military pardons doing a disservice to the institution he claims to champion

  • OTTAWA—In recent days, U.S. President Donald Trump has embarked on a bizarre rash of pardoning and protecting U.S. service members who were convicted or
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 4, 2019
As commander-in-chief of the U.S. military, President Donald Trump can pull rank and pardon convicted service members, but such actions actually do a disservice to the reputation of the U.S. military, writes Scott Taylor. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

Trump’s military pardons doing a disservice to the institution he claims to champion

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 4, 2019
  • OTTAWA—In recent days, U.S. President Donald Trump has embarked on a bizarre rash of pardoning and protecting U.S. service members who were convicted or

Trump’s military pardons doing a disservice to the institution he claims to champion

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 4, 2019
  • OTTAWA—In recent days, U.S. President Donald Trump has embarked on a bizarre rash of pardoning and protecting U.S. service members who were convicted or
As commander-in-chief of the U.S. military, President Donald Trump can pull rank and pardon convicted service members, but such actions actually do a disservice to the reputation of the U.S. military, writes Scott Taylor. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

Soldier who testified against colleague in sex assault case alleges blowback for doing the right thing

  • OTTAWA—Almost lost in the swirling news storms surrounding the controversial firing of sportscaster Don Cherry, the naming of Justin Trudeau’s new cabinet, and the
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 27, 2019
Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jonathan Vance said in May that Corporal Casey Brunelle did not face any reprisals and wouldn’t be getting an apology for treatment he faced after testifying against a fellow soldier. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Soldier who testified against colleague in sex assault case alleges blowback for doing the right thing

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 27, 2019
  • OTTAWA—Almost lost in the swirling news storms surrounding the controversial firing of sportscaster Don Cherry, the naming of Justin Trudeau’s new cabinet, and the

Soldier who testified against colleague in sex assault case alleges blowback for doing the right thing

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 27, 2019
  • OTTAWA—Almost lost in the swirling news storms surrounding the controversial firing of sportscaster Don Cherry, the naming of Justin Trudeau’s new cabinet, and the
Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jonathan Vance said in May that Corporal Casey Brunelle did not face any reprisals and wouldn’t be getting an apology for treatment he faced after testifying against a fellow soldier. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Don Cherry’s comments were wrong, but not on every front

  • OTTAWA—There is no question that hockey commentator Don Cherry’s controversial remarks and subsequent firing proved polemic well beyond the normal reach of the Hockey
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 20, 2019
People lay poppies on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa on Nov. 11, 2019. That so many Canadians of all stripes are opting out of wearing poppies means we are failing to educate people as to what they represent and why we wear them every November, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Don Cherry’s comments were wrong, but not on every front

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 20, 2019
  • OTTAWA—There is no question that hockey commentator Don Cherry’s controversial remarks and subsequent firing proved polemic well beyond the normal reach of the Hockey

Don Cherry’s comments were wrong, but not on every front

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 20, 2019
  • OTTAWA—There is no question that hockey commentator Don Cherry’s controversial remarks and subsequent firing proved polemic well beyond the normal reach of the Hockey
People lay poppies on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa on Nov. 11, 2019. That so many Canadians of all stripes are opting out of wearing poppies means we are failing to educate people as to what they represent and why we wear them every November, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Lessons not learned: Canadian troops should get out of Iraq, now

  • OTTAWA—On Nov. 7, there was news out of Iraq that security forces had killed six protestors and wounded at least 41 in violent clashes
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 13, 2019
Canadian Armed Forces members are pictured boarding a CC-130J Hercules aircraft on their way to Iraq during Operation Impact in August 2018. We find our soldiers training young Iraqi males to prop up a regime that is hated by the general public for its corruption, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Department of National Defence

Lessons not learned: Canadian troops should get out of Iraq, now

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 13, 2019
  • OTTAWA—On Nov. 7, there was news out of Iraq that security forces had killed six protestors and wounded at least 41 in violent clashes

