36% of young Canadians are less willing to enlist in armed forces: Poll
Posted July 10, 2025 7:01 pm.
Last Updated July 10, 2025 8:19 pm.
As Canada plans to increase military spending to meet NATO’s commitment, about half of Canadians say if there is an armed conflict, they are willing to fight for their country.
“If there was a threat to Canada, then that would be a better reason than if there was a threat somewhere,” said Cole, local.
According to a recent Angus Reid poll, 49 per cent of Canadians are willing to fight for their country.
The poll indicates that those most willing to enlist are over 54-years-old. While those in the youngest age group of 18 to 34-years-old, are more likely to say no, at 36 per cent, with 34 per cent saying only if they agreed with the reason for fighting.
“A lot of concerns with, for example, Russia, which is currently a very reactionary and authoritarian state. So, to that end, I might be more willing to go off to a conflict like that,” said Ben, local.
“The younger generation hasn’t grown up with wars,” said Kenneth Aseltine, Afghanistan war veteran. “The last war they knew about, and a lot of them were pretty young when we were in Afghanistan, so they haven’t had a war to follow.”
Aseltine works at the veteran’s foodbank in Edmonton. He says that while it is concerning, he is not surprised to see fewer young people interested in the military.
Recent scandals plaguing the Canadian armed forces, such as allegations of sexual misconduct have led to a decline in enlistment interest.
“It’s making national news, and people are hesitant, ‘oh, I don’t want to join that because there’s these bad guys in there.’ well, it’s not even hardly a percentage point of people,” said Aseltine.
Aseltine believes young Canadians might have a different view, if Canada ever faces a threat.
“You’re taking care of Canada,” said Aseltine. “You’re not taking care of anybody else, just Canada.”
“If Canadian soil itself is safe, then just no reason for me to join the armed forces to go somewhere else and harm other people who are not connected to me,” said Nhial, local.
