Canada's crumbling Armed Forces A review by 19Fortyfive

The Canadian Army is facing a complex crisis that undermines its ability to recruit, retain, equip, and train personnel, all of which are crucial requisites for modern warfare. These challenges are systemic and jeopardize both national defense and Canada’s role in global security alliances, coming at a time of growing cracks in the global peace. 

Addressing these issues will require bold reforms, sustained investment, and political will, an article by the 19Fortyfive publication argues, laying out a plan for the army's revival under under a potential future Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre, the current Leader of Canada's opposition force.

The Army struggles with a severe recruitment and retention crisis, falling short of recruitment targets by over 10,000 personnel across Canada's Armed Forces. This shortfall hampers the Army’s capacity to staff units, maintain training cycles, and prepare for deployments. Poor living conditions in remote stations, limited career opportunities, and burnout drive many soldiers to leave, all of which only compound the issue.

For instance, soldiers at bases like Petawawa and Edmonton face significant housing challenges, such as rising rents and inadequate on-base housing, which strain morale and finances. These conditions create a cycle of attrition, overburdening remaining personnel. Additionally, younger generations often view the military as outdated, while Canada’s recruitment campaigns fail to inspire or resonate with modern workforce expectations. Unlike countries like the US, which highlight STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) career opportunities in their campaigns, Canada lacks a cohesive narrative that aligns with today’s aspirations.

Equipment and Modernization Deficiencies

Outdated equipment further hampers the Army’s effectiveness. Delays in military procurement have left Canadian forces ill-equipped for modern threats, such as those posed by adversaries using drones and precision-guided munitions. While some Light Armoured Vehicles have been upgraded, the Army lacks long-range artillery, advanced air defense systems, and unmanned aerial systems critical for high-intensity conflicts.

For example, during NATO exercises, Canadian forces struggled to integrate with allies employing advanced electronic warfare and drone systems. Comparatively, NATO members like Poland have made significant investments in modernizing their forces, acquiring systems like HIMARS artillery. Canada’s sluggish procurement processes reflect a complacency that leaves the Army vulnerable and diminishes its credibility within NATO.

Despite promises of investment under the “Strong, Secure, Engaged” defense policy, put together by the Trudeau administration in 2017, many commitments remain unfulfilled. Although the policy book included projections on how Canada would measure up to the NATO spending targets to which it had committed as a member of the alliance, spending two per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence and spending 20 per cent of that money on equipment purchase and related research and development, the policy's implementation looked somewhat different. 

Persistent reliance on aging logistics vehicles, years-long procurement delays, and piecemeal upgrades like Leopard 2 tanks highlight decades of underinvestment. These gaps are evident in operations such as Canada’s deployment to Latvia, where 800 troops lack the technological sophistication to deter threats like Russian aggression.

Inadequate training for 'New Generation Wars'

Training practices lag behind the demands of contemporary warfare. High-intensity conflicts now require integration of cyber capabilities, autonomous systems, and electronic warfare, yet Canada’s training regimes remain grounded in outdated paradigms.

For instance, the annual “Maple Resolve” exercise focuses on basic readiness but fails to simulate electronic warfare or counter-drone scenarios—capabilities increasingly vital in modern battlefields. Other nations, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, incorporate multi-domain operations into their training, leaving Canada’s forces ill-prepared for evolving threats.

Infrastructure and Strategic Incoherence

Substandard infrastructure further weakens the Army. Soldiers face deteriorating barracks, inadequate medical facilities, and exorbitant housing costs near bases. At CFB Edmonton, for example, poor living conditions symbolize the broader neglect of the military’s needs.

Strategic incoherence exacerbates the strain on resources. The Army’s decision to spread limited personnel across multiple missions dilutes its effectiveness. Deployments like those in Latvia, while symbolically significant, lack the necessary logistical and technological support. A more focused approach—such as enhancing Arctic security or doubling the Latvia contingent—would better align with Canada’s strategic priorities.

The Arctic remains particularly vulnerable, with Canada ill-equipped to address growing threats from Russia and China. Investments in Arctic surveillance, icebreakers, and mobility platforms remain inadequate, leaving the region exposed.

Need for new approach

Andrew Latham, the author of the somber review of the military, believes the following comprehensive reforms are needed:

Modernizing Recruitment: Develop targeted campaigns using digital platforms to appeal to diverse demographics, emphasizing career growth and contributions to national security.

Improving Retention: Enhance pay, housing, and family support programs, including subsidized housing for personnel in high-cost areas.

Streamlining Procurement: Reduce bureaucratic delays, partner with allies on joint projects, and ensure timely delivery of advanced technologies.

Updating Training: Incorporate cyber capabilities, electronic warfare, and multi-domain operations into training programs to reflect modern battlefield realities.

Investing in Infrastructure: Allocate significant resources to improve housing, medical facilities, and training environments.

Lukewarm Political Will

Addressing these challenges demands political leadership. The current Trudeau government has largely favored symbolic gestures over substantive reforms. A potential Conservative government under Pierre Poilievre may bring the political will to prioritize defense. However, systemic issues require long-term planning, sustained investment, and cultural shifts within the Army to embrace innovation and adaptability.

Without bold reforms, dysfunctions in Canada's Armed Forces will persist, leaving the Army ill-prepared for modern warfare. A future government must rise to the challenge, making defense a core priority to restore the Army’s relevance and credibility in an increasingly volatile world.

By Nazrin Sadigova