Esprit de Corps

06/23/2026

The CBC recently argued that Canada needs the F-35—and only the F-35—by highlighting NORAD operations in Colorado. But the U.S. Commander of NORAD has already stated that the F-35 is not essential for North American air defence. As Canada weighs its next fighter purchase, the real question remains: F-35 or Saab Gripen?

WATCH: https://www.espritdecorps.ca/videos

06/23/2026

The 2026 Navy Bike Ride brought the RCN community together for a day of fitness, fun, and fundraising in support of serving members, Veterans, and their families.

The 2026 Navy Bike Ride brought together Royal Canadian Navy members, Veterans, families, and supporters for a day of community, fitness, and fundraising in Ottawa. From senior naval leadership to WWII re-enactors, participants embraced the event’s family-friendly spirit while raising funds to sup...

06/22/2026

Last week the tried to put forward the argument that the need the F-35 fighters and only the F-35 fighters by heading to NORAD headquarters in Colorado. The problem with that premise is that the US Commander of is already on the record saying he does not need the F-35 for the air defence of North America. It is time to target what decision Canada should make in the great fighter debate: or fighters?

Last week the CBC tried to put forward the argument that the RCAF n...

06/17/2026

The MV Asterix has delivered for Canada—on time, on budget, and when the RCN needed it most. With new Joint Support Ships still not operational, should Ottawa extend its lease?

The MV Asterix has proven to be a reliable and cost-effective solution for the Royal Canadian Navy since 2018. With replacement Joint Support Ships still facing challenges and personnel shortages, extending Asterix's lease could help preserve Canada's replenishment capability and operational readine

06/17/2026

Support continues to grow for awarding Private Jesse Larochelle the Victoria Cross. With a parliamentary petition submitted and an external review underway, many hope his extraordinary bravery during Operation Medusa will receive the recognition it deserves.

The campaign to secure the Victoria Cross for Private Jesse Larochelle has gained renewed momentum, thanks to General (ret'd) Rick Hillier, Bruce Moncur, and thousands of supporters. With a parliamentary petition submitted and an external review committee established, advocates hope new evidence wil

06/16/2026

The MV Asterix lease expires in 2028, but the Joint Support Ships aren't ready yet. Why let a proven resupply ship go when the RCN successfully operated three AORs in the past? Canada's naval readiness may depend on the answer.

WATCH: https://www.espritdecorps.ca/videos

06/16/2026

Last Thursday, Esprit de Corps was honoured to attend the annual international Cuisine Night (ICN) hosted by the Ottawa Service Attache Association (OSAA). Probably the most popular event on the diplomatic circuit, ICN allows participating Embassies to showcase their cuisine and culture to their association counterparts, senior military and diplomatic officials. Accompanying the dizzying array of delicious foods was an equally impressive offering of national alcoholic beverages. A live band added to the festivities.

We wish to thank our hosts and chief sponsor Calian for making this event possible.

06/15/2026

A recent headline in the Ottawa Citizen noted that the RCN have yet to renew their lease for the MV Asterix, which is set to expire in 2028. The Asterix is a proven resupply ship and the two Joint Support Ships (JSS) being built to replace her are not yet complete. It is time to target why would the RCN let the Asterix lease simply expire, when the RCN could in fact operate 3 Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) ships as they did in the 1980's and 1990's?

A recent headline in the Ottawa Citizen noted that the RCN have yet...

06/10/2026

Canada is strengthening its wildfire response capabilities with a federally leased fleet of firefighting aircraft and support assets. The initiative will provide rapid deployment capabilities across the country, helping communities and emergency services respond more effectively during wildfire season. 🇨🇦✈️🔥

The federal government has secured a fleet of leased firefighting aircraft ahead of Canada's wildfire season to improve national response capabilities. The package includes air tankers, support aircraft, and mobile tanker bases that can be deployed across the country, helping provinces respond more

06/08/2026

The federal government has just announced a lease agreement to acquire a 10 aircraft forest fire-fighting asset in advance of this year's wildfire season. This illustrates the urgent need for such a national capability. It is time to target why the RCAF is not tasked, and properly equipped for this role?

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.espritdecorps.ca/The federal gover...