Scott Taylor

By Scott Taylor The headline in the May 1 edition of the  Ottawa Citizen  was admittedly quite alarming. It read "DND warns of Spring geese takeover of Carling Campus". This facility is of course the site of the Canadian Armed Forces National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ

By Scott Taylor It would seem that US president Donald Trump is pushing ahead with plans to stage a massive military parade on June 14. That date will mark the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the Continental Army. This military force was established to fight for liberty from British rul

From May 19–23, French warships Mistral and Surcouf visited Quebec City. The Mistral conducted a joint exercise with Canada’s R22eR Regiment and hosted a formal reception. Notably, Canada declined a 2014 offer to buy two Mistral-class ships originally built for Russia.

On May 26, 2025, Esprit de Corps hosted the Breaking Down the Barricades awards at Beechwood Memorial Centre, celebrating top women in Canada's defence sector. The event featured a keynote by Lt.-Gen. Lise Bourgon, presentations by Scott Taylor, and toasts honoring the Commissionaires' centennial. A

From May 19–23, Quebec City hosted two French warships, including the powerful Mistral helicopter carrier. Canada once had the chance to acquire similar vessels at a bargain price, but political and budgetary hesitations led to missed opportunities. Egypt ultimately purchased them, and Canada contin

At CANSEC 2025, new Defence Minister David McGuinty pledged swift action to rebuild Canada’s military in partnership with industry. His use of “immediate” sparked optimism, though no concrete steps followed. Days later at NATO, he softened his stance, reflecting skepticism about Canada’s ability to

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.

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

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 dela

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-ena