Canada’s defence chief confirms pay hikes, recruitment growth, and Arctic investments as military spending climbs to meet global threats.
Military Leadership Welcomes Defence Spending Boost
Canada’s top soldier, Gen. Jennie Carignan, has expressed full support for the federal government’s decision to ramp up military spending—an initiative that includes nearly 20% pay raises for members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Her comments come amid growing global tensions and renewed emphasis on national security within the NATO alliance.
Defence Commitments Align with NATO Goals
On Saturday, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will increase defence spending to five per cent of GDP over the next 10 years. The breakdown includes 3.5 per cent for core military functions and 1.5 per cent for defence infrastructure. The announcement follows an agreement among NATO leaders to significantly increase investment in collective security.
Pay Raises Coming This Fall
In an exclusive interview with, Carignan confirmed that planning is already underway to implement the pay hike, with a targeted rollout by fall or early winter. The raise is part of a broader compensation package promised by Defence Minister David McGuinty.
“It’s an envelope that will be adapting to what we need,” Carignan said. “Some of it will be a pay increase, some of it will be for benefit allowances for specific trades or specific functions.”
Priority Incentives for Key Military Roles
Carignan emphasized that the size of the pay increase will vary based on rank and specialization. Special allowances will be directed toward critical roles, particularly in training and recruitment—two areas the CAF is urgently trying to strengthen.
“For example, recruiting and training is a priority,” she said. “We want to make sure we encourage instructors in our schools, so there are going to be additional benefits.”
Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann added that the added compensation and investment in equipment would lift troop morale. “This is why we joined—we want to serve,” he said. “And this support is critical for maintaining operational readiness.”
Recruitment Outpaces Targets
For the first time in a decade, CAF has exceeded its recruitment goals by 2,000 personnel. Retention is also improving, with fewer people leaving the forces. Carignan noted that 18 per cent of the new recruits are women, reflecting growing diversity within the military.
“A very good retention rate and a lot more people coming in, which means we are growing at CAF at the moment—and very positive,” Carignan said.
Forces Expansion Aims for Full Strength
Carignan confirmed plans to restore the military to full strength, targeting 71,500 regular forces and 30,000 reservists. Additional positions have already been approved and will be phased in as the CAF approaches its operational ceiling.
“We are focusing on going back to our full complement,” she said. “And as time goes by, we will add additional forces.”
Arctic Security a Top Priority
A key component of the increased funding will go toward enhancing Arctic sovereignty. With increased activity and interest in the region from global powers, Carignan stressed the need for robust defensive infrastructure—including new radar bases and faster response capabilities.
“Our geography does not protect us as well as it used to,” she warned. “We need more investment to actually exercise our sovereignty here in Canada—and this includes the Arctic.”
She emphasized the need for both surveillance and rapid-response infrastructure. “We must have sensors in place—and once you’ve seen something, you must be able to act,” she said. “These are building blocks for our defensive posture in the North.”
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