Canada’s fighter procurement strategy should be reconsidered to include the Boeing F-15EX alongside the Lockheed Martin F-35. The F-15EX offers advantages in payload, range, speed, and cost efficiency, making it well-suited for continental defence and Arctic sovereignty, while a mixed fleet would improve flexibility, availability, and overall operational effectiveness.
A 2002 analysis critiques Canada’s New Army Strategy, arguing it undermines full-scale mobilization capacity. While prioritizing flexibility, niche roles, and budget constraints, the strategy reduces combat capabilities and readiness. The author warns that this approach leaves Canada ill-prepared for large-scale war, despite evolving threats and renewed consideration of higher mobilization levels.
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.
Drones have reshaped modern warfare, driving demand for effective counter-UAS systems. Raytheon’s Coyote drone family—used by the U.S. Army—offers low-cost, layered defence against swarms and loitering munitions, combining ISR, kinetic intercept, electronic warfare and directed energy capabilities proven in Ukraine-driven operational requirements.
Pierre Trudeau’s “sleeping with an elephant” metaphor feels newly relevant as a volatile United States rattles allies and norms. Canada, long lulled by stability, must confront its vulnerability. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s strategy of economic and military diversification is a risky but necessary tightrope walk to avoid irrelevance—or being trampled.
Canada’s military leaders warn that global threats are escalating, urging a nationwide “whole of society” mobilization to prepare for potential conflict. While calls for massive recruitment spark public skepticism, the deeper concern remains: Canada is investing heavily in war readiness but not equally in diplomacy to prevent the conflict its leaders fear is coming.
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.
Mark Carney’s rapid rise to Liberal leader and Prime Minister has ushered in a whirlwind of ambitious reforms—particularly his bold pledge to meet NATO’s 2% defence spending target by March. With fast-tracked approvals, sweeping policies, and big spending, Carney’s leadership is defined by urgency, efficiency, and a transformative agenda.
Recent CAF equipment buys—like the C-19 rifle, Harry DeWolf ships, and new handguns—ignore sound business logic. Alternatives, such as upgrading Lee-Enfields or refitting foreign vessels, could cut costs and boost Canadian industry. A practical businessman would prioritize value, efficiency, and local production over prestige and inflated spending.
Michael Nickerson compares Canada’s strained healthcare system to its military spending approach, arguing both prioritize costly “latest and best” solutions over prevention. He criticizes investments like F-35 jets, urging a shift toward affordable alternatives, stronger frontline support, and diplomacy to reduce long-term costs and avoid repeating systemic inefficiencies.