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.
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