• The Canadian military has reached its highest number of new recruits in 30 years, reversing a chronic personnel shortage.
  • The increase is partly attributed to the ‘Trump effect’ and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
  • High youth unemployment (14%) and military pay raises under Prime Minister Carney also boosted applications.
  • Canada has met NATO’s 2% GDP defense spending target for the first time since the 1980s.
  • Analysts warn it will take 5-10 years for funding to translate into real improvements.