Ht-Logo-gigapixel-icon
Thursday, November 28, 2024
Canada’s Politics and Government News Source Since 1989
Thursday, November 28, 2024 | Latest Paper

Inside Defence

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 25, 2024
The misguided attempt by a Nova Scotia school to ban military uniforms on Remembrance Day, or rants about wearing poppies won’t help people understand our proud military heritage, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 25, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 25, 2024
The misguided attempt by a Nova Scotia school to ban military uniforms on Remembrance Day, or rants about wearing poppies won’t help people understand our proud military heritage, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 18, 2024
Before investing in modern weapon systems, the CAF needs to invest in its greatest asset: the men and women who serve, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 18, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 18, 2024
Before investing in modern weapon systems, the CAF needs to invest in its greatest asset: the men and women who serve, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 11, 2024
Remembrance Day ceremony
Sentries stand post during the Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Nov. 11, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 11, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 11, 2024
Remembrance Day ceremony
Sentries stand post during the Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Nov. 11, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 4, 2024
Interim Ombud for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces Robyn Hynes, left, has picked up the advocacy mantle for language and cultural advisers with Minister Bill Blair’s office. Photograph courtesy of DND and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 4, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 4, 2024
Interim Ombud for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces Robyn Hynes, left, has picked up the advocacy mantle for language and cultural advisers with Minister Bill Blair’s office. Photograph courtesy of DND and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 28, 2024
The military should be less worried about trying to protect its public reputation, and more concerned with the welfare of its people, writes Scott Taylor. Unsplash photograph by Kristina Flour
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 28, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 28, 2024
The military should be less worried about trying to protect its public reputation, and more concerned with the welfare of its people, writes Scott Taylor. Unsplash photograph by Kristina Flour
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 21, 2024
The military’s General Purpose Sleeping Bag System missed the mark when soldiers tried it out during a November 2023 exercise in Alberta, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Djalma Vuong-De Ramos
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 21, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 21, 2024
The military’s General Purpose Sleeping Bag System missed the mark when soldiers tried it out during a November 2023 exercise in Alberta, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Djalma Vuong-De Ramos
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 14, 2024
Gen. Jennie Carignan
Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan. No matter which way you count it, the CAF’s numbers do not add up to an effective fighting force, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 14, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 14, 2024
Gen. Jennie Carignan
Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan. No matter which way you count it, the CAF’s numbers do not add up to an effective fighting force, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 7, 2024
HMCS Victoria returns home through the Strait of Juan De Fuca from operations with the United States Navy on Feb. 26, 2015. DND photograph by LS Zachariah Stopa
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 7, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 7, 2024
HMCS Victoria returns home through the Strait of Juan De Fuca from operations with the United States Navy on Feb. 26, 2015. DND photograph by LS Zachariah Stopa
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 30, 2024
Since the end of the Cold War, Canadian politicians and senior military brass have abandoned any pretence of planning for an actual mobilization of citizens. DND photograph by MCpl Genevieve Lapointe
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 30, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 30, 2024
Since the end of the Cold War, Canadian politicians and senior military brass have abandoned any pretence of planning for an actual mobilization of citizens. DND photograph by MCpl Genevieve Lapointe
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 23, 2024
Canada now possesses an abundance of helicopter heavy-lift capability, which would be perfectly suited to waging a counterinsurgency against a poorly equipped foe, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Louis Brunet
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 23, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 23, 2024
Canada now possesses an abundance of helicopter heavy-lift capability, which would be perfectly suited to waging a counterinsurgency against a poorly equipped foe, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Louis Brunet
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 16, 2024
The September 2023 standing ovation MPs gave Second World War veteran Yaroslav Hunka is still fresh in Canadians’ minds, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of CBC News
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 16, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 16, 2024
The September 2023 standing ovation MPs gave Second World War veteran Yaroslav Hunka is still fresh in Canadians’ minds, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of CBC News
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 9, 2024
The breakdown of the Liberal-NDP deal means people will be buzzing about which of the party election platforms will be the least damaging to a future Canadian Armed Forces, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Cass Moon
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 9, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 9, 2024
The breakdown of the Liberal-NDP deal means people will be buzzing about which of the party election platforms will be the least damaging to a future Canadian Armed Forces, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Cass Moon
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 2, 2024
On the modern battlefield, the M777 howitzer Canada has given to the Ukrainian war effort is the wrong weapon system, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl Genevieve Lapointe
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 2, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 2, 2024
On the modern battlefield, the M777 howitzer Canada has given to the Ukrainian war effort is the wrong weapon system, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl Genevieve Lapointe
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 26, 2024
The only reason our battle groups had the gear and munitions they needed in Afghanistan was because out of necessity, we begged and borrowed from our allies, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Robert Bottrill
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 26, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 26, 2024
The only reason our battle groups had the gear and munitions they needed in Afghanistan was because out of necessity, we begged and borrowed from our allies, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Robert Bottrill
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 21, 2024
Canadian soldiers return to their light armoured vehicles during Operation Medusa in 2006. We pursued the war in Afghanistan to the tune of 158 Canadian soldiers killed, 2,000 wounded or physically injured, and countless thousands more suffering the unseen mental wounds of PTSD, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the CAF/Sgt. Lou Penney
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 21, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 21, 2024
Canadian soldiers return to their light armoured vehicles during Operation Medusa in 2006. We pursued the war in Afghanistan to the tune of 158 Canadian soldiers killed, 2,000 wounded or physically injured, and countless thousands more suffering the unseen mental wounds of PTSD, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the CAF/Sgt. Lou Penney
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 12, 2024
National Defence Minister Bill Blair announced the government's $35.8-million purchase of 90 light tactical vehicles for the Canadian Armed Forces on July 23. Pentagon tests would indicate that this is a useless purchase, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 12, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 12, 2024
National Defence Minister Bill Blair announced the government's $35.8-million purchase of 90 light tactical vehicles for the Canadian Armed Forces on July 23. Pentagon tests would indicate that this is a useless purchase, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 5, 2024
Canadian Armed Forces members on the ground helping to respond to the wildfire that engulfed Jasper, Alta., last month. Screenshot courtesy of CTV News
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 5, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 5, 2024
Canadian Armed Forces members on the ground helping to respond to the wildfire that engulfed Jasper, Alta., last month. Screenshot courtesy of CTV News
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 29, 2024
HMCS Max Bernays sails in the Pacific Ocean on June 20. DND photograph by Corporal William Gosse
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 29, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 29, 2024
HMCS Max Bernays sails in the Pacific Ocean on June 20. DND photograph by Corporal William Gosse
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 22, 2024
Bill Blair
There is little to no chance Defence Minister Bill Blair and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will still be steering the government’s defence spending agenda eight years from now, so recent promises aren’t worth much, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 22, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 22, 2024
Bill Blair
There is little to no chance Defence Minister Bill Blair and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will still be steering the government’s defence spending agenda eight years from now, so recent promises aren’t worth much, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 15, 2024
U.S. Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, left, posted a photo of his July 9 meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on X, saying that 'it’s time for our northern ally to invest seriously in the hard power required to help preserve prosperity and security across NATO.' Photograph courtesy of X/@LeaderMcConnell
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 15, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 15, 2024
U.S. Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, left, posted a photo of his July 9 meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on X, saying that 'it’s time for our northern ally to invest seriously in the hard power required to help preserve prosperity and security across NATO.' Photograph courtesy of X/@LeaderMcConnell
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 8, 2024
Besides restoring morale and addressing the crippling shortage of personnel, incoming Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan will need to deal with the political vacuum in which Canada currently finds itself. DND photograph by Private Hugo Montpetit
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 8, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 8, 2024
Besides restoring morale and addressing the crippling shortage of personnel, incoming Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan will need to deal with the political vacuum in which Canada currently finds itself. DND photograph by Private Hugo Montpetit
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 1, 2024
Outgoing Chief of Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre’s refusal to release his ‘openness and transparency’ speaking notes is both petty and petulant, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 1, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 1, 2024
Outgoing Chief of Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre’s refusal to release his ‘openness and transparency’ speaking notes is both petty and petulant, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 24, 2024
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was in Ottawa on June 19 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the military alliance, but Scott Taylor asks if its history is worth celebrating. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 24, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 24, 2024
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was in Ottawa on June 19 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the military alliance, but Scott Taylor asks if its history is worth celebrating. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 17, 2024
Former U.S. ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft recently added her voice to the chorus calling for Canada to hit the two per cent NATO target. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 17, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 17, 2024
Former U.S. ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft recently added her voice to the chorus calling for Canada to hit the two per cent NATO target. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 10, 2024
The fact that service members now need a regulation telling them they cannot have so much hair that they cannot don a hat speaks volumes for how low officials lowered the bar, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Hugo Montpetit
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 10, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 10, 2024
The fact that service members now need a regulation telling them they cannot have so much hair that they cannot don a hat speaks volumes for how low officials lowered the bar, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Hugo Montpetit
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 3, 2024
Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann’s frank assessment of the state of CAF leadership seems to have fallen on deaf ears, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Master Sailor Valerie LeClair
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 3, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 3, 2024
Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann’s frank assessment of the state of CAF leadership seems to have fallen on deaf ears, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Master Sailor Valerie LeClair
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 27, 2024
RCAF members evacuate residents of the Pikangikum First Nation community in July 2019. Willing veterans could backfill the disaster-relief assistance role currently filled by Operation Lentus, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl Ken Beliwicz
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 27, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 27, 2024
RCAF members evacuate residents of the Pikangikum First Nation community in July 2019. Willing veterans could backfill the disaster-relief assistance role currently filled by Operation Lentus, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl Ken Beliwicz
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 21, 2021
U.S. Army Capt. Kevin Mercer, the officer in charge of the 205th Corps Training Team, observes as an Afghan National Army trainer adjusts the site on an M-16 rifle in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on Jan. 23, 2008. Without the martial ‘stiffening’ supplied by U.S. special forces and the availability of American air support, the Afghan security forces are no match for the Taliban, writes Scott Taylor. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class David M. Votroubek
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 21, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 21, 2021
U.S. Army Capt. Kevin Mercer, the officer in charge of the 205th Corps Training Team, observes as an Afghan National Army trainer adjusts the site on an M-16 rifle in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on Jan. 23, 2008. Without the martial ‘stiffening’ supplied by U.S. special forces and the availability of American air support, the Afghan security forces are no match for the Taliban, writes Scott Taylor. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class David M. Votroubek
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 12, 2021
Former chief of defence staff General Rick Hillier, pictured in April with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, right, and other Ontario government officials, left his role as head of the province’s vaccine distribution task force at the end of March. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 12, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 12, 2021
Former chief of defence staff General Rick Hillier, pictured in April with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, right, and other Ontario government officials, left his role as head of the province’s vaccine distribution task force at the end of March. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 7, 2021
The Tutor training planes are unarmed and cannot in any way contribute to the defence of our nation. Plus, by their very nature, acrobatic formation stunt fliers put themselves and their aircraft at great risk, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sergeant Robert Bottrill
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 7, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 7, 2021
The Tutor training planes are unarmed and cannot in any way contribute to the defence of our nation. Plus, by their very nature, acrobatic formation stunt fliers put themselves and their aircraft at great risk, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sergeant Robert Bottrill
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 31, 2021
In a March 10 Facebook video, retired Corporal Sherry Bordage outlined her experience with sexual assault in the military, the latest in a string of survivors coming forward as part of the Canadian Armed Forces’ 'Me Too' moment, as victims who were long silenced and sidelined are finding their voice, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of Facebook
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 31, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 31, 2021
In a March 10 Facebook video, retired Corporal Sherry Bordage outlined her experience with sexual assault in the military, the latest in a string of survivors coming forward as part of the Canadian Armed Forces’ 'Me Too' moment, as victims who were long silenced and sidelined are finding their voice, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of Facebook
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 24, 2021
Canadian Armed Forces medical staff deployed on Operation Nanook-Nunalivut conduct patient loading drills in Yellowknife, N.W.T., on March 2. If any organization knows how to effect short-term culture change it is the military. After all, 10 weeks of recruit school converts civilians into soldiers, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Tori Lake
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 24, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 24, 2021
Canadian Armed Forces medical staff deployed on Operation Nanook-Nunalivut conduct patient loading drills in Yellowknife, N.W.T., on March 2. If any organization knows how to effect short-term culture change it is the military. After all, 10 weeks of recruit school converts civilians into soldiers, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Tori Lake
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 17, 2021
What was far more alarming about Maj. Kellie Brennan comments during her Feb. 21 interview with Mercedes Stephenson was her allegation that when this story first broke, former CDS Gen. Jonathan Vance had urged her to lie to the media. Screenshot courtesy of YouTube/Global News
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 17, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 17, 2021
What was far more alarming about Maj. Kellie Brennan comments during her Feb. 21 interview with Mercedes Stephenson was her allegation that when this story first broke, former CDS Gen. Jonathan Vance had urged her to lie to the media. Screenshot courtesy of YouTube/Global News
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 10, 2021
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, left, and former military ombudsman Gary Walbourne, right, have both testified before the House National Defence Committee in recent weeks about their actions in relation to allegations of sexual impropriety levelled against former chief of the defence staff Jonathan Vance. Screenshots via ParlVu
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 10, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 10, 2021
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, left, and former military ombudsman Gary Walbourne, right, have both testified before the House National Defence Committee in recent weeks about their actions in relation to allegations of sexual impropriety levelled against former chief of the defence staff Jonathan Vance. Screenshots via ParlVu
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 3, 2021
New Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Art McDonald, pictured at the Jan. 14 change of command ceremony, sent a Feb. 24 email to military personnel assuring anyone wishing to bring forward allegations of misconduct that they could expect to be heard, supported, and protected. DND photograph by CpI. Rachael Allen
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 3, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 3, 2021
New Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Art McDonald, pictured at the Jan. 14 change of command ceremony, sent a Feb. 24 email to military personnel assuring anyone wishing to bring forward allegations of misconduct that they could expect to be heard, supported, and protected. DND photograph by CpI. Rachael Allen
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 24, 2021
Retired Gen. Jonathan Vance, the former chief of the defence staff, initially defended the value of the VIP tours, which came under scrutiny after the 2017 ‘party flight.’ The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 24, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 24, 2021
Retired Gen. Jonathan Vance, the former chief of the defence staff, initially defended the value of the VIP tours, which came under scrutiny after the 2017 ‘party flight.’ The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 17, 2021
While Gen. Jonathan Vance had not been charged with any crime, the fact that his alleged actions in Italy had been investigated by the CFNIS should have given the Harper Conservatives some cause for concern, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 17, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 17, 2021
While Gen. Jonathan Vance had not been charged with any crime, the fact that his alleged actions in Italy had been investigated by the CFNIS should have given the Harper Conservatives some cause for concern, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade