The Canadian Army faces a confluence of crises that threaten its ability to recruit, retain, equip, and train warfighters relevant to the character of war in the 2020s.
These challenges are not merely logistical or administrative; they fundamentally undermine the Army’s capacity to defend Canada and contribute to collective security alongside its allies. Addressing these issues demands both a candid acknowledgment of the systemic dysfunctions and a bold commitment to reform. A future Conservative government under Pierre Poilievre might provide the necessary political will to tackle these shortcomings, but the solutions will require sustained focus and resources.
The Army’s recruitment and retention crisis is a critical vulnerability. The military consistently fails to meet recruitment targets, with some estimates suggesting a shortfall of over 10,000 personnel across the Armed Forces. This is not merely a numbers issue; it is a capability crisis. Without sufficient personnel, the Army cannot staff its units, maintain training cycles, or prepare for deployments. Retention compounds the problem.
Many soldiers cite poor living conditions, limited career advancement opportunities, and burnout as reasons for leaving the forces. Housing shortages at key bases such as Petawawa and Edmonton exacerbate financial stress on service members and their families, creating a vicious cycle of attrition that leaves remaining personnel overburdened and demoralized. For example, soldiers stationed at Petawawa report that rising rents in the surrounding area force many to commute long distances or live in inadequate on-base housing, further straining morale.
Author
Andrew
Latham
Non-Resident Fellow
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