Lessons not learned: Canadian troops should get out of Iraq, now

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 13, 2019
  • OTTAWA—On Nov. 7, there was news out of Iraq that security forces had killed six protestors and wounded at least 41 in violent clashes
Canadian Armed Forces members are pictured boarding a CC-130J Hercules aircraft on their way to Iraq during Operation Impact in August 2018. We find our soldiers training young Iraqi males to prop up a regime that is hated by the general public for its corruption, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Department of National Defence

Despite Trump’s posturing, world is no safer after al-Baghdadi’s death

  • OTTAWA—There is a very funny video circulating throughout the world on social media, in which former U.S. president Barack Obama’s composure is contrasted with
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 6, 2019
U.S President Donald Trump, pictured Oct. 27 during his announcement of Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's death. Photograph courtesy of The White House's Flickr

Despite Trump’s posturing, world is no safer after al-Baghdadi’s death

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 6, 2019
  • OTTAWA—There is a very funny video circulating throughout the world on social media, in which former U.S. president Barack Obama’s composure is contrasted with

Despite Trump’s posturing, world is no safer after al-Baghdadi’s death

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 6, 2019
  • OTTAWA—There is a very funny video circulating throughout the world on social media, in which former U.S. president Barack Obama’s composure is contrasted with
U.S President Donald Trump, pictured Oct. 27 during his announcement of Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's death. Photograph courtesy of The White House's Flickr

The election interference call is coming from inside the house

  • OTTAWA—On Oct. 23, with the dust still settling in the wake of the federal election results, it was quietly announced by the Privy Council
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 30, 2019
National Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, Democratic Institutions Minister Karina Gould, and Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale announced the creation of the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol—a team of bureaucrats tasked with monitoring the federal election campaign for foreign interference—in January. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The election interference call is coming from inside the house

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 30, 2019
  • OTTAWA—On Oct. 23, with the dust still settling in the wake of the federal election results, it was quietly announced by the Privy Council

The election interference call is coming from inside the house

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 30, 2019
  • OTTAWA—On Oct. 23, with the dust still settling in the wake of the federal election results, it was quietly announced by the Privy Council
National Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, Democratic Institutions Minister Karina Gould, and Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale announced the creation of the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol—a team of bureaucrats tasked with monitoring the federal election campaign for foreign interference—in January. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Foreign policy, defence left in the cold by political wannabes

  • OTTAWA—Right down to the wire in the 2019 federal election, no political leader offered up a vision on Canada’s role on the world stage.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 23, 2019
Neither Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, or NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh put forward concrete foreign policy during the recent election campaign, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Foreign policy, defence left in the cold by political wannabes

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 23, 2019
  • OTTAWA—Right down to the wire in the 2019 federal election, no political leader offered up a vision on Canada’s role on the world stage.

Foreign policy, defence left in the cold by political wannabes

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 23, 2019
  • OTTAWA—Right down to the wire in the 2019 federal election, no political leader offered up a vision on Canada’s role on the world stage.
Neither Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, or NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh put forward concrete foreign policy during the recent election campaign, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

The history behind Trump’s betrayal of Syrian Kurds

  • OTTAWA—In the wake of Turkey’s recent military offensive against the Kurdish forces in northern Syria, we have seen a very complex regional conflict dumbed
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 16, 2019
It was in the immediate aftermath of U.S. President Donald Trump announcing the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region that Turkey’s President Recep Erdoğan launched his cross-border attack, writes Scott Taylor. Mr. Trump and Mr. Erdoğan are pictured at the G20 meeting in Japan in June. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Gage Skidmore

The history behind Trump’s betrayal of Syrian Kurds

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 16, 2019
  • OTTAWA—In the wake of Turkey’s recent military offensive against the Kurdish forces in northern Syria, we have seen a very complex regional conflict dumbed

The history behind Trump’s betrayal of Syrian Kurds

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 16, 2019
  • OTTAWA—In the wake of Turkey’s recent military offensive against the Kurdish forces in northern Syria, we have seen a very complex regional conflict dumbed
It was in the immediate aftermath of U.S. President Donald Trump announcing the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region that Turkey’s President Recep Erdoğan launched his cross-border attack, writes Scott Taylor. Mr. Trump and Mr. Erdoğan are pictured at the G20 meeting in Japan in June. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Gage Skidmore

Little difference between Liberal, Conservative policies on defence

  • OTTAWA—We are now past the midway point of this year’s 40-day federal election campaign. If the polls are to be trusted, Justin Trudeau’s Liberals
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 9, 2019
Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer. The Liberals and Conservatives are currently in a dead heat in the polls, and similarly, there is little difference between the two major parties when it comes to their policies on defence, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Little difference between Liberal, Conservative policies on defence

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 9, 2019
  • OTTAWA—We are now past the midway point of this year’s 40-day federal election campaign. If the polls are to be trusted, Justin Trudeau’s Liberals

Little difference between Liberal, Conservative policies on defence

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 9, 2019
  • OTTAWA—We are now past the midway point of this year’s 40-day federal election campaign. If the polls are to be trusted, Justin Trudeau’s Liberals
Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer. The Liberals and Conservatives are currently in a dead heat in the polls, and similarly, there is little difference between the two major parties when it comes to their policies on defence, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Trump’s pressuring of Ukraine is foreign interference on steroids

  • OTTAWA—Now that we are in the midst of our federal election, Canadians are constantly reminded by our security agencies that foreign “malign actors” are
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 2, 2019
U.S. President Donald Trump, pictured, is now facing an impeachment inquiry following a whistleblower’s complaint alleging the president had attempted 'to solicit interference' from Ukraine in advance of the 2020 elections in the U.S.A., writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Gage Skidmore

Trump’s pressuring of Ukraine is foreign interference on steroids

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 2, 2019
  • OTTAWA—Now that we are in the midst of our federal election, Canadians are constantly reminded by our security agencies that foreign “malign actors” are

Trump’s pressuring of Ukraine is foreign interference on steroids

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 2, 2019
  • OTTAWA—Now that we are in the midst of our federal election, Canadians are constantly reminded by our security agencies that foreign “malign actors” are
U.S. President Donald Trump, pictured, is now facing an impeachment inquiry following a whistleblower’s complaint alleging the president had attempted 'to solicit interference' from Ukraine in advance of the 2020 elections in the U.S.A., writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Gage Skidmore

Recent strikes on Saudi oil production are a global concern

  • OTTAWA—On Sept. 14, there were a series of missile and drone attacks that struck Saudi Arabian oil processing facilities near the city of Abqaiq.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 25, 2019
In the wake of the latest strike on Saudi oil production, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, pictured at a press conference in Ottawa with Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland in August, has reaffirmed the position that America is firmly backing Saudi Arabia and that all possible means of military retaliation against Iran are on the table. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Recent strikes on Saudi oil production are a global concern

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 25, 2019
  • OTTAWA—On Sept. 14, there were a series of missile and drone attacks that struck Saudi Arabian oil processing facilities near the city of Abqaiq.

Recent strikes on Saudi oil production are a global concern

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 25, 2019
  • OTTAWA—On Sept. 14, there were a series of missile and drone attacks that struck Saudi Arabian oil processing facilities near the city of Abqaiq.
In the wake of the latest strike on Saudi oil production, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, pictured at a press conference in Ottawa with Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland in August, has reaffirmed the position that America is firmly backing Saudi Arabia and that all possible means of military retaliation against Iran are on the table. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trump’s cancellation of Taliban peace talks means indefinite continuation of unwinnable war

  • OTTAWA—In the days leading up to the anniversary of 9/11, U.S. President Donald Trump sent out a bizarre tweet claiming that he had just
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 18, 2019
Trump will spin this whole cancellation and claim that this incident only proves he is still a master negotiator who was not intimidated by the Taliban’s continued campaign of terror, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Gage Skidmore, Flickr

Trump’s cancellation of Taliban peace talks means indefinite continuation of unwinnable war

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 18, 2019
  • OTTAWA—In the days leading up to the anniversary of 9/11, U.S. President Donald Trump sent out a bizarre tweet claiming that he had just

Trump’s cancellation of Taliban peace talks means indefinite continuation of unwinnable war

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 18, 2019
  • OTTAWA—In the days leading up to the anniversary of 9/11, U.S. President Donald Trump sent out a bizarre tweet claiming that he had just
Trump will spin this whole cancellation and claim that this incident only proves he is still a master negotiator who was not intimidated by the Taliban’s continued campaign of terror, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Gage Skidmore, Flickr

Canadian soldiers shouldn’t be props in controversial commemoration

  • OTTAWA—There was a bizarre little story last week out of Ukraine, which was picked up by Radio-Canada International. It centred on Canada’s official participation
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 11, 2019
Canada’s Ambassador to Ukraine Roman Waschuk and at least three uniformed Canadian military personnel took part in the formal ceremony dedicating a new monument in honour of 17 members of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) who were allegedly executed by the German Gestapo in 1944 on Aug. 21. Photograph courtesy of Roman Waschuk’s Twitter

Canadian soldiers shouldn’t be props in controversial commemoration

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 11, 2019
  • OTTAWA—There was a bizarre little story last week out of Ukraine, which was picked up by Radio-Canada International. It centred on Canada’s official participation

Canadian soldiers shouldn’t be props in controversial commemoration

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 11, 2019
  • OTTAWA—There was a bizarre little story last week out of Ukraine, which was picked up by Radio-Canada International. It centred on Canada’s official participation
Canada’s Ambassador to Ukraine Roman Waschuk and at least three uniformed Canadian military personnel took part in the formal ceremony dedicating a new monument in honour of 17 members of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) who were allegedly executed by the German Gestapo in 1944 on Aug. 21. Photograph courtesy of Roman Waschuk’s Twitter

Military was too slow to act after finding hate group recruiter in its ranks

  • OTTAWA—The saga of Master Cpl. Patrik Mathews continues to be a puzzler, with a plethora of unanswered questions. What we do know for sure
News | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 4, 2019
Gen. Jonathan Vance, chief of the defence staff, pictured speaking to reporters in West Block on June 17, 2019, has said reservist Patrik Mathews was under investigation by the military’s counter-intelligence unit. So why, asks Scott Taylor, did his local brigade commander say they were unaware of his extra-curricular activities until a newspaper reporter went undercover and reported them? The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Military was too slow to act after finding hate group recruiter in its ranks

News | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 4, 2019
  • OTTAWA—The saga of Master Cpl. Patrik Mathews continues to be a puzzler, with a plethora of unanswered questions. What we do know for sure

Military was too slow to act after finding hate group recruiter in its ranks

News | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 4, 2019
  • OTTAWA—The saga of Master Cpl. Patrik Mathews continues to be a puzzler, with a plethora of unanswered questions. What we do know for sure
Gen. Jonathan Vance, chief of the defence staff, pictured speaking to reporters in West Block on June 17, 2019, has said reservist Patrik Mathews was under investigation by the military’s counter-intelligence unit. So why, asks Scott Taylor, did his local brigade commander say they were unaware of his extra-curricular activities until a newspaper reporter went undercover and reported them? The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadian military needs to do more to quash sexual misconduct among its ranks

  • OTTAWA—On Aug. 13, the Canadian Armed Forces tabled a report which reflected some progress is being made towards reducing rampant sexual misconduct in the
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 28, 2019
Dutch and Canadian air crew watch a training exercise off the flight deck of the Dutch ship Evertsen in the Adriatic Sea during Operation Reassurance, on May 20, 2019. Based on the latest report, it remains crystal clear that the Canadian military has a huge problem with sexual misconduct, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph courtesy of Cpl. Daan Meijerman

Canadian military needs to do more to quash sexual misconduct among its ranks

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 28, 2019
  • OTTAWA—On Aug. 13, the Canadian Armed Forces tabled a report which reflected some progress is being made towards reducing rampant sexual misconduct in the

Canadian military needs to do more to quash sexual misconduct among its ranks

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 28, 2019
  • OTTAWA—On Aug. 13, the Canadian Armed Forces tabled a report which reflected some progress is being made towards reducing rampant sexual misconduct in the
Dutch and Canadian air crew watch a training exercise off the flight deck of the Dutch ship Evertsen in the Adriatic Sea during Operation Reassurance, on May 20, 2019. Based on the latest report, it remains crystal clear that the Canadian military has a huge problem with sexual misconduct, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph courtesy of Cpl. Daan Meijerman

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