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Prime Minister Mark Carney recently pledged Canada's commitment to a two-state solution in the Middle East, including deploying Canadian troops to enforce peace. However, Canada's military is already stretched thin with understrength forces and limited resources, raising concerns over the feasibility of deploying troops to both Ukraine and Gaza.
Canada’s military faces a readiness crisis, with nearly half its equipment unserviceable and critical shortages in personnel and spare parts. Major-General Robert Ritchie admitted the Army lacks vehicles to train at home, forcing pre-deployment exercises for NATO in Latvia. Leadership continues to downplay issues, despite growing operational risks.
Canada’s defence spending has long lagged behind NATO’s 2% GDP target. PM Mark Carney pledged to meet it this year through new funding and restructuring, including moving the Coast Guard under National Defence. But with NATO raising its benchmark to 5% by 2035, Canada faces tough capability and procurement choices.
China staged its largest-ever military parade in Tiananmen Square, showcasing modern weapons and hosting leaders like Putin and Kim Jong-Un. While spectacles project power, history shows parades don’t equal combat effectiveness. Canada’s own NATO forces in Latvia also suffer from readiness issues, raising concerns about true military capability behind the showmanship.
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s European tour raised concerns after hinting Canadian troops could join a post-ceasefire deterrence force in Ukraine. With Canada’s army already overstretched in Latvia, aging equipment, and readiness issues, experts warn deploying to Ukraine without major re-equipping and mobilization risks leaving Canadian soldiers dangerously underprepared.

On September 19, the Royal Canadian Navy celebrated a Northern Affiliation ceremony with Nunavik, uniting the community with HMCS Frédérick Rolette. This initiative strengthens ties between the RCN and Canada’s North, fostering mutual respect, cultural exchange, and learning opportunities as Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels build lasting partnerships with northern communities.
Commissionaires Nova Scotia launches Purpose & Protection, a new podcast exploring the stories and values of Canada’s only not-for-profit security provider. Debuting in advance of the Commissionaires’ 100th anniversary in 2025, the monthly series features veterans, leaders, and public servants sharing powerful insights on service, security, and community impact.
Major-General Jeff Smyth will welcome the first two CT-102B Astra II training aircraft to 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Part of a future 23-aircraft fleet, they support the $11.2B, 25-year Future Aircrew Training program with SkyAlyne to prepare Royal Canadian Air Force personnel.

As Canada considers its next submarine fleet, South Korea’s Hanwha KSS-III offers strategic and economic benefits aligned with Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Proven in service, Arctic-capable and rapidly deliverable, the KSS-III program promises industrial partnerships, job creation, and enhanced defence capability through deep collaboration between Canadian and South Korean industries.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has committed to replacing Canada’s aging Victoria-class submarines with up to 12 new conventional-powered boats. Procurement has begun, with input from international builders and Canadian industry. Estimated at $100 billion, the project promises advanced capabilities, Arctic operations, and industry benefits—while raising concerns about training enough submariners.
Seaspan Shipyards completed the Functional Design Review for the Canadian Coast Guard’s Multi-Purpose Icebreakers, advancing to production drawings. Up to 16 Polar Class 4 ships will support icebreaking, SAR, and navigation aid missions. Seaspan also partnered with Bollinger, Rauma Marine, and Aker Arctic to pursue U.S. Arctic Security Cutter opportunities.

The author confesses delaying criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, shaken into speaking out by images of starving children. Canada will join others in recognizing Palestine, though skepticism remains. Lasting peace demands removing extremists on both sides, rebuilding Gaza, investing in opportunity, and fostering honest, respectful dialogue despite polarization.
A movement led by General (ret’d) Rick Hillier urges the Chief of Defence Staff to recommend a review of Private Jesse Larochelle’s Star of Military Valour, potentially upgrading it to a Canadian Victoria Cross. Veterans demand recognition of wartime sacrifice and justice for Larochelle through renewed scrutiny and parliamentary support.
A June 11, 2025 op-ed dismissing a mixed fighter jet fleet for Canada is criticized as unsupported and hyperbolic. The rebuttal emphasizes the need for detailed analysis on costs, operational capabilities, and political considerations—highlighting the F-35's $90B lifecycle cost and urging transparency in the government's decision-making process.

Barry Pitcher, a veteran of both the CAF and RCMP, brings a people-first, mission-driven leadership style to his role as CEO of Commissionaires Nova Scotia. His career is marked by operational excellence, resilience, advocacy for inclusion, and a deep commitment to veterans, community safety, and meaningful service beyond the uniform.

As 2025 ends, the CAF faces its 2026 goal for 25% women in the ranks—a target rooted in decades of human rights rulings, employment equity law, and workforce research, not symbolism. Set in 2010 as “ambitious but achievable,” it aims to strengthen operational capability by drawing on Canada’s full talent pool.
The Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund has spent $70M since 2018, yet Veterans Affairs Canada cannot confirm its effectiveness. Internal audits reveal vague goals, poor outcome tracking, and regional bias concerns. Only one-third of projects provided sufficient data. Veterans and taxpayers need transparency, independent audits, and evidence-based accountability.
Bloc Québécois MP Marie-Hélène Gaudreau is the swing vote on Parliament’s Veterans Affairs Committee this session. Her decisive role could shape support for Veterans nationwide, particularly in Quebec. Key priorities she may champion include memorials, well-being initiatives, oversight of funding, and action on chemical exposure-related health claims.

The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) will deliver 12 new submarines, strengthening Canada’s defence, Arctic security, and NATO commitments while creating major economic opportunities. With 17+ years supporting the Victoria Class, Babcock Canada is leveraging its expertise to ensure through-life sustainment, workforce development, and operational readiness for Canada’s future submarine fleet.

Hanwha Ocean has teamed with Babcock Canada to strengthen its bid for Canada’s new submarine fleet. Babcock, a key player in Canada’s current submarine support, will provide exclusive in-service support if Hanwha wins the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project. The partnership promises fast delivery and low-risk sustainment for up to 12 subs.
CAE won an Italian Air Force contract for its MQ-9A Block 5 Predator Mission Trainer Plus, developed with GA-ASI. Calian secured a $250M DND healthcare contract amendment. Galvion received a follow-on order for 5,000 Caiman helmets. OSI Maritime tested its CADA navigation aid. Safran chose France for a $500M carbon brakes factory.
Canada’s new $3.6B Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) project includes nine Airbus A330 aircraft—five converted and four newly built—to replace the CC-150 Polaris fleet. Designated CC-330 Husky, they will support air-to-air refueling, airlift, and medevac. Infrastructure upgrades at CFB Trenton and Edmonton will support long-term operations through 2033.

Aero Gatineau-Ottawa 2025 delivered three days of perfect weather, thrilling aerial performances, and family fun. From the Snowbirds, SkyHawks, and vintage warbirds to aerobatic displays, jet passes, and even superhero skydivers, the show offered something for everyone. With new kid-friendly activities and crowd-pleasing stunts, it was an unforgettable weekend.
On the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, the Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association (HKVCA) honoured “C” Force—1,975 Canadians sent to defend Hong Kong in 1941. With nearly 2,000 deployed, 290 were killed and 1,685 captured, enduring brutal POW camps. The reunion celebrated sacrifice, resilience, and remembrance.
On August 10, Ottawa’s National Peacekeepers’ Day ceremony honored fallen Canadian peacekeepers, marking the 51st anniversary of the 1974 Buffalo aircraft tragedy. Led by dignitaries including MGen. (ret’d) Lewis MacKenzie, the event also reflected on UN mission failures in Rwanda, Somalia, and Yugoslavia, and praised Canada’s historic peacekeeping contributions.

Defence Minister David McGuinty’s missed deadline to release the F-35 review has intensified political pressure on the Liberals, with media and opposition demanding answers. While McGuinty fumbles communications, Conservative MP James Bezan attacks the government—despite his party’s own record of delays, cuts, and veterans’ neglect when in power.
Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee’s recent interviews raised eyebrows after he suggested Canada could buy submarines from both German and South Korean suppliers. Defence experts slammed the idea as costly, and Prime Minister Mark Carney swiftly rebuked the notion, reaffirming a single-fleet strategy. PMO and PCO are now moving to rein in Topshee’s media freelancing.
The F-35 debate in Canada is intensifying amid U.S. pressure, rising costs, and questions of sovereignty. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra and Lockheed Martin supporters are pushing hard, but Canadians are challenging threats, misinformation, and lack of transparency. Calls grow for deeper journalism, accountability, and debate before committing billions to the fighter jet.
DEFSEC 2025 in Halifax saw record attendance amid Canada’s urgent defence procurement needs and new policy shifts, including a Defence Investment Agency and accelerated submarine competition timelines. Yet, discussions were overshadowed by Trump and Hegseth’s alarming address to U.S. generals, signalling potential internal conflict that could profoundly impact Canada’s security future.