A leaked internal report shows the Canadian military is losing new recruits at more than twice the average rate, as frustration grows over training delays and the inability to get into desired roles.
The 2023–24 report, obtained by CBC News, found that 9.4% of newly enrolled members quit, compared to 4.3% across the entire Canadian Armed Forces. Many cited long waits—over 200 days in some cases—for specialized training, lack of equipment, and difficulty adjusting to military life.
"There are not enough trainers, facilities, or support," the report said. New members often face “months of underemployment,” which is driving morale down.
While the military says it's addressing recruitment challenges, retention is proving just as urgent. A Defence Department program designed to tackle the issue was quietly shut down this year, its funding and staff redirected.
Critics say that move undermines the military's stated priority of rebuilding its workforce. "Since 2022, we've been hearing that personnel issues are a priority," said Charlotte Duval-Lantoine of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. "But the military is not putting its money where its mouth is."
Military leaders admit the training bottleneck is a problem. Commander Lt.-Gen. Lise Bourgon said the forces are partnering with civilian colleges to help ease the load. Basic training improvements are also underway, according to Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan.
The leaked report also warned that experienced soldiers close to retirement aren’t being encouraged to stay. Many feel overworked and overlooked, and leave as soon as they're eligible for a pension.
One exception may be the Navy's one-year trial program, which lets recruits test the waters before fully committing. Early results suggest it's helped reduce early exits.
The Armed Forces are short about 14,000 members. Yet as plans for Arctic expansion and new global commitments grow, the gap between recruitment and readiness continues to widen.
Explosions shook parts of southern Lebanon on Friday night as Israeli strikes rippled across the Zahrani district, with the blasts travelling toward t...
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States is sending a larger number of ships toward Iran and expressed hope for a deal, while...
German coalition politicians are pushing for higher tobacco taxes to relieve the country’s loss-making statutory health insurance system, saying ris...
Europe is increasingly viewing the South Caucasus not as a region of frozen conflicts, but as a space of opportunity, stability and strategic connecti...
Israel will reopen Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Sunday (1 February), allowing limited movement of Palestinians in both directions afte...
Explosions shook parts of southern Lebanon on Friday night as Israeli strikes rippled across the Zahrani district, with the blasts travelling toward the coastal city of Sidon.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States is sending a larger number of ships toward Iran and expressed hope for a deal, while warning that “if we don’t make a deal, we’ll see what happens.”
Israel will reopen Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Sunday (1 February), allowing limited movement of Palestinians in both directions after nearly two years of closure, Israeli authorities said on Friday.
If Fars News Agency is to be believed, Iran's neighbours should be on alert. The agency, which reportedly mirrors the views of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned Azerbaijan and Türkiye that if the U.S. and Israel attack Iran, they will become "legitimate targets for Tehran."
Liverpool confirmed direct qualification to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 with a 6-0 win over Qarabağ at Anfield in their final league-phase match. Despite the setback, Qarabağ secured a play-off spot, with results elsewhere going in the Azerbaijani champions’ favour on the final matchday.
China is supplying key industrial equipment that has enabled Russia to speed up production of its newest nuclear-capable hypersonic missile, an investigation by The Telegraph has found, heightening concerns in Europe over Moscow’s ability to threaten the West despite international sanctions.
Storm Kristin has killed at least five people and left more than 850,000 residents of central and northern Portugal without electricity on Wednesday (28 January), as it toppled trees, damaged homes, and disrupted road and rail traffic before moving inland to Spain.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready to assist in rebuilding Syria’s war-damaged economy as the country's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa made his second visit to Moscow in less than four months on Wednesday (28 January).
Iranian citizens and businesses are continuing to feel the impact of a nationwide internet shutdown imposed amid a sweeping crackdown on anti-government protests.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States is sending a larger number of ships toward Iran and expressed hope for a deal, while warning that “if we don’t make a deal, we’ll see what happens.”
German coalition politicians are pushing for higher tobacco taxes to relieve the country’s loss-making statutory health insurance system, saying rising prices would curb smoking and generate needed revenue.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Thursday (29 January) he expected the U.S. administration to respect Canadian sovereignty, after reports that U.S. officials met Alberta separatists.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 30th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Britain against doing business with Beijing. His comments came as Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the economic benefits of resetting relations with China during a visit on Friday (30 January).
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment