In March, PM Mark Carney, facing Trump’s tariffs and threats, vowed to boost defence spending, end reliance on US arms, and review Canada’s F-35 purchase. Despite alternatives like Sweden’s Gripen, RCAF bias toward F-35s persists since 2004. A final report is due this summer, but change seems unlikely.

A private Facebook group tied to the Cameron Highlanders erupted into scandal after hateful and inappropriate posts surfaced. Despite early inaction by Military Police, a media exposé reignited the case. Two officers were relieved. Meanwhile, a senior officer convicted for firing at ducks kept his job. Accountability remains inconsistent.

Four men with ties to the Canadian Armed Forces were arrested by the RCMP for allegedly planning to form an anti-government militia. Charged with terrorism and weapons offences, they had stockpiled explosives, firearms, and trained in military tactics. The case raises serious concerns about extremism within military ranks.

Canadian soldiers from Lord Strathcona's Horse performed the King's Mounted Guard in London from July 11–21, a rare honour marking their 125th anniversary. While visually striking, the author argues such ceremonial duties misuse military resources amid personnel shortages, suggesting civilian re-enactors could fulfill these roles instead of trained combat soldiers.

The “Blue Hackle Mafia” scandal exposed a private Facebook group of roughly 200 Canadian soldiers, mostly from the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, sharing explicit images and hateful content. Despite early internal warnings, leadership delayed action. The military’s attempt at media damage control backfired, revealing deeper institutional accountability concerns.

Despite a major defence budget boost under PM Mark Carney—from $43B to $62.7B this year and a projected $150B by 2035—the Canadian Armed Forces remain in crisis. Readiness levels are near historic lows, and full operational recovery is now delayed until 2032 due to personnel shortages, training delays, and structural challenges.

Today marks 80 years since VJ Day, ending WWII after Japan’s surrender. Canadians fought with distinction in the Pacific—from Hong Kong’s brutal siege to defending the West Coast and Aleutians. This often-overlooked chapter honours their courage, endurance, and sacrifice in securing peace half a world away.

On August 9 in Halifax, the Royal Canadian Navy named its final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, honouring Canada’s last Victoria Cross recipient. Gray, a WWII naval aviator, died in 1945 attacking a Japanese ship. The vessel will patrol Arctic waters, embodying Gray’s enduring courage and service.

The Canadian Armed Forces are reinforcing Arctic sovereignty through multiple summer and fall operations. Naval, air, and land assets, alongside Canadian Rangers and Indigenous partners, will patrol and conduct exercises across the Arctic, enhancing domain awareness, deterring threats, and strengthening collaboration with allies, particularly the U.S., in defending North America.

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.

To fund a historic increase in defence spending, Prime Minister Carney’s government is demanding federal departments find up to 15% in savings by 2028. However, National Defence faces only a 2% cut, exempting equipment and key budgets. Canada aims to hit NATO’s 5% GDP target by 2035, amid union concerns.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Robert Hampton Gray, born in B.C., left university in 1940 to join the RCNVR, later flying Corsairs from HMS Formidable. On August 9, 1945, he heroically sank the Japanese ship Amakusa before being killed in action, earning the Victoria Cross. Ottawa marked August 9, 2025, as Robert Hampton Gray Day.