Only Half of Canadians Would Volunteer for Military Service in Armed Conflict, Poll Finds

A new poll reveals growing challenges for Canada’s military recruitment efforts, with younger adults significantly less willing to serve in combat roles than older generations, as the country grapples with mounting pressure to dramatically increase defense spending amid heightened global tensions.

The Angus Reid Institute survey found 49% of Canadians would volunteer for military service in a combat role during an armed conflict, but willingness varies dramatically by age. Among those 18-34, only 43% said they would volunteer, compared to 55% of those over 54. 

The findings coincide with declining national pride in the Armed Forces, which dropped from 79% in November 2019 to 52% in June 2025 — a 27-point decline over roughly five years. 

The poll results come as Canada faces unprecedented pressure to boost military spending. In June, Prime Minister Mark Carney committed Canada to spending 5% of GDP on defense by 2035 — a dramatic increase from the previous 2% NATO target — following pressure from US President Donald Trump. NATO allies agree to higher 5% defense spending target Defense Minister Bill Blair has said Canada could potentially meet the 2% target by 2027, five years ahead of the government’s original 2032 timeline.

Political affiliation influenced poll responses, with Conservative supporters (69%) more likely to volunteer for military service than Liberal (47%), NDP (35%) or Bloc Québécois (35%) voters. Men were also more willing than women to express support for their children joining the military.

The survey of 1,619 Canadian adults was conducted June 20-23, 2025, with a margin of error of 2.0 percentage points.



Information for this story was found via the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

One Response

  1. Forty nine percent of Canadians willing to volunteer and fight for their country is an incredible number that probably puts us at the top in patriotic terms nationally. In my father’s memoir of the Pacific war ‘Born Backwards’ (he enlisted in the U.S. army on December 10, 1941, the day after Pearl Harbour) he details the abysmal record and embarrassing performance of American troops in their country’s darkest hours, estimating perhaps a hundred thousand volunteers against the millions of draftees who made up the (draft) Army of the United States. They even stopped counting enlisted men; everyone was lumped in together. If Trump even moves on Greenland he’s well out of his depth and Canada can rest easy.

Leave a Reply

Video Articles

Gold/Silver: People Can Still Lose Money In This Bull Market!? | Rick Rule

He Said $300 Silver!? | Peter Krauth

Dollar Will Collapse, Gold and Silver Are the Only Safe Havens | Jim Rogers

Recommended

Tsunami Warnings Spread As Largest Quake Since 2011 Hits Russia

Northern Superior Intersects 1.75 g/t Gold Over 65.0 Metres At Philibert

Related News

CP Rail to Purchase Kansas City Southern for US$25 Billion

Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd has revealed it will be purchasing Kansas City Southern for US$25...

Monday, March 22, 2021, 02:38:00 PM

Canada in Recession Despite Growth Numbers, Former Central Bank Chief Says

Canada is experiencing a recession masked by immigration-driven consumption, former Bank of Canada Governor Stephen...

Friday, December 6, 2024, 03:47:00 PM

Canada Not Likely to Meet its Electric Vehicle Sales Target by 2025 Despite Rebates

Despite the growing demand for electric vehicles, it appears that Canada will still fall short...

Saturday, November 14, 2020, 11:54:00 AM

Canadian Aluminum Exports To The US May Become Subject To 10% Tariff

Due to the coronavirus pandemic bringing the US economy to a sudden standstill, many domestic...

Wednesday, June 24, 2020, 01:25:00 PM

Canada’s Economy Projected to Rebound in 2021, According to Private Sector Forecast

According to a recent private sector forecast, Canada’s economy is beginning to enter the recovery...

Tuesday, June 23, 2020, 02:49:00 PM