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Thursday, November 28, 2024
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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 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