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Believe It Or Not, Canada Has A Military… Barely

Writer's picture: Reid MorrowReid Morrow
3 days ago5 min read

Canada’s military spending has seen fluctuations over the decades, with recent trends showing an increase in absolute terms but a decline relative to GDP. According to MacroTrends data on Canada military spending, military expenditure in 2022 was $26.90 billion, a 6.05% increase from 2021’s $25.36 billion. However, as a percentage of GDP, it stood at approximately 1.28% in 2021-22, based on World Bank data, falling short of the NATO target of 2% set in 2014, as noted in CBC News analysis. This is lower than historical levels, such as during the Cold War in 1985, when spending was about 2.1% of GDP, adjusted for inflation to around $23.4 billion in 2022 dollars, indicating a relative underfunding in today’s context.


This underfunding, especially compared to historical benchmarks, compromises Canada’s ability to maintain a robust defense force. The Hub’s analysis describes Canada’s defense spending as “downright disastrous,” noting international criticism and growing isolation from key allies, particularly in a world of evolving geopolitical tensions.


Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Canada has provided significant financial and military aid, totaling over $12.4 billion, with more than $1.5 billion specifically for military support, as detailed in CBC News. Recent announcements include a $64.8 million package in October 2024 for small arms and protective gear, part of a broader $500 million commitment, as reported by  Reuters. This aid includes training over 42,000 Ukrainian troops under Operation UNIFIER and contributions to NATO-led initiatives, as outlined in  Canada.ca. 


This significant expenditure raises concerns about resource allocation. While supporting Ukraine is important, it may deplete Canada’s own military stockpiles and reduce readiness. For instance, donating equipment and funds could mean less for domestic procurement and training, especially given the CAF’s current personnel shortage of 16,500, as mentioned in the National Post. This perspective sees the aid as a misallocation, prioritizing foreign commitments over national security, particularly when military spending is below the NATO target.


The Canadian Armed Forces has been actively pursuing DEI initiatives, aiming to build a diverse and inclusive workforce. According to  Canada.ca, these efforts include targets like increasing female representation from 15% to 25% by 2026, as part of the 2017 Strong, Secure, Engaged policy, as noted in Canadian Military Journal. The Department of National Defence emphasizes that DEI supports operational effectiveness by fostering inclusivity, with programs like Defence Advisory Groups and Positive Space initiatives to create a safe work environment.


However, there are concerns about the potential impact on merit-based readiness.  National Post quotes retired Major Barbara Krasij-Maisonneuve, criticizing the focus on DEI hires, suggesting it lowers standards to meet diversity quotas. The Western Standard  highlights recruitment strategies emphasizing diversity, which some argue could compromise combat effectiveness. Critics, including conservative voices, worry that resources spent on DEI training and programs could be better used for enhancing combat skills, especially given the CAF’s current challenges in recruitment and retention.