Lee Berthiaume
Reporter for The Canadian Press
About Lee Berthiaume
Canadian defence spending among lowest in NATO despite small increase last year
The head of NATO threw down the gauntlet Monday, saying he expects all members to increase military spending as a new report showed Canada lagging most allies.
National Defence struggling to cut hundreds of millions in waste, inefficiencies
While the Liberal government faces pressure to spend more on the military, National Defence has struggled to use the billions of dollars it already receives each year more efficiently.
Kurds ask for stronger Canadian diplomatic presence in northern Iraq
Canada is being asked to upgrade its diplomatic footprint in northern Iraq, as the Kurdish government presses for closer economic and political ties to accompany Canada's sizable military presence.
Canadian troops in Iraq mount pressure on ISIL around Syrian border
Canadian special forces have shifted their operations in northern Iraq to put pressure on ISIL in places outside the strategic city of Mosul — including along the border with Syria.
Trump may influence the work of Canadians involved in fight against ISIL
The increased Canadian military activity over Syria is only one indication that the war against ISIL is shifting into a new phase. The future could also be heavily influenced by U.S. President Trump.
Defence minister downplays threat to troops in Iraq from Trump immigration order
U.S. officials are warning President Donald Trump's travel ban could undermine the fight against the Islamic State, but Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan says he is confident in Canada's Iraq mission.
Hundreds of veterans likely affected by federal cuts to medicinal pot allotment
Almost three-quarters of veterans using medical marijuana will feel the impact this spring when the federal government imposes a new limit on the amount of weed for which it will pay.
Canada's CF-18 fighter jets can all fly past 2025, RCAF commander says
The government and National Defence however refuse to say how many jets Canada actually needs at any given time.
Liberal plan for stop-gap Super Hornets leaves question of cost unanswered
Canada's aging fleet of fighter jets to be replaced but key questions — how much it would cost taxpayers and the impact on the military — remain up in the air.
Cabinet could decide fighter jet plan as early as Tuesday, industry sources say
The options include holding a competition, buying a new warplane without a competition, or purchasing an "interim" aircraft as a stop-gap measure until a future competition.