Increasing global uncertainty is motivating Canadians to enlist in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), according to federal Minister of National Defence, David McGuinty. That number has been confirmed to the National Post by the Department of National Defence (DND). But as of late December, Canada’s regular force was at 65,677 — 5,823 people short of the target. This includes direct enrolments into the regular force as well as transfers from the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service, Rangers, and Supplementary Reserve, says Sadiku. Canadians are all for increased defence spending, which has reached a 30-year high, the National Post has previously reported.

Source: National Post February 26, 2026 18:27 UTC