Lt. Gen. Michael Wright’s Inflection Point 2025 plan proposes a major restructuring of the Canadian Army into four integrated formations focused on defence, expeditionary operations, support, and training. While the modernization includes new equipment and capabilities, questions remain about timing, manpower shortages, and whether structural changes will strengthen frontline combat forces.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new Defence Industrial Strategy pledges nearly $500 billion over the next decade under a “Build, Partner, Buy” model prioritizing Canadian firms. With ambitions to reach 5% of GDP on defence by 2035, the plan could reshape Canada-U.S. trade dynamics while creating major domestic industrial and resource opportunities.

Scott Taylor examines the Liberal government’s long-awaited Defence Industrial Strategy, unveiled by Prime Minister Mark Carney amid mounting pressure from US President Donald Trump. Promising over $500 billion in investment and 125,000 jobs, the plan’s ambitious targets clash with recruitment realities and major procurements that still rely heavily on foreign suppliers.

Scott Taylor examines Canada’s defence procurement challenges amid pressure from US President Donald Trump to boost spending. While Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks diversification, the military remains committed to US systems like the F-35 Lightning II. Meanwhile, urgent army requirements in Latvia face delays, exposing procurement gaps and strategic contradictions.

As defence spending rises, Canada faces urgent equipment renewal across all services. The RCAF’s 40-year-old fighters, struggling Victoria-class submarines, and the Army’s aging BV 206 Arctic vehicles highlight capability gaps. The proposed $500M–$1B DAME project aims to restore Arctic mobility—if procurement delays and cost overruns don’t derail it again.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s call for middle powers to stand up to bullies has collided with U.S. threats over Canada’s F-35 purchase. With Washington linking fighter jets to NORAD and sovereignty, Canada faces a defining choice: submit to pressure or pivot toward alternatives that strengthen domestic industry and independence.

The Canadian Armed Forces will conduct sustained, all-domain Arctic operations throughout 2026 to detect, deter, and defend against emerging threats. Through Operation NANOOK and complementary missions, the CAF will strengthen sovereignty, enhance domain awareness, and deepen coordination with NATO, NORAD, Indigenous partners, and federal agencies across Canada’s North.

Canada’s plan to acquire up to 12 new submarines has narrowed to Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean. With both boats meeting Royal Canadian Navy requirements, the competition hinges on industrial benefits, strategic alliances, and billions in proposed investments spanning shipbuilding, AI, space, steel, infrastructure, and long-term sustainment partnerships.

Canada’s decision to buy U.S.-built HIMARS highlights a growing tension between military capability and strategic sovereignty. While proven on the battlefield, the system deepens reliance on the United States at a time of trade conflict and political strain—raising questions about control, alternatives, and whether economic and strategic risks are being ignored.

Nearly half the members of the Women Veterans Council resigned in January 2026, citing lack of meaningful engagement from Veterans Affairs Canada. Formed in 2024 to advise government on gender-specific issues affecting women veterans, the council reportedly faced limited dialogue, restrictive nondisclosure agreements, and unfulfilled promises of influence and collaboration.

Veterans Affairs Canada has officially recognized Gulf War Illness (GWI) as a service-related disability, allowing affected veterans to submit claims. The department has outlined a four-step process—application, medical documentation, review, and decision. The move comes more than three decades after the Gulf War, offering long-awaited recognition and potential support for impacted Canadian veterans.

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.

While Canada publicly commits to supporting women Veterans, evidence suggests a quiet rollback of critical system-level reforms. Delays in implementing recommendations, cancelled forums, and stalled research plans are eroding progress. Without concrete action on injury prevention, diagnosis, and fair adjudication, women Veterans face worsening health outcomes, difficult transitions, and declining institutional trust.

Veterans could see real progress this parliamentary session if accountability replaces endless study. Shifting the burden of proof to government and enforcing ministerial outcome reporting would turn evidence into results. Without enforceable oversight, Veterans keep sounding ignored alarms, reliving harm while responsibility diffuses and promised reforms stall year after year.

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.

Canada’s defence spending surge is driving new industry partnerships and training initiatives. Niagara College has launched Defence Systems Engineering programs focused on drones and autonomous systems, while Calian accelerates sovereign C5ISRT capabilities. Meanwhile, the Royal Canadian Air Force prepares for new Canadian-built Global 6500 aircraft, strengthening domestic aerospace and defence capacity.

The 94th annual Canadian Defence Association Institute Conference focused on NATO’s goal of spending 5% of GDP on defence and its implications for Canada’s military readiness, procurement, and defence industry. Senior Canadian and allied commanders discussed sovereignty, interoperability, and modernization, while the event drew record attendance and highlighted evolving security challenges.

BGen. Christopher Horner, Commander of 3 Canadian Space Division, warned that space underpins 20% of Canada’s economy and all modern military operations. From GPS to financial systems, Canada is deeply dependent on vulnerable satellites. He emphasized resilience, sovereign launch capability, and space domain awareness to protect national security and economic stability.

The Embassy of Kuwait marked the 65th Anniversary of National Day and 35th Anniversary of Liberation Day with a reception highlighting Canada–Kuwait ties and honouring Persian Gulf War veterans. The event also renewed calls to recognize Canadian veterans’ Gulf War service as wartime duty, ensuring fair access to benefits.