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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

Latvia mission a waste of money and troop deployment

  • OTTAWA—It was with little fanfare and even less drama that the first Canadian contingent that had deployed to Latvia returned home to Edmonton last
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 7, 2018
A Canadian soldier helps a Spanish ally fuel a portable stove during winter warfare training Jan. 31 during Canada's ongoing military deployment to Latvia. Cpl. Jean-Roch Chabot photograph courtesy of Combat Camera

Latvia mission a waste of money and troop deployment

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 7, 2018
  • OTTAWA—It was with little fanfare and even less drama that the first Canadian contingent that had deployed to Latvia returned home to Edmonton last

Latvia mission a waste of money and troop deployment

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 7, 2018
  • OTTAWA—It was with little fanfare and even less drama that the first Canadian contingent that had deployed to Latvia returned home to Edmonton last
A Canadian soldier helps a Spanish ally fuel a portable stove during winter warfare training Jan. 31 during Canada's ongoing military deployment to Latvia. Cpl. Jean-Roch Chabot photograph courtesy of Combat Camera

Canadians ought to follow the money in Afghanistan

  • OTTAWA—Afghanistan was back in the news last weekend following a deadly suicide attack by Taliban extremists detonating an explosive-packed ambulance in the embassy district
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 31, 2018
Afghan National Police recruits are given weapons training using AK-47 machine guns as part of their basic policing training in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in 2011. The police force is part of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces. Sgt. Matthew McGregor photograph courtesy of Canadian Forces Combat Camera

Canadians ought to follow the money in Afghanistan

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 31, 2018
  • OTTAWA—Afghanistan was back in the news last weekend following a deadly suicide attack by Taliban extremists detonating an explosive-packed ambulance in the embassy district

Canadians ought to follow the money in Afghanistan

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 31, 2018
  • OTTAWA—Afghanistan was back in the news last weekend following a deadly suicide attack by Taliban extremists detonating an explosive-packed ambulance in the embassy district
Afghan National Police recruits are given weapons training using AK-47 machine guns as part of their basic policing training in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in 2011. The police force is part of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces. Sgt. Matthew McGregor photograph courtesy of Canadian Forces Combat Camera

Keeping U.S. troops in Syria is a recipe for disaster

  • OTTAWA—On Jan. 17, United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declared that American troops will remain in Syria indefinitely. Tillerson’s remarks came on the
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 24, 2018
United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is keeping American troops in Syria indefinitely. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Keeping U.S. troops in Syria is a recipe for disaster

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 24, 2018
  • OTTAWA—On Jan. 17, United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declared that American troops will remain in Syria indefinitely. Tillerson’s remarks came on the

Keeping U.S. troops in Syria is a recipe for disaster

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 24, 2018
  • OTTAWA—On Jan. 17, United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declared that American troops will remain in Syria indefinitely. Tillerson’s remarks came on the
United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is keeping American troops in Syria indefinitely. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trump’s not all wrong, sometimes news is fake

  • OTTAWA—Whenever United States President Donald Trump hears facts and figures that he does not agree with, he simply dismisses them with his catch-all phrase
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 17, 2018
Columnist Scott Taylor is questioning Western military aid to the government of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, pictured in Ottawa in 2014, given his low public approval rating. The Hill Times file photograph

Trump’s not all wrong, sometimes news is fake

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 17, 2018
  • OTTAWA—Whenever United States President Donald Trump hears facts and figures that he does not agree with, he simply dismisses them with his catch-all phrase

Trump’s not all wrong, sometimes news is fake

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 17, 2018
  • OTTAWA—Whenever United States President Donald Trump hears facts and figures that he does not agree with, he simply dismisses them with his catch-all phrase
Columnist Scott Taylor is questioning Western military aid to the government of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, pictured in Ottawa in 2014, given his low public approval rating. The Hill Times file photograph

Iranian protesters, Western advocates shouldn’t repeat mistakes of Syria, Libya

  • The only thing that is clear about the recent outbreak of civil unrest in Iran is that absolutely nothing is clear. The absence of
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 10, 2018
Some of those participating in the protests in Iran have been calling for the ouster, and even the demise, of leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which Scott Taylor writes didn’t lead to favourable outcomes in other recent uprisings. Photograph courtesy of Khamenei.ir

Iranian protesters, Western advocates shouldn’t repeat mistakes of Syria, Libya

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 10, 2018
  • The only thing that is clear about the recent outbreak of civil unrest in Iran is that absolutely nothing is clear. The absence of

Iranian protesters, Western advocates shouldn’t repeat mistakes of Syria, Libya

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 10, 2018
  • The only thing that is clear about the recent outbreak of civil unrest in Iran is that absolutely nothing is clear. The absence of
Some of those participating in the protests in Iran have been calling for the ouster, and even the demise, of leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which Scott Taylor writes didn’t lead to favourable outcomes in other recent uprisings. Photograph courtesy of Khamenei.ir

Canada rushing in where even Trump dares not tread

  • On Dec. 13 Canada quietly undertook the decision to include Ukraine in our Automatic Firearms Country Control List. With all the news cycles focusing
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 20, 2017
The addition of Ukraine to the Automatic Firearms Country Control List means Canadian companies and individuals can apply to export prohibited weapons to Ukraine, which Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland says reflects the close ties between Canada and Ukraine. Pictured, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko during a 2016 visit to Ukraine. PMO photograph courtesy of Adam Scotti

Canada rushing in where even Trump dares not tread

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 20, 2017
  • On Dec. 13 Canada quietly undertook the decision to include Ukraine in our Automatic Firearms Country Control List. With all the news cycles focusing

Canada rushing in where even Trump dares not tread

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 20, 2017
  • On Dec. 13 Canada quietly undertook the decision to include Ukraine in our Automatic Firearms Country Control List. With all the news cycles focusing
The addition of Ukraine to the Automatic Firearms Country Control List means Canadian companies and individuals can apply to export prohibited weapons to Ukraine, which Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland says reflects the close ties between Canada and Ukraine. Pictured, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko during a 2016 visit to Ukraine. PMO photograph courtesy of Adam Scotti

Georgia’s ex-president shaking up politics in Ukraine

  • OTTAWA—Last week, there was a bizarre incident in the streets of Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. Ukrainian security forces had descended on an apartment building with
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 13, 2017
Mikheil Saakashvili was Georgia's president for nine years until 2013, the year he's pictured, and later became a governor in Ukraine. Photograph courtesy of the European People's Party

Georgia’s ex-president shaking up politics in Ukraine

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 13, 2017
  • OTTAWA—Last week, there was a bizarre incident in the streets of Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. Ukrainian security forces had descended on an apartment building with

Georgia’s ex-president shaking up politics in Ukraine

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 13, 2017
  • OTTAWA—Last week, there was a bizarre incident in the streets of Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. Ukrainian security forces had descended on an apartment building with
Mikheil Saakashvili was Georgia's president for nine years until 2013, the year he's pictured, and later became a governor in Ukraine. Photograph courtesy of the European People's Party

For Kosovo’s president to talk shared ‘values’ with Canada is an insult

  • OTTAWA—On Nov. 21, there was a Canadian Press story wherein Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi gave a warning to Parliament during his visit to Ottawa
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 6, 2017
Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi fought with the separatist Kosovo Liberation Army in the 1990s before becoming prime minister and president. Moerk photograph courtesy of the Munich Security Conference

For Kosovo’s president to talk shared ‘values’ with Canada is an insult

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 6, 2017
  • OTTAWA—On Nov. 21, there was a Canadian Press story wherein Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi gave a warning to Parliament during his visit to Ottawa

For Kosovo’s president to talk shared ‘values’ with Canada is an insult

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 6, 2017
  • OTTAWA—On Nov. 21, there was a Canadian Press story wherein Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi gave a warning to Parliament during his visit to Ottawa
Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi fought with the separatist Kosovo Liberation Army in the 1990s before becoming prime minister and president. Moerk photograph courtesy of the Munich Security Conference

Just say no to getting mucked up in Afghanistan again

  • OTTAWA—At the recent Halifax International Security Forum, Afghanistan’s Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah echoed previous calls from NATO and the United States for Canada to
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 29, 2017
Afghanistan's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, pictured in 2014, in Halifax this month called for increased Canadian support to his war-torn country. Photograph courtesy of Patrick Tsui/FCO

Just say no to getting mucked up in Afghanistan again

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 29, 2017
  • OTTAWA—At the recent Halifax International Security Forum, Afghanistan’s Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah echoed previous calls from NATO and the United States for Canada to

Just say no to getting mucked up in Afghanistan again

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 29, 2017
  • OTTAWA—At the recent Halifax International Security Forum, Afghanistan’s Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah echoed previous calls from NATO and the United States for Canada to
Afghanistan's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, pictured in 2014, in Halifax this month called for increased Canadian support to his war-torn country. Photograph courtesy of Patrick Tsui/FCO

Peacekeeping announcement much ado about nothing

  • OTTAWA—On Nov. 15, the Trudeau government used the backdrop of a United Nations peacekeeping summit in Vancouver to make what amounted to a non-announcement
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 22, 2017
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, left, and Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan attend a UN Vancouver peacekeeping summit on Nov. 15. Photograph courtesy of the PMO

Peacekeeping announcement much ado about nothing

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 22, 2017
  • OTTAWA—On Nov. 15, the Trudeau government used the backdrop of a United Nations peacekeeping summit in Vancouver to make what amounted to a non-announcement

Peacekeeping announcement much ado about nothing

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 22, 2017
  • OTTAWA—On Nov. 15, the Trudeau government used the backdrop of a United Nations peacekeeping summit in Vancouver to make what amounted to a non-announcement
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, left, and Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan attend a UN Vancouver peacekeeping summit on Nov. 15. Photograph courtesy of the PMO

Peacekeeping mission on Ukraine’s terms won’t fly

  • OTTAWA—Last week there were all sorts of rumblings in Ottawa that Canada is considering a proposal to put in place a peacekeeping force in
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 15, 2017
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, dressed in Ukrainian garb, attends Ukrainian Day on Parliament Hill on Oct. 31 at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Peacekeeping mission on Ukraine’s terms won’t fly

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 15, 2017
  • OTTAWA—Last week there were all sorts of rumblings in Ottawa that Canada is considering a proposal to put in place a peacekeeping force in

Peacekeeping mission on Ukraine’s terms won’t fly

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 15, 2017
  • OTTAWA—Last week there were all sorts of rumblings in Ottawa that Canada is considering a proposal to put in place a peacekeeping force in
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, dressed in Ukrainian garb, attends Ukrainian Day on Parliament Hill on Oct. 31 at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Response to New York, Las Vegas attacks shows faulty logic

  • OTTAWA—In the wake of the Halloween day terror attack in New York City, we had the immediate media overreaction the minute it was gleaned
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 8, 2017
This Home Depot rental truck was used during last week's attack in New York City to kill eight people. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia/Gh9449

Response to New York, Las Vegas attacks shows faulty logic

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 8, 2017
  • OTTAWA—In the wake of the Halloween day terror attack in New York City, we had the immediate media overreaction the minute it was gleaned

Response to New York, Las Vegas attacks shows faulty logic

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 8, 2017
  • OTTAWA—In the wake of the Halloween day terror attack in New York City, we had the immediate media overreaction the minute it was gleaned
This Home Depot rental truck was used during last week's attack in New York City to kill eight people. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia/Gh9449

No denying Canada’s monuments to Nazi collaborators

  • OTTAWA—A story last week in the National Post revealed the disturbing fact that there are actually monuments in Canada that glorify Second World War Nazi collaborators.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 1, 2017
Members of the Nachtigall Battalion, pictured, commanded by Roman Shukhevych, are alleged to have been involved in the killing of between 4,000 and 6,000 Jews in Lviv in 1941. A bust of Mr. Shukhevych stands in Edmonton, Alta. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

No denying Canada’s monuments to Nazi collaborators

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 1, 2017
  • OTTAWA—A story last week in the National Post revealed the disturbing fact that there are actually monuments in Canada that glorify Second World War Nazi collaborators.

No denying Canada’s monuments to Nazi collaborators

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 1, 2017
  • OTTAWA—A story last week in the National Post revealed the disturbing fact that there are actually monuments in Canada that glorify Second World War Nazi collaborators.
Members of the Nachtigall Battalion, pictured, commanded by Roman Shukhevych, are alleged to have been involved in the killing of between 4,000 and 6,000 Jews in Lviv in 1941. A bust of Mr. Shukhevych stands in Edmonton, Alta. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Never too late to review Libya debacle

  • OTTAWA—It has been six years since people involved in the NATO-supported Libyan uprising murdered President Muammar Gaddafi and toppled his regime. Canada was proud
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 25, 2017
One of the only traces of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi at his former home in Tripoli in the last days of his rule in August 2011 was this bullet-pierced poster. Photograph courtesy of Scott Taylor

Never too late to review Libya debacle

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 25, 2017
  • OTTAWA—It has been six years since people involved in the NATO-supported Libyan uprising murdered President Muammar Gaddafi and toppled his regime. Canada was proud

Never too late to review Libya debacle

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 25, 2017
  • OTTAWA—It has been six years since people involved in the NATO-supported Libyan uprising murdered President Muammar Gaddafi and toppled his regime. Canada was proud
One of the only traces of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi at his former home in Tripoli in the last days of his rule in August 2011 was this bullet-pierced poster. Photograph courtesy of Scott Taylor

What does victory look like for Canada in Iraq?

  • OTTAWA—With more than 800 Canadian troops committed to be deployed in what is still recognized internationally as Iraq, one would think that there would
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 18, 2017
A peshmerga soldier prepares a detonation cord to defeat a simulated improvised explosive device during counter-IED training at Bnaslawa, Iraq on Nov. 22, 2016. Canadians have been training Kurdish peshmerga soldiers for the last three years. U.S. Army photograph by Sgt. Lisa Soy

What does victory look like for Canada in Iraq?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 18, 2017
  • OTTAWA—With more than 800 Canadian troops committed to be deployed in what is still recognized internationally as Iraq, one would think that there would

What does victory look like for Canada in Iraq?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 18, 2017
  • OTTAWA—With more than 800 Canadian troops committed to be deployed in what is still recognized internationally as Iraq, one would think that there would
A peshmerga soldier prepares a detonation cord to defeat a simulated improvised explosive device during counter-IED training at Bnaslawa, Iraq on Nov. 22, 2016. Canadians have been training Kurdish peshmerga soldiers for the last three years. U.S. Army photograph by Sgt. Lisa Soy

Official inquiry needed to avoid repeat of Afghan failure

  • OTTAWA—There were news stories out of Afghanistan last week detailing how the United States is expanding and entrenching the so-called Green Zone in the
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 11, 2017
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Jonathan Vance, left, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, Veterans Affairs Minister Seamus O’Regan and parliamentary secretary Sherry Romanado unveiled a suicide prevention strategy in Ottawa on Oct. 5. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Official inquiry needed to avoid repeat of Afghan failure

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 11, 2017
  • OTTAWA—There were news stories out of Afghanistan last week detailing how the United States is expanding and entrenching the so-called Green Zone in the

Official inquiry needed to avoid repeat of Afghan failure

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 11, 2017
  • OTTAWA—There were news stories out of Afghanistan last week detailing how the United States is expanding and entrenching the so-called Green Zone in the
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Jonathan Vance, left, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, Veterans Affairs Minister Seamus O’Regan and parliamentary secretary Sherry Romanado unveiled a suicide prevention strategy in Ottawa on Oct. 5. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Canada has gotten as far away from peacekeeping as possible

  • OTTAWA—One of the persisting myths in Canada is that we are a nation of peacekeepers. Hell, we practically claim that former prime minister Lester
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 4, 2017
In their 2015 election platform, the Liberals tapped into a certain nostalgia for the days when Canada's blue berets were trying to stop factions from killing each other, but the party has failed to deliver on its promises, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Canada has gotten as far away from peacekeeping as possible

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 4, 2017
  • OTTAWA—One of the persisting myths in Canada is that we are a nation of peacekeepers. Hell, we practically claim that former prime minister Lester

Canada has gotten as far away from peacekeeping as possible

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 4, 2017
  • OTTAWA—One of the persisting myths in Canada is that we are a nation of peacekeepers. Hell, we practically claim that former prime minister Lester
In their 2015 election platform, the Liberals tapped into a certain nostalgia for the days when Canada's blue berets were trying to stop factions from killing each other, but the party has failed to deliver on its promises, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Canada needs to either pick a side or get itself out of Iraq

  • OTTAWA—Last week there was a brief news release from National Defence entitled “Canadian Armed Forces now Advising, Assisting Iraqis near Hawija.” It garnered little
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 27, 2017
A peshmerga soldier searches for signs of improvised explosive devices during training in Bnaslawa, Iraq, Nov. 29, 2016. Canadian trainers have been advising, assisting, and fighting alongside Kurdish peshmerga militia members since 2014, says Scott Taylor. Sgt. Lisa Soy photograph courtesy of the U.S. Army.

Canada needs to either pick a side or get itself out of Iraq

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 27, 2017
  • OTTAWA—Last week there was a brief news release from National Defence entitled “Canadian Armed Forces now Advising, Assisting Iraqis near Hawija.” It garnered little

Canada needs to either pick a side or get itself out of Iraq

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 27, 2017
  • OTTAWA—Last week there was a brief news release from National Defence entitled “Canadian Armed Forces now Advising, Assisting Iraqis near Hawija.” It garnered little
A peshmerga soldier searches for signs of improvised explosive devices during training in Bnaslawa, Iraq, Nov. 29, 2016. Canadian trainers have been advising, assisting, and fighting alongside Kurdish peshmerga militia members since 2014, says Scott Taylor. Sgt. Lisa Soy photograph courtesy of the U.S. Army.

Calm down, North Korea isn’t planning to nuke Canada

  • OTTAWA—A couple of related events last week were added together by the usual cast of fearmongers in yet another attempt to scare the bejeezus
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 20, 2017
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency launches a test from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. on June 22, 2014. Canadian politicians have been divided on the value of joining the U.S. missile defence system for years, but Liberal and Conservative government have both opted not to. Photograph courtesy of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency via Flickr

Calm down, North Korea isn’t planning to nuke Canada

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 20, 2017
  • OTTAWA—A couple of related events last week were added together by the usual cast of fearmongers in yet another attempt to scare the bejeezus

Calm down, North Korea isn’t planning to nuke Canada

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 20, 2017
  • OTTAWA—A couple of related events last week were added together by the usual cast of fearmongers in yet another attempt to scare the bejeezus
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency launches a test from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. on June 22, 2014. Canadian politicians have been divided on the value of joining the U.S. missile defence system for years, but Liberal and Conservative government have both opted not to. Photograph courtesy of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency via Flickr

NATO film rewrites history to demonize Russians

  • OTTAWA—There is a controversial new video out on NATO’s official YouTube channel entitled Forest Brothers. The gist of the eight-minute film is to lionize the
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 13, 2017
Canadian soldiers with a NATO battlegroup in Latvia patrol in a simulated contaminated environment on Aug. 26. Cpl. Jordan Lobb photograph courtesy of the Canadian Armed Forces

NATO film rewrites history to demonize Russians

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 13, 2017
  • OTTAWA—There is a controversial new video out on NATO’s official YouTube channel entitled Forest Brothers. The gist of the eight-minute film is to lionize the

NATO film rewrites history to demonize Russians

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 13, 2017
  • OTTAWA—There is a controversial new video out on NATO’s official YouTube channel entitled Forest Brothers. The gist of the eight-minute film is to lionize the
Canadian soldiers with a NATO battlegroup in Latvia patrol in a simulated contaminated environment on Aug. 26. Cpl. Jordan Lobb photograph courtesy of the Canadian Armed Forces

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