As the military endeavours to boost its recruitment and retention numbers, Canadians say their overall trust in the armed forces’ preparedness is declining, with fewer than 40 percent of respondents saying they have a “high level of trust” in the military, according to internal Department of National Defence (DND) research.
“More than one in three respondents, 37 percent, trust the Canadian Armed Forces while an additional 40 percent were ‘somewhat’ trustful,” reads a report summarizing in-house research contracted by the DND, according to Blacklock’s Reporter on July 14.
The report, titled “Views Of The Canadian Armed Forces 2022-23 Tracking Study,” says the number of respondents saying they have a “high level of trust” in the military declined from 43 percent in 2021 to 37 percent in 2023.
“Among those who could reflect on the worst aspects of the Forces, many referred to it being underfunded and using antiquated equipment,” the report said.
“However, a few felt that the Forces were receiving too much funding and others referred to scandals, bad press, harassment, bullying, discrimination and abuse of power.”
The report’s findings were based on research conducted across 10 federal focus groups and questionnaires with over 1,000 people nationwide.
DND paid Quorus Consulting Group over $138,000 to conduct the research.
“Overall impressions of the Canadian Armed Forces were predominantly positive with 64 percent describing their opinion as at least ’somewhat' positive,” it said.
Military Issues
The report found that most respondents said the military’s biggest challenges at the moment are either recruitment or retention (26 percent), budget or funding issues (18 percent), and carrying out operations with outdated equipment (12 percent).In another recent internal report, DND
said Canada’s military is facing “significant challenges” regarding a number of factors that are threatening its ability to fulfill its mission.
“Current deficiencies in key readiness areas related to Personnel, Equipment, Training and Sustainment pose a threat to both current and future readiness,” said the
report, “Ready Forces Integrated Strategic Analysis,” produced in March but only made public in June.
The report follows a recent DND briefing note that
said the military’s recruitment numbers dropped by 35 percent in 2022 compared to the previous year.
In response to the issues, Defence Minister Anita Anand has
said the government is focused on an “overall reconstitution of the Canadian Armed Forces.”
“That is a priority because, as you know, we need to grow,” she
told reporters on July 12. “We’re down about 10,000 members. Part of my job as minister is to ensure that we are building a Canadian Armed Forces where everyone can serve.”
Noé Chartier and Matthew Horwood contributed to this report.
