A recent poll conducted by Nanos Research has revealed a notable shift in Canadian attitudes towards military service, with a significant increase in the number of individuals expressing a willingness to join the Armed Forces in the event of a major conflict. This change in public sentiment coincides with heightened global tensions and increased government commitment to military funding and recruitment initiatives.
Rising Willingness to Serve
The findings from the Nanos poll, commissioned by The Globe and Mail, indicate that 24 per cent of Canadians surveyed in early March would consider serving full-time in the military if Canada were to engage in a significant conflict. This represents a marked rise from just 12 per cent recorded in November 2025. Furthermore, the interest in part-time service among respondents has also surged, with 32 per cent now indicating a willingness to join the reserves, up from 19 per cent previously.
These statistics suggest a growing recognition of the military as a viable career path among young Canadians, particularly those aged 18 to 34, who exhibited an eight percentage point higher inclination to serve full-time compared to those aged 55 and above.
Positive Perceptions of the Military
The poll results reveal that 58 per cent of participants hold a favourable opinion of the Canadian Forces, with around 75 per cent expressing pride in the military’s role in protecting the nation. Notably, support is strongest in Atlantic Canada, where 71 per cent of respondents view the military positively, while Ontario reflects a lower approval rate of 54 per cent.
Additionally, a significant 73 per cent of individuals said they would regard a friend or family member’s decision to enlist favourably, an increase from 68 per cent in a similar survey last year. This shift may reflect a broader cultural acceptance of military service as a respected vocation.
Government Commitment to Defence Spending
Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to increase defence spending by over £84 billion over the next five years, highlighting the necessity for a robust military presence in an increasingly perilous world. Canada recently achieved NATO’s benchmark of allocating 2 per cent of its gross domestic product to defence—a target it had not met consistently in previous years—and aims to reach 5 per cent by 2035.
Wayne Eyre, former chief of defence staff from 2021 to 2024, noted that the poll results could provide the government with the social license to continue its defence investment. However, he cautioned that sustaining public support will be critical for the long-term viability of these funding commitments.
Historical Context and Current Challenges
Tom Lawson, a former chief of defence staff between 2012 and 2015, contrasted the current climate with the 1990s, when military personnel were discouraged from wearing uniforms in public due to negative perceptions. He emphasised that today’s robust support presents a unique opportunity for the military to intensify recruitment efforts.
Lawson urged military leaders to capitalise on this positive momentum, asserting that the time for action is now.
The Nanos survey was conducted from March 1 to 8, involving a random sample of 1,058 Canadians aged 18 and older, with a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Why it Matters
The changing attitude towards military service in Canada, particularly among younger generations, signals a critical juncture for the nation’s defence strategy. As global threats become more pronounced, the increased willingness to enlist could enable Canada to bolster its military capabilities significantly. Furthermore, the government’s commitment to enhanced defence funding may foster a renewed sense of national pride and security among Canadians, reshaping the discourse around military service for years to come.
