Saturday, January 17, 2026

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Saturday, January 17, 2026 | Latest Paper

Inside Defence

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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 13, 2026
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 6, 2026
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 6, 2026
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 6, 2026
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 29, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 15, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 8, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 1, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 24, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 17, 2025
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 10, 2025
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 10, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 10, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 3, 2025
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 27, 2025
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 27, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 27, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 20, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 13, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 6, 2025
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 29, 2025
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 29, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 29, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 22, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 15, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 8, 2025
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 1, 2025
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 1, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 1, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 25, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 18, 2025
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
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.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 11, 2025
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.
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 28, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 21, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 14, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 7, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 30, 2025
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 6, 2023
If Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy achieves his goal of driving all Russian invaders from his country’s territory, that may in fact preclude any chance of a lasting peace in the region, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/President of Ukraine
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 6, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 6, 2023
If Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy achieves his goal of driving all Russian invaders from his country’s territory, that may in fact preclude any chance of a lasting peace in the region, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/President of Ukraine
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 27, 2023
Canadian elements of the enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia conduct a wet-gap crossing with assistance from Spanish engineers as part of Operation Reassurance, on Feb. 9, 2023, at the Camp Adazi Training Area in Latvia. Spanish Army photograph by Staff Sergeant Christian Milano
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 27, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 27, 2023
Canadian elements of the enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia conduct a wet-gap crossing with assistance from Spanish engineers as part of Operation Reassurance, on Feb. 9, 2023, at the Camp Adazi Training Area in Latvia. Spanish Army photograph by Staff Sergeant Christian Milano
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 20, 2023
HMCS Glace Bay sails through the Maniitsoq Fjord during Operation Nanook on Aug. 14, 2020. The federal government announced on Feb. 16 that HMCS Glace Bay and HMCS Moncton will be deployed to patrol off the coast of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. DND photograph courtesy of Corporal David Veldman
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 20, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 20, 2023
HMCS Glace Bay sails through the Maniitsoq Fjord during Operation Nanook on Aug. 14, 2020. The federal government announced on Feb. 16 that HMCS Glace Bay and HMCS Moncton will be deployed to patrol off the coast of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. DND photograph courtesy of Corporal David Veldman
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 13, 2023
Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornet pilots prepare to taxi out on a combat training flight during Operation Reassurance in Romania on Oct. 19, 2020. The final phase-out of Canada’s existing legacy CF-18 fleet will not be complete until sometime in 2032. DND photograph by S1 Zach Barr
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 13, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 13, 2023
Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornet pilots prepare to taxi out on a combat training flight during Operation Reassurance in Romania on Oct. 19, 2020. The final phase-out of Canada’s existing legacy CF-18 fleet will not be complete until sometime in 2032. DND photograph by S1 Zach Barr
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 6, 2023
The centre of the city of Stalingrad after liberation from the German occupation in February 1943. During that battle, the Soviets had no option but to succeed on the battlefield or submit to Nazi tyranny, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 6, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 6, 2023
The centre of the city of Stalingrad after liberation from the German occupation in February 1943. During that battle, the Soviets had no option but to succeed on the battlefield or submit to Nazi tyranny, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 30, 2023
Soldiers conduct firing simulations with Leopard 2A4 tanks at CFB Valcartier in Quebec City, Que., on Nov. 22, 2017. DND photograph by Aviator Stéphanie Labossière
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 30, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 30, 2023
Soldiers conduct firing simulations with Leopard 2A4 tanks at CFB Valcartier in Quebec City, Que., on Nov. 22, 2017. DND photograph by Aviator Stéphanie Labossière
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 23, 2023
Soldiers sign a mural designed and painted by Sergeant Veronique Fradette at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait during Operation Impact on March 8, 2022. DND photograph by Corporal Eric Greico
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 23, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 23, 2023
Soldiers sign a mural designed and painted by Sergeant Veronique Fradette at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait during Operation Impact on March 8, 2022. DND photograph by Corporal Eric Greico
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 16, 2023
A Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System in 2010. Knowing it was deficient in tactical air defence, the Canadian Army has been trying to acquire new systems since 2017, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 16, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 16, 2023
A Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System in 2010. Knowing it was deficient in tactical air defence, the Canadian Army has been trying to acquire new systems since 2017, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 9, 2023
Defence Minister Anita Anand announced on Jan. 9 Canada had finalized a deal to purchase new F-35 jets, just one of many defence procurement projects where Canada isn’t seeing value for money, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 9, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 9, 2023
Defence Minister Anita Anand announced on Jan. 9 Canada had finalized a deal to purchase new F-35 jets, just one of many defence procurement projects where Canada isn’t seeing value for money, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 3, 2023
Canadian Armed Forces members participate in an exercise at Camp Ādaži, Latvia, in October 2019. Last June, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signed an agreement to grow the allied force in Latvia to a full brigade, but that increase in personnel should come from the other nine European NATO allies currently contributing soldiers, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Djalma Vuong-De Ramos
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 3, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 3, 2023
Canadian Armed Forces members participate in an exercise at Camp Ādaži, Latvia, in October 2019. Last June, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signed an agreement to grow the allied force in Latvia to a full brigade, but that increase in personnel should come from the other nine European NATO allies currently contributing soldiers, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Djalma Vuong-De Ramos