Canada’s long-standing military recruitment shortfall appears to be easing, with new data showing a notable increase in applications to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). While internal reforms are playing a key role, some observers suggest heightened geopolitical tensions — particularly involving U.S. President Donald Trump — may also be contributing to the surge.

Applications Up 13% in Eight Months

Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty announced on February 24 that applications to join the CAF have risen by 13% over the past eight months.

“Applications are up because Canadians want to serve,” McGuinty said, adding that citizens are increasingly engaged in what he described as the “project called ‘Canada.’”

The recruitment boost follows years of shortages. At one point, Canada faced a deficit of approximately 15,000 personnel, falling short of its target strength of 71,000 regular members.

External Pressures and Sovereignty Concerns

Some analysts believe rising concerns about Canada’s sovereignty may be influencing the increase in enlistment.

President Trump has previously made controversial remarks suggesting Canada could become the “51st state” and once referred to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “Governor” — comments that sparked debate across both nations.

In January 2026, polling by the Canadian research firm Leger found that 31% of Canadians believed it was likely the United States could take “direct action” to exert control over Canada in the future. While such concerns may appear speculative, they reflect heightened public sensitivity toward sovereignty issues.

Internal Reforms Also Driving Growth

Officials caution against attributing the recruitment rise solely to geopolitical tensions.

A government statement noted that this year’s increase aligns with trends already developing over the previous four years.

Under Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canada has significantly increased defense spending after years of underfunding. Ottawa is investing tens of billions of dollars to modernize the military and strengthen readiness.

Canada is on track to meet NATO’s 2% of GDP defense spending target and has pledged to reach 5% by 2035. The newly announced Defense Industrial Strategy emphasizes a “Buy Canadian” approach and aims to create approximately 125,000 jobs nationwide.

Improved Pay and Housing Conditions

Recruitment improvements are also tied to better compensation and living standards.

The government has introduced:

A 20% pay increase for service members
Plans to build 7,500 new military housing units
Streamlined recruitment through a new online applicant portal launched in March 2025

Retired Major-General David Fraser told CTV News that global uncertainty often boosts recruitment.

“Crises normally help out recruiting,” Fraser said. “Canadians, since Donald Trump has gotten in, we’ve got our elbows up.”

He also noted that fixing slow recruitment processing times was crucial. An Auditor General’s report had previously identified delays as a major barrier, prompting modernization efforts.

A Combination of Factors

While President Trump’s rhetoric may have heightened national awareness and patriotism among some Canadians, officials emphasize that the recruitment rise is likely due to multiple factors:

Increased defense spending
Higher pay
Improved housing
Faster recruitment processes
Growing geopolitical uncertainty

Together, these elements appear to be strengthening Canada’s military readiness after years of staffing challenges.

each one with official designations in

Key Entities

Donald Trump – President of the United States
Canadian Armed Forces – Canada’s unified military forces (Army, Navy, Air Force)
David McGuinty – Minister of National Defence, Government of Canada
Leger – Canadian market research and public opinion polling firm
Mark Carney – Prime Minister of Canada
NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization (military alliance)
CTV News – Canadian national television news broadcaster
Conclusion
Trump may have contributed indirectly by intensifying national security concerns, but structural reforms, financial incentives, and modernization efforts within Canada are likely the primary reasons behind the recruitment rebound.