Wednesday, October 29, 2025

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Inside Defence

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 | June 2, 2025
Canadian and French helicopters sit on the flight deck of the Mistral off the coast of Gaspé, Que., on June 20, 2014. DND photograph by MCpl Patrick Blanchard
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 2, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 2, 2025
Canadian and French helicopters sit on the flight deck of the Mistral off the coast of Gaspé, Que., on June 20, 2014. DND photograph by MCpl Patrick Blanchard
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 26, 2025
Perhaps we need to better highlight those multimillion-dollar contracts that just piss away money on equipment that is unusable in the North, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Master Sailor Dan Bard
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 26, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 26, 2025
Perhaps we need to better highlight those multimillion-dollar contracts that just piss away money on equipment that is unusable in the North, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Master Sailor Dan Bard
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 21, 2025
David McGuinty brings a modicum of cabinet experience and a modicum of intelligence awareness to his new defence portfolio, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 21, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 21, 2025
David McGuinty brings a modicum of cabinet experience and a modicum of intelligence awareness to his new defence portfolio, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 12, 2025
The U.S. president is handing international viewers a direct comparison of his country’s military fitness, drill, and deportment against the super well-rehearsed Russian showboats, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Dmitriy Fomin
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 12, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 12, 2025
The U.S. president is handing international viewers a direct comparison of his country’s military fitness, drill, and deportment against the super well-rehearsed Russian showboats, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Dmitriy Fomin
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 5, 2025
Residents of our nation's capital are all-too aware of how threatening these geese can be during the spring mating season after they have laid their eggs, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Sunny
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 5, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 5, 2025
Residents of our nation's capital are all-too aware of how threatening these geese can be during the spring mating season after they have laid their eggs, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Sunny
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 28, 2025
HMCS Windsor takes part in Exercise Cutlass Fury on Sept. 18, 2016. It is the only one of Canada's four Victoria-class submarines that has been to sea since 2021, notes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of DND/Cpl. Chris Ringius
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 28, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 28, 2025
HMCS Windsor takes part in Exercise Cutlass Fury on Sept. 18, 2016. It is the only one of Canada's four Victoria-class submarines that has been to sea since 2021, notes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of DND/Cpl. Chris Ringius
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 21, 2025
Whichever way you cast your vote in the coming election, do not believe the promises made regarding defence investment, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Master Corporal Alana Morin
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 21, 2025
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 21, 2025
Whichever way you cast your vote in the coming election, do not believe the promises made regarding defence investment, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Master Corporal Alana Morin
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 4, 2022
The Canadian Armed Forces are starting out 2022 with a newly minted minister of national defence, Anita Anand, and moving forward, future Canadian defence policies and procurements need to be based upon a wider range of threats than simply military threats, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 4, 2022
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 4, 2022
The Canadian Armed Forces are starting out 2022 with a newly minted minister of national defence, Anita Anand, and moving forward, future Canadian defence policies and procurements need to be based upon a wider range of threats than simply military threats, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 21, 2021
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, left, and NATO Secretary General Jen Stoltenberg met Dec. 16, reaffirming Ukraine’s invitation to join the organization. Flickr photograph courtesy of NATO
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 21, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 21, 2021
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, left, and NATO Secretary General Jen Stoltenberg met Dec. 16, reaffirming Ukraine’s invitation to join the organization. Flickr photograph courtesy of NATO
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 13, 2021
The new committee will look at Canada’s failure to have a plan in place to evacuate those Afghans who had assisted Canadian troops during their decade-long participation in that conflict, but that’s not all MPs should look at, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Genevieve Lapointe
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 13, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 13, 2021
The new committee will look at Canada’s failure to have a plan in place to evacuate those Afghans who had assisted Canadian troops during their decade-long participation in that conflict, but that’s not all MPs should look at, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Genevieve Lapointe
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 7, 2021
Members of The Royal Canadian Dragoons conduct patrols at Garrison Petawawa on March 24. Many of the names currently used for military units are so long out of date as to be laughable and arguably misleading. Our armoured units have tanks or reconnaissance vehicles, they do not ride horses, yet they bear names like Dragoons, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Sarah Morley
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 7, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 7, 2021
Members of The Royal Canadian Dragoons conduct patrols at Garrison Petawawa on March 24. Many of the names currently used for military units are so long out of date as to be laughable and arguably misleading. Our armoured units have tanks or reconnaissance vehicles, they do not ride horses, yet they bear names like Dragoons, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Sarah Morley
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 1, 2021
General Wayne Eyre was named the new permanent chief of the defence staff on Nov. 25, ending questions over the future of his predecessor, but raising new ones about why Canada has so many generals and admirals, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 1, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 1, 2021
General Wayne Eyre was named the new permanent chief of the defence staff on Nov. 25, ending questions over the future of his predecessor, but raising new ones about why Canada has so many generals and admirals, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 23, 2021
Black soldiers load Canadian Corps tramways with ammunition in July 1918. In recent years there has been a deliberate effort to celebrate No. 2 Construction Battalion’s contribution to the war efforts as some sort of success story, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Library and Archives Canada
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 23, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 23, 2021
Black soldiers load Canadian Corps tramways with ammunition in July 1918. In recent years there has been a deliberate effort to celebrate No. 2 Construction Battalion’s contribution to the war efforts as some sort of success story, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Library and Archives Canada
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 15, 2021
Governor General Mary Simon speaks with veterans at the National War Memorial on Nov. 11. This year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies mark the first time that Canadians have had to mourn fallen soldiers who died in the service of Canada—but because NATO lost the war and the Taliban prevailed, those lives were lost in vain, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 15, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 15, 2021
Governor General Mary Simon speaks with veterans at the National War Memorial on Nov. 11. This year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies mark the first time that Canadians have had to mourn fallen soldiers who died in the service of Canada—but because NATO lost the war and the Taliban prevailed, those lives were lost in vain, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 8, 2021
An air weapons system technician completes the arming procedure on a CF‑188 Hornet before it takes off from Trapani, Italy, as part of Operation Mobile on March 21, 2011. DND photograph by Cpl Marc-André Gaudreault
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 8, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 8, 2021
An air weapons system technician completes the arming procedure on a CF‑188 Hornet before it takes off from Trapani, Italy, as part of Operation Mobile on March 21, 2011. DND photograph by Cpl Marc-André Gaudreault
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 1, 2021
The fact that Anita Anand is a woman potentially sends out the signal to CAF survivors and victims of sexual misconduct that the government is finally serious about tackling the current crisis, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 1, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 1, 2021
The fact that Anita Anand is a woman potentially sends out the signal to CAF survivors and victims of sexual misconduct that the government is finally serious about tackling the current crisis, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 25, 2021
Retired chief of defence staff General Jonathan Vance, left, his successor Admiral Art McDonald, and former vaccine-rollout leader Major-General Dany Fortin have all undergone investigation because of allegations of sexual misconduct or other dubious actions, which they have denied. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and photograph courtesy of Twitter
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 25, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 25, 2021
Retired chief of defence staff General Jonathan Vance, left, his successor Admiral Art McDonald, and former vaccine-rollout leader Major-General Dany Fortin have all undergone investigation because of allegations of sexual misconduct or other dubious actions, which they have denied. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and photograph courtesy of Twitter