According to a recent Ipsos poll conducted exclusively for Global News, more than half of Canadians (56%) perceive the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as “old and antiquated.” These results align with a survey conducted by the defense department between December 19, 2022, and January 15, 2023, which found that only 20% of Canadians view the CAF as a modern institution, with 29% considering it outdated.
Ipsos CEO Darrell Bricker suggests that Canadians believe the solution to this perception issue lies in increasing funding for the armed forces. Bricker states that if the CAF can address concerns of incompetence and political interference, Canadians feel that the CAF can become more modern, but currently, the perception remains negative.
The Ipsos poll further reveals that 75% of respondents believe Canada should increase defense spending to protect its territory and sovereignty. Concerns about defending the country are largely influenced by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (71%) and China’s actions in the Taiwan Strait (69%).
Retired major-general Denis Thompson emphasizes the need for modernized equipment across all branches of the Canadian Forces, such as frigates for the Navy and incoming F-35 fighter jets for the Air Force. Thompson argues that investing in defense serves as a deterrent to going to war, which is both more cost-effective and vital as Canada cannot rely on the United States indefinitely.
The poll also highlights generational differences, with 36% of individuals aged 18-34 believing that Canada should leave defense up to the United States compared to 12% of those aged 55 and older. Additionally, 66% of the younger cohort prefer allocating funds to other domestic issues, while 41% of the older cohort feels the same way.
The United States continues to urge Canada to increase defense investment and meet its NATO commitment of allocating 2% of GDP to defense spending. The new American NORAD commander, Gregory Guillot, has committed to having “tough conversations” with Canada regarding military spending.
Overall, the Ipsos poll, along with insights from Bricker, Thompson, and the defense department study, suggests that most Canadians are disconnected from the day-to-day operations of the CAF. However, the conflict in Ukraine has increased public awareness about defense matters. Nevertheless, with other pressing issues impacting Canadians’ daily lives, such as the high cost of living, potential threats from nations like Russia may not be at the forefront of their minds.
One area where Canadians believe the military should have a larger role is in the Arctic. The melting polar ice has created new shipping routes and increased geopolitical tensions between the East and West. The poll indicates that 83% of respondents support the military monitoring all ship traffic through the Northwest Passage, while 73% want to see more military bases in the Arctic. Additionally, 51% are in favor of Canada purchasing nuclear submarines to defend the region. This concern is likely driven by the situation in Ukraine and historical Cold War feelings towards Russia.
These findings are based on an Ipsos poll conducted between June 19 and 20, 2023, with a sample of 1,000 Canadians aged 18 and above. Quotas and weighting were applied to ensure a representative sample based on census parameters. The poll’s precision interval is ±3.5 percentage points, meaning the results are accurate to within that range, 19 times out of 20, if all Canadians above the age of 18 were surveyed.
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