Friday, December 26, 2025

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Inside Defence

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 | 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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 23, 2025
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
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 16, 2025
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
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 9, 2025
David McGuinty
In Europe, Defence Minister David McGuinty backed away from the word ‘immediate,’ noting the federal government will have more to say ‘very soon’ about its plans, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 9, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 9, 2025
David McGuinty
In Europe, Defence Minister David McGuinty backed away from the word ‘immediate,’ noting the federal government will have more to say ‘very soon’ about its plans, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 22, 2020
SS Galizien recruits wait as Kreishauptmann Hoffstetter of SS Galizien enters a Greek Catholic church in Sanok, Poland, in 1943. Wikimedia Commons photograph by Sanisław Potocki
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 22, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 22, 2020
SS Galizien recruits wait as Kreishauptmann Hoffstetter of SS Galizien enters a Greek Catholic church in Sanok, Poland, in 1943. Wikimedia Commons photograph by Sanisław Potocki
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 15, 2020
A serving soldier on active duty assembles a small arsenal of loaded weapons and drives halfway across Canada to deliver a ‘wake-up’ call with an attack on Rideau Hall—that is serious stuff, far beyond a simple ‘mental health’ episode, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of CTV News
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 15, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 15, 2020
A serving soldier on active duty assembles a small arsenal of loaded weapons and drives halfway across Canada to deliver a ‘wake-up’ call with an attack on Rideau Hall—that is serious stuff, far beyond a simple ‘mental health’ episode, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of CTV News
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 8, 2020
After The New York Times broke a story alleging Russian intelligence operatives have been paying a bounty to Afghan insurgents who target and kill U.S. soldiers, the story angle quickly became about when U.S. President Donald Trump knew about the allegations and why he didn’t act, writes Scott Taylor. White House photograph by Andrea Hanks
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 8, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 8, 2020
After The New York Times broke a story alleging Russian intelligence operatives have been paying a bounty to Afghan insurgents who target and kill U.S. soldiers, the story angle quickly became about when U.S. President Donald Trump knew about the allegations and why he didn’t act, writes Scott Taylor. White House photograph by Andrea Hanks
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 1, 2020
Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi presides over a failed narco-criminal state and he has now personally been indicted for war crimes, writes Scott Taylor. Moerk photograph courtesy of the Munich Security Conference
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 1, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 1, 2020
Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi presides over a failed narco-criminal state and he has now personally been indicted for war crimes, writes Scott Taylor. Moerk photograph courtesy of the Munich Security Conference
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 24, 2020
It is not the use of Challenger planes that causes the government embarrassment. It is the abuse of these executive jets for non-official personal travel that causes the public outrage, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Master Corporal Pierre Thériault
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 24, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 24, 2020
It is not the use of Challenger planes that causes the government embarrassment. It is the abuse of these executive jets for non-official personal travel that causes the public outrage, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Master Corporal Pierre Thériault
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 10, 2020
Members of the Indiana National Guard exit the District of Columbia National Guard Armory in Washington, D.C., and board buses on June 7 to return to Indiana after spending the week in the U.S. capital. National Guard Flickr photograph
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 10, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 10, 2020
Members of the Indiana National Guard exit the District of Columbia National Guard Armory in Washington, D.C., and board buses on June 7 to return to Indiana after spending the week in the U.S. capital. National Guard Flickr photograph
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 3, 2020
As to the future of the RCAF maintaining the Snowbirds, the hard truth is that the Tutors, which first entered service in 1963, will need to be replaced, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sgt. Halina Folfas
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 3, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 3, 2020
As to the future of the RCAF maintaining the Snowbirds, the hard truth is that the Tutors, which first entered service in 1963, will need to be replaced, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sgt. Halina Folfas
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 27, 2020
Scott Taylor asks: If Juan Guaidó can be named as Venezuela’s president by a group of outside nations, then why not do the same for the U.S. and Donald Trump? White House photograph by Tia Dufour
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 27, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 27, 2020
Scott Taylor asks: If Juan Guaidó can be named as Venezuela’s president by a group of outside nations, then why not do the same for the U.S. and Donald Trump? White House photograph by Tia Dufour
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 20, 2020
Chief of the Defence Staff General Jonathan Vance is pictured at an April 30 press conference about the RCAF Cyclone helicopter that crashed the previous day. Initial information from the Department of National Defence indicated the HMCS Fredericton ‘lost contact’ with the helicopter, when it was later revealed that it went down in sight of the ship. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 20, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 20, 2020
Chief of the Defence Staff General Jonathan Vance is pictured at an April 30 press conference about the RCAF Cyclone helicopter that crashed the previous day. Initial information from the Department of National Defence indicated the HMCS Fredericton ‘lost contact’ with the helicopter, when it was later revealed that it went down in sight of the ship. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 13, 2020
Venezuela politician and declared interim leader Juan Guaidó is pictured with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa on Jan. 27. A Canadian-born mercenary allegedly ties Mr. Guaidó to a botched attempt to arrest Nicolás Maduro. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 13, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 13, 2020
Venezuela politician and declared interim leader Juan Guaidó is pictured with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa on Jan. 27. A Canadian-born mercenary allegedly ties Mr. Guaidó to a botched attempt to arrest Nicolás Maduro. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade