What to know
- A Nanos Research survey finds that more Canadians are willing to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) if Canada faced a major conflict, with full-time interest rising from 12 per cent to 24 per cent and part-time interest from 19 per cent to 32 per cent.
- 34 per cent of respondents say the CAF makes them proud to be Canadian, while 33 per cent see a military career as a good option for young Canadians.
- Toronto residents shared mixed reactions: some would serve if compensated or under severe circumstances, while others are strongly against military involvement.
- The survey polled 1,058 Canadians aged 18-plus, with a margin of error of about three percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
A new survey by Nanos Research suggests a growing number of Canadians would be willing to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in the event of a major conflict.
The survey, released Monday, polled 1,058 Canadians aged 18 and older from March 1 to March 8, 2026. Nanos conducted the survey using landline and cellphone, hybrid telephone and online random sampling.
Respondents were asked about their general impressions of the CAF, whether a career in the CAF is a good fit for young Canadians, and whether they would be willing to serve in the CAF in either a full-time or part-time capacity if Canada were involved in a major conflict.
The survey found that nearly 24 per cent of respondents would be willing to serve in the CAF full-time in the event of a major conflict, up from 12 per cent previously in November. Meanwhile, 32 per cent said they would serve in a part-time capacity, an increase from 19 per cent in November.
In addition, 34 per cent of respondents agreed that the CAF makes them proud to be Canadian, while 40 per cent somewhat agreed. The survey also found that 33 per cent believe a career in the CAF is a good option for young Canadians, while 40 per cent somewhat agree.
The margin of error for the survey is plus or minus three percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Torontonians offered mixed reactions.
Now Toronto headed to the streets to chat with residents about whether they would serve in the CAF if needed.
Toronto resident Robert Martinez says he would not.
“I just don’t see myself in the military,” he explained.
Although the idea doesn’t appeal to him, he says he isn’t surprised other Canadians are willing.
“Having a strong feeling for your country and wanting to fight for it is an honourable thing,” he added.
Another resident, Gabi, says she absolutely would not.
“No, f*ck war,” she said. “It’s kind of surprising but with the uptick in conservatism overall it just feels like something people would do, but I am personally anti-army.”
One resident, Mike P., says the money would need to flow for him to join.
“It depends on if I get compensated, if I get paid for it,” he said.
Another resident said it would depend on the circumstances.
“It depends on what the conflict is, it would have to be pretty severe,” he said.
