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Wednesday, January 14, 2026

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Scott Taylor

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

How to foil Trump’s annexation of Greenland

  • NATO leaders should immediately offer the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland permanent membership in the alliance.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 13, 2026
The Royal Danish Navy frigate HDMS Triton passes an iceberg in the waters around Greenland. Photograph courtesy of NATO/Flickr

How to foil Trump’s annexation of Greenland

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 13, 2026
  • NATO leaders should immediately offer the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland permanent membership in the alliance.

How to foil Trump’s annexation of Greenland

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 13, 2026
  • NATO leaders should immediately offer the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland permanent membership in the alliance.
The Royal Danish Navy frigate HDMS Triton passes an iceberg in the waters around Greenland. Photograph courtesy of NATO/Flickr

All eyes on the Arctic

  • Canada may now have to play catch-up on procuring vessels to protect the North after years of passing up projects.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 6, 2026
Angus Topshee
Angus Topshee
Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, recently spoke to CBC News about the value of acquiring an amphibious ship for the North. DND photograph by Corporal Connor Bennett

All eyes on the Arctic

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 6, 2026
  • Canada may now have to play catch-up on procuring vessels to protect the North after years of passing up projects.

All eyes on the Arctic

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 6, 2026
  • Canada may now have to play catch-up on procuring vessels to protect the North after years of passing up projects.
Angus Topshee
Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, recently spoke to CBC News about the value of acquiring an amphibious ship for the North. DND photograph by Corporal Connor Bennett

In Canada’s defence: re-establishing a true militia

  • Instead of disarming law-abiding gun owners across Canada, why not offer them the opportunity to enlist in a supplementary reserve by taking an oath
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 29, 2025
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. The hare-brained scheme to coerce reluctant civil servants into a third-rate volunteer force comes from the same government that is intent on disarming registered and law-abiding gun owners across Canada, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

In Canada’s defence: re-establishing a true militia

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 29, 2025
  • Instead of disarming law-abiding gun owners across Canada, why not offer them the opportunity to enlist in a supplementary reserve by taking an oath

In Canada’s defence: re-establishing a true militia

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 29, 2025
  • Instead of disarming law-abiding gun owners across Canada, why not offer them the opportunity to enlist in a supplementary reserve by taking an oath
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. The hare-brained scheme to coerce reluctant civil servants into a third-rate volunteer force comes from the same government that is intent on disarming registered and law-abiding gun owners across Canada, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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
More Stories

Talking Trump’s truth

  • Canadian leaders have begun finding creative solutions to solve a problem that does not exist.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 10, 2025
Donald Trump
Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump's blaming of Canada for the entire drug-overdose tragedy in his country defies all logic, writes Scott Taylor. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

Talking Trump’s truth

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 10, 2025
  • Canadian leaders have begun finding creative solutions to solve a problem that does not exist.

Talking Trump’s truth

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 10, 2025
  • Canadian leaders have begun finding creative solutions to solve a problem that does not exist.
Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump's blaming of Canada for the entire drug-overdose tragedy in his country defies all logic, writes Scott Taylor. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

Losing the battle of the bulge

  • Having a worse fitness record than the general population should be an embarrassment to the Canadian Armed Forces.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 3, 2025
According to a series of briefings to military leaders in June 2024, 44 per cent of personnel in the CAF are overweight, and another 28 per cent are classified as obese. DND photograph by Leading Seaman Sisi Xu

Losing the battle of the bulge

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 3, 2025
  • Having a worse fitness record than the general population should be an embarrassment to the Canadian Armed Forces.

Losing the battle of the bulge

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 3, 2025
  • Having a worse fitness record than the general population should be an embarrassment to the Canadian Armed Forces.
According to a series of briefings to military leaders in June 2024, 44 per cent of personnel in the CAF are overweight, and another 28 per cent are classified as obese. DND photograph by Leading Seaman Sisi Xu

Pushing back on Donald Trump

  • Perhaps the most effective way to alleviate the fears Trump is trying to stoke would be to simply provide facts and context to his
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 27, 2025
Donald J. Trump
Donald J. Trump
Due to his position, even U.S. President Trump’s most glib and offhand threats need to be addressed with diplomacy and tact, but they also need to be countered with some hard truths, writes Scott Taylor. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

Pushing back on Donald Trump

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 27, 2025
  • Perhaps the most effective way to alleviate the fears Trump is trying to stoke would be to simply provide facts and context to his

Pushing back on Donald Trump

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 27, 2025
  • Perhaps the most effective way to alleviate the fears Trump is trying to stoke would be to simply provide facts and context to his
Donald J. Trump
Due to his position, even U.S. President Trump’s most glib and offhand threats need to be addressed with diplomacy and tact, but they also need to be countered with some hard truths, writes Scott Taylor. White House photograph by Shealah Craighead

Pride in reserve: the CAF isn’t equipped to fight Mother Nature, but what if it was?

  • Provinces are stepping up to help our U.S. neighbours fight fires, and it would be nice to see our Armed Forces similarly involved.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 20, 2025
Canadian soldiers have been called on to help battle flames, but boosting the ranks of the Air Force with a reserve to fly water bombers would be a boon, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Master Sailor Dan Bard

Pride in reserve: the CAF isn’t equipped to fight Mother Nature, but what if it was?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 20, 2025
  • Provinces are stepping up to help our U.S. neighbours fight fires, and it would be nice to see our Armed Forces similarly involved.

Pride in reserve: the CAF isn’t equipped to fight Mother Nature, but what if it was?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 20, 2025
  • Provinces are stepping up to help our U.S. neighbours fight fires, and it would be nice to see our Armed Forces similarly involved.
Canadian soldiers have been called on to help battle flames, but boosting the ranks of the Air Force with a reserve to fly water bombers would be a boon, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Master Sailor Dan Bard

Military retention bonuses equal common sense

  • DND needs to stop the exodus from the ranks, and the answer to stopping short-term retirements is retention bonuses.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 13, 2025
At present, the CAF does not have retention bonuses, but in recent years they have offered signing bonuses to recruits with specific professional skill sets. DND photograph by MCpl Cass Moon

Military retention bonuses equal common sense

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 13, 2025
  • DND needs to stop the exodus from the ranks, and the answer to stopping short-term retirements is retention bonuses.

Military retention bonuses equal common sense

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 13, 2025
  • DND needs to stop the exodus from the ranks, and the answer to stopping short-term retirements is retention bonuses.
At present, the CAF does not have retention bonuses, but in recent years they have offered signing bonuses to recruits with specific professional skill sets. DND photograph by MCpl Cass Moon

Time for a foreign legion

  • With a Canadian Foreign Legion deployed, the regular combat arms units could begin the healing process of bringing themselves back to full operational readiness
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 6, 2025
Canada’s commitment to a beefed-up mission in Latvia will negatively impact the Army's morale over time without extra support, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Staff Sergeant Christian Milano, Spanish Army

Time for a foreign legion

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 6, 2025
  • With a Canadian Foreign Legion deployed, the regular combat arms units could begin the healing process of bringing themselves back to full operational readiness

Time for a foreign legion

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 6, 2025
  • With a Canadian Foreign Legion deployed, the regular combat arms units could begin the healing process of bringing themselves back to full operational readiness
Canada’s commitment to a beefed-up mission in Latvia will negatively impact the Army's morale over time without extra support, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Staff Sergeant Christian Milano, Spanish Army

A defence budget that tops the two-per-cent goal? Look north

  • Whoever is running Canada in the months to come should be able to convince Donald Trump that an investment in Arctic infrastructure counts towards
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 23, 2024
Canada could and should commit to constructing northern transportation hubs, and labelling all of it an investment in the country’s defence, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Louis Brunet

A defence budget that tops the two-per-cent goal? Look north

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 23, 2024
  • Whoever is running Canada in the months to come should be able to convince Donald Trump that an investment in Arctic infrastructure counts towards

A defence budget that tops the two-per-cent goal? Look north

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 23, 2024
  • Whoever is running Canada in the months to come should be able to convince Donald Trump that an investment in Arctic infrastructure counts towards
Canada could and should commit to constructing northern transportation hubs, and labelling all of it an investment in the country’s defence, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Louis Brunet

Soldiers shouldn’t put up with squalid living conditions

  • Those serving in uniform in a G7 country's military should expect no less than affordable, clean, livable accommodations.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 16, 2024
Serving members of the Armed Forces have been documenting their living conditions in military barracks across the country. Photographs courtesy of Esprit de Corps  Photographs courtesy of Esprit de Corps 

Soldiers shouldn’t put up with squalid living conditions

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 16, 2024
  • Those serving in uniform in a G7 country's military should expect no less than affordable, clean, livable accommodations.

Soldiers shouldn’t put up with squalid living conditions

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 16, 2024
  • Those serving in uniform in a G7 country's military should expect no less than affordable, clean, livable accommodations.
Serving members of the Armed Forces have been documenting their living conditions in military barracks across the country. Photographs courtesy of Esprit de Corps  Photographs courtesy of Esprit de Corps 

Droning into oblivion

  • New drone technology is dominating the modern battlefield, but Canada’s procurement team is barely trying to play catch up.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 9, 2024
A Volatus Aerospace drone is pictured at the CANSEC trade show in Ottawa on June 1, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Droning into oblivion

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 9, 2024
  • New drone technology is dominating the modern battlefield, but Canada’s procurement team is barely trying to play catch up.

Droning into oblivion

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 9, 2024
  • New drone technology is dominating the modern battlefield, but Canada’s procurement team is barely trying to play catch up.
A Volatus Aerospace drone is pictured at the CANSEC trade show in Ottawa on June 1, 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Can Canada actually defend the Arctic?

  • The Navy’s commander thinks we could stop Russia or China from transiting through the Northwest Passage without official permission
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 2, 2024
At first glance it would seem ludicrous to think we could deter the Russian or Chinese navies with a 7,000 ton Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship which mounts a single 25mm cannon, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal David Veldman

Can Canada actually defend the Arctic?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 2, 2024
  • The Navy’s commander thinks we could stop Russia or China from transiting through the Northwest Passage without official permission

Can Canada actually defend the Arctic?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 2, 2024
  • The Navy’s commander thinks we could stop Russia or China from transiting through the Northwest Passage without official permission
At first glance it would seem ludicrous to think we could deter the Russian or Chinese navies with a 7,000 ton Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship which mounts a single 25mm cannon, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal David Veldman

Stripped of remembrance

  • OTTAWA—It all began with a newsletter circulated on Nov. 8 to the parents of students attending Sackville Heights Elementary School in Nova Scotia.  The newsletter
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 25, 2024
The misguided attempt by a Nova Scotia school to ban military uniforms on Remembrance Day, or rants about wearing poppies won’t help people understand our proud military heritage, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Stripped of remembrance

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 25, 2024
  • OTTAWA—It all began with a newsletter circulated on Nov. 8 to the parents of students attending Sackville Heights Elementary School in Nova Scotia.  The newsletter

Stripped of remembrance

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 25, 2024
  • OTTAWA—It all began with a newsletter circulated on Nov. 8 to the parents of students attending Sackville Heights Elementary School in Nova Scotia.  The newsletter
The misguided attempt by a Nova Scotia school to ban military uniforms on Remembrance Day, or rants about wearing poppies won’t help people understand our proud military heritage, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Appeasing Donald Trump with defence dollars

  • Many of the hawkish pundits are self-flagellating in anticipation of facing Trump's wrath, but we need to look at the situation from a detached
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 18, 2024
Before investing in modern weapon systems, the CAF needs to invest in its greatest asset: the men and women who serve, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician

Appeasing Donald Trump with defence dollars

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 18, 2024
  • Many of the hawkish pundits are self-flagellating in anticipation of facing Trump's wrath, but we need to look at the situation from a detached

Appeasing Donald Trump with defence dollars

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 18, 2024
  • Many of the hawkish pundits are self-flagellating in anticipation of facing Trump's wrath, but we need to look at the situation from a detached
Before investing in modern weapon systems, the CAF needs to invest in its greatest asset: the men and women who serve, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician

The new look of remembrance 

  • The modern veteran has very few fellow Canadians who fully understand the horrors they have seen. 
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 11, 2024
Remembrance Day ceremony
Remembrance Day ceremony
Sentries stand post during the Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Nov. 11, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The new look of remembrance 

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 11, 2024
  • The modern veteran has very few fellow Canadians who fully understand the horrors they have seen. 

The new look of remembrance 

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 11, 2024
  • The modern veteran has very few fellow Canadians who fully understand the horrors they have seen. 
Remembrance Day ceremony
Sentries stand post during the Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Nov. 11, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The sad saga of Afghan-Canadian military advisers

  • Veterans’ benefits have improved considerably in recent decades, but not all Canadians sent into war zones are treated equally.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 4, 2024
Interim Ombud for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces Robyn Hynes, left, has picked up the advocacy mantle for language and cultural advisers with Minister Bill Blair’s office. Photograph courtesy of DND and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The sad saga of Afghan-Canadian military advisers

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 4, 2024
  • Veterans’ benefits have improved considerably in recent decades, but not all Canadians sent into war zones are treated equally.

The sad saga of Afghan-Canadian military advisers

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 4, 2024
  • Veterans’ benefits have improved considerably in recent decades, but not all Canadians sent into war zones are treated equally.
Interim Ombud for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces Robyn Hynes, left, has picked up the advocacy mantle for language and cultural advisers with Minister Bill Blair’s office. Photograph courtesy of DND and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

CAF’s fear of publicity shouldn’t trump justice

  • Kristen Adams’ courage has exposed how the military’s fear of media coverage overrode its sense of responsibility to its employees.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 28, 2024
The military should be less worried about trying to protect its public reputation, and more concerned with the welfare of its people, writes Scott Taylor. Unsplash photograph by Kristina Flour

CAF’s fear of publicity shouldn’t trump justice

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 28, 2024
  • Kristen Adams’ courage has exposed how the military’s fear of media coverage overrode its sense of responsibility to its employees.

CAF’s fear of publicity shouldn’t trump justice

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 28, 2024
  • Kristen Adams’ courage has exposed how the military’s fear of media coverage overrode its sense of responsibility to its employees.
The military should be less worried about trying to protect its public reputation, and more concerned with the welfare of its people, writes Scott Taylor. Unsplash photograph by Kristina Flour

Poor procurement won’t keep our soldiers warm at night

  • Army personnel are being left out in the cold after new sleeping bags fail to live up to the standards of their 1960s predecessors.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 21, 2024
The military’s General Purpose Sleeping Bag System missed the mark when soldiers tried it out during a November 2023 exercise in Alberta, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Djalma Vuong-De Ramos

Poor procurement won’t keep our soldiers warm at night

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 21, 2024
  • Army personnel are being left out in the cold after new sleeping bags fail to live up to the standards of their 1960s predecessors.

Poor procurement won’t keep our soldiers warm at night

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 21, 2024
  • Army personnel are being left out in the cold after new sleeping bags fail to live up to the standards of their 1960s predecessors.
The military’s General Purpose Sleeping Bag System missed the mark when soldiers tried it out during a November 2023 exercise in Alberta, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Djalma Vuong-De Ramos

No matter how you slice it, the military’s numbers don’t add up

  • Without an immediate course change, the Canadian Armed Forces is hurtling towards an existential, tragic end.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 14, 2024
Gen. Jennie Carignan
Gen. Jennie Carignan
Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan. No matter which way you count it, the CAF’s numbers do not add up to an effective fighting force, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

No matter how you slice it, the military’s numbers don’t add up

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 14, 2024
  • Without an immediate course change, the Canadian Armed Forces is hurtling towards an existential, tragic end.

No matter how you slice it, the military’s numbers don’t add up

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 14, 2024
  • Without an immediate course change, the Canadian Armed Forces is hurtling towards an existential, tragic end.
Gen. Jennie Carignan
Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan. No matter which way you count it, the CAF’s numbers do not add up to an effective fighting force, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Submarine saga could turn into ‘sellers beware’

  • One would have to caution those potential bidders that in dealing with the Canadian government it will be a case of ‘sellers beware’ rather
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 7, 2024
HMCS Victoria returns home through the Strait of Juan De Fuca from operations with the United States Navy on Feb. 26, 2015. DND photograph by LS Zachariah Stopa

Submarine saga could turn into ‘sellers beware’

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 7, 2024
  • One would have to caution those potential bidders that in dealing with the Canadian government it will be a case of ‘sellers beware’ rather

Submarine saga could turn into ‘sellers beware’

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 7, 2024
  • One would have to caution those potential bidders that in dealing with the Canadian government it will be a case of ‘sellers beware’ rather
HMCS Victoria returns home through the Strait of Juan De Fuca from operations with the United States Navy on Feb. 26, 2015. DND photograph by LS Zachariah Stopa

The Three Stooges of Canadian defence

  • The federal government, military brass, and the defence industry are all pointing in different directions when asked for the path forward on our Armed
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 30, 2024
Since the end of the Cold War, Canadian politicians and senior military brass have abandoned any pretence of planning for an actual mobilization of citizens. DND photograph by MCpl Genevieve Lapointe

The Three Stooges of Canadian defence

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 30, 2024
  • The federal government, military brass, and the defence industry are all pointing in different directions when asked for the path forward on our Armed

The Three Stooges of Canadian defence

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 30, 2024
  • The federal government, military brass, and the defence industry are all pointing in different directions when asked for the path forward on our Armed
Since the end of the Cold War, Canadian politicians and senior military brass have abandoned any pretence of planning for an actual mobilization of citizens. DND photograph by MCpl Genevieve Lapointe

Preparing to fight the previous war

  • The equipment and artillery we’re using have no place on a modern battlefield, as witnessed by the ongoing near-peer conflict in Ukraine.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 23, 2024
Canada now possesses an abundance of helicopter heavy-lift capability, which would be perfectly suited to waging a counterinsurgency against a poorly equipped foe, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Louis Brunet

Preparing to fight the previous war

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 23, 2024
  • The equipment and artillery we’re using have no place on a modern battlefield, as witnessed by the ongoing near-peer conflict in Ukraine.

Preparing to fight the previous war

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 23, 2024
  • The equipment and artillery we’re using have no place on a modern battlefield, as witnessed by the ongoing near-peer conflict in Ukraine.
Canada now possesses an abundance of helicopter heavy-lift capability, which would be perfectly suited to waging a counterinsurgency against a poorly equipped foe, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Louis Brunet

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