Friday, February 13, 2026

Canada’s Politics and Government News Source Since 1989

Friday, February 13, 2026 | Latest Paper

Inside Defence

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 9, 2026
Replacements are on order for the Army's current Arctic-capable fleet of Bandvagn 206s, which has more or less lapsed into oblivion, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Master Corporal Alana Morin
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 9, 2026
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 9, 2026
Replacements are on order for the Army's current Arctic-capable fleet of Bandvagn 206s, which has more or less lapsed into oblivion, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Master Corporal Alana Morin
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 2, 2026
Pete Hoekstra
U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra, left, says Canadians could face consequences if they don’t move forward with the full purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets to replace the aging C-18s. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade and DND photograph by Sgt Norm McLean
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 2, 2026
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 2, 2026
Pete Hoekstra
U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra, left, says Canadians could face consequences if they don’t move forward with the full purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets to replace the aging C-18s. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade and DND photograph by Sgt Norm McLean
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 26, 2026
David McGuinty
Defence Minister David McGuinty. The Liberals pulled a few clever moves to boost defence spending on an urgent basis, but we’re still not adding actual combat capability or modernizing existing aged weapon platforms, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 26, 2026
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 26, 2026
David McGuinty
Defence Minister David McGuinty. The Liberals pulled a few clever moves to boost defence spending on an urgent basis, but we’re still not adding actual combat capability or modernizing existing aged weapon platforms, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 19, 2026
We are being told that the Air Force will see a return to a ‘balanced fleet concept’ for the Army's rotary aircraft, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Louis Brunet
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 19, 2026
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 19, 2026
We are being told that the Air Force will see a return to a ‘balanced fleet concept’ for the Army's rotary aircraft, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Louis Brunet
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 | April 15, 2020
U.S. President Donald Trump, pictured addressing the press on April 7. Now that the U.S. has the dubious distinction of being the hardest-hit nation on earth, Trump blames the WHO for failing to warn the world about COVID-19 and he has threatened to cut off their funding, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the White House Flickr/Andrea Hanks
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 15, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 15, 2020
U.S. President Donald Trump, pictured addressing the press on April 7. Now that the U.S. has the dubious distinction of being the hardest-hit nation on earth, Trump blames the WHO for failing to warn the world about COVID-19 and he has threatened to cut off their funding, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the White House Flickr/Andrea Hanks
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 8, 2020
Finance Minister Bill Morneau is pictured in the West Block for a March 18 press conference about the government’s COVID-19 response. Even with the current government drip-feed of financial aid to suspended businesses, it is not clear how many small enterprises will survive to be able to reopen their doors once this storm abates, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 8, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 8, 2020
Finance Minister Bill Morneau is pictured in the West Block for a March 18 press conference about the government’s COVID-19 response. Even with the current government drip-feed of financial aid to suspended businesses, it is not clear how many small enterprises will survive to be able to reopen their doors once this storm abates, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 1, 2020
Gen. Jonathan Vance, chief of the defence staff, says the Canadian Armed Forces has plans in place and troops sequestered in anticipation of being called upon to assist with the COVID-19 response. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 1, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 1, 2020
Gen. Jonathan Vance, chief of the defence staff, says the Canadian Armed Forces has plans in place and troops sequestered in anticipation of being called upon to assist with the COVID-19 response. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 25, 2020
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and U.S. President Donald Trump, pictured at the 2018 NATO Summit in Brussels, have in recent days positioned COVID-19 as something drummed up by China and Iran, writes Scott Taylor. Flickr photograph courtesy of NATO
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 25, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 25, 2020
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and U.S. President Donald Trump, pictured at the 2018 NATO Summit in Brussels, have in recent days positioned COVID-19 as something drummed up by China and Iran, writes Scott Taylor. Flickr photograph courtesy of NATO
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 18, 2020
Canadian Major-General Jennie Carignan officially assumed command of the NATO Mission Iraq on Nov. 26, 2019. Scott Taylor asks: when did Canada authorize our troops’ participation in an inter-factional civil war in Iraq? DND photograph courtesy of Cpl. Ryan Moulton
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 18, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 18, 2020
Canadian Major-General Jennie Carignan officially assumed command of the NATO Mission Iraq on Nov. 26, 2019. Scott Taylor asks: when did Canada authorize our troops’ participation in an inter-factional civil war in Iraq? DND photograph courtesy of Cpl. Ryan Moulton
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 11, 2020
Gen. Jonathan Vance, chief of the defence staff, told the Conference of Defence Associations Institute gathering on March 4 that Canada’s military personnel was in ‘pre-pandemic’ planning mode in response to the coronavirus. Photograph courtesy of Twitter
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 11, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 11, 2020
Gen. Jonathan Vance, chief of the defence staff, told the Conference of Defence Associations Institute gathering on March 4 that Canada’s military personnel was in ‘pre-pandemic’ planning mode in response to the coronavirus. Photograph courtesy of Twitter
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 4, 2020
Canadian Armed Forces members conduct a live range exercise as part of Operation Reassurance at the Camp Ādaži training area in Latvia, on Dec. 19, 2019. Members of the Canadian Armed Forces battle group are in Latvia to show solidarity with a NATO ally, and protect our ‘shared values,’ writes Scott Taylor, which aren't glorifying people who swore allegiance to Adolf Hitler. DND photograph by Cpl. Djalma Vuong-De Ramos
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 4, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 4, 2020
Canadian Armed Forces members conduct a live range exercise as part of Operation Reassurance at the Camp Ādaži training area in Latvia, on Dec. 19, 2019. Members of the Canadian Armed Forces battle group are in Latvia to show solidarity with a NATO ally, and protect our ‘shared values,’ writes Scott Taylor, which aren't glorifying people who swore allegiance to Adolf Hitler. DND photograph by Cpl. Djalma Vuong-De Ramos
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 26, 2020
Lieutenant Commander Gina Connor takes aim with an AK-47 rifle during firing practice at the Kabul Military Training Centre range in Kabul, Afghanistan during Operation Attention in October 2013. Canadian soldiers who served in Afghanistan displayed the courage, discipline, and professionalism one would expect from one of the finest militaries in the world, but the war was unwinnable from the outset, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph courtesy of Sgt. Norm McLean
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 26, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 26, 2020
Lieutenant Commander Gina Connor takes aim with an AK-47 rifle during firing practice at the Kabul Military Training Centre range in Kabul, Afghanistan during Operation Attention in October 2013. Canadian soldiers who served in Afghanistan displayed the courage, discipline, and professionalism one would expect from one of the finest militaries in the world, but the war was unwinnable from the outset, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph courtesy of Sgt. Norm McLean
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 19, 2020
Omar Khadr, pictured in 2017 during an interview with the CBC's Rosemary Barton. A recent keynote speech at Dalhousie University in Halifax, organized by the Romeo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative, was the first time Khadr has spoken publicly on the subject, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of CBC News
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 19, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 19, 2020
Omar Khadr, pictured in 2017 during an interview with the CBC's Rosemary Barton. A recent keynote speech at Dalhousie University in Halifax, organized by the Romeo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative, was the first time Khadr has spoken publicly on the subject, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of CBC News
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 12, 2020
Colonel Carla Harding speaks to the participants of the Women in Force program at Canadian Forces Base Borden, Ont., on August 14, 2017. The program gives women a chance to learn about military life before they decide to join. As Scott Taylor writes, the military is struggling to reach its self-imposed goal of 25 per cent female representation by 2026. DND photograph by Aviator Rachael Allen
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 12, 2020
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 12, 2020
Colonel Carla Harding speaks to the participants of the Women in Force program at Canadian Forces Base Borden, Ont., on August 14, 2017. The program gives women a chance to learn about military life before they decide to join. As Scott Taylor writes, the military is struggling to reach its self-imposed goal of 25 per cent female representation by 2026. DND photograph by Aviator Rachael Allen