More Canadians Want to Join the Military, But Current Members Keep Leaving
In a striking turn of events, interest in joining the Canadian military has surged, reaching recruitment levels not seen in a decade. As more Canadians express their desire to serve their country, the stark reality of a retention crisis looms large. Data reveals that thousands of current military personnel are choosing to leave the Armed Forces, raising questions about the stability and future of Canada’s military.
The recent figures obtained by Global News illuminate this troubling trend. The Department of National Defence reported that 5,026 members departed the military between 2024 and 2025, a significant increase from the 4,256 who left the year prior. This rise in attrition comes at a time when Prime Minister Mark Carney has made commitments to bolster the Armed Forces and decrease reliance on U.S. military support.
Despite a concerted push for recruitment and a promising influx of new volunteers, the retention of seasoned personnel is becoming increasingly precarious. Experts are calling attention to the factors driving this exodus, including challenges related to mental health, work-life balance, and support systems within the military community.
As the Canadian Armed Forces chart a path forward amidst this duality of increasing recruitment and declining retention, it highlights a critical juncture for the nation’s defense structure. The situation demands urgent attention and innovative solutions to ensure that those who serve are not only welcomed into the fold but also supported adequately to remain.
With the landscape of military service evolving, the future of Canada’s military readiness hangs in the balance, and policymakers must act swiftly to address both the influx of new recruits and the loss of experienced members. The need for a robust strategy is clear—to sustain a well-equipped and stable Armed Forces, Canada must balance recruitment with retention.
Watch the video by Global News
Video “More Canadians want to join the military, but current members keep leaving” was uploaded on 06/23/2025 to Youtube Channel Global News