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.

At the NATO summit, PM Mark Carney pledged to raise Canada’s defence spending to 2% of GDP by 2026 and eventually 5% by 2035. While $9B is new funding, most is reallocated. A broader definition of defence could support mining projects like Yukon’s Mactung tungsten deposit to reduce reliance on China.

On June 9, Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged to raise defence spending to 2% of GDP by 2025–26, increasing the budget from $40B to $62.7B through new funds and budget reshuffling. Carney also announced CAF pay raises, new hires, a Coast Guard realignment, and a review of F-35 fighter jet purchases.

In fall 2025, the Royal Canadian Navy will pay off eight of its twelve Kingston-class ships during formal ceremonies in Halifax and Esquimalt. Four vessels will remain operational in Halifax to support missions. The RCN will maintain capabilities through fleet consolidation and new platforms replacing the retiring Kingston-class vessels.

Commissionaires Canada celebrates its 100th anniversary on July 25, 2025. Founded in 1925 to provide meaningful employment to veterans, it has grown into Canada’s largest veteran employer and trusted security provider. Centennial events nationwide honour its legacy, evolution, and continued commitment to those who’ve served and Canadian communities.

The Canadian Tank Museum will unveil Project Uplift on July 25, 2025—the world’s first wheelchair-accessible lift system for armoured personnel carriers. This Canadian innovation, driven by community support and inclusivity, ensures that people with physical disabilities can fully experience military history and tank rides with dignity, safety, and joy.

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.

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.

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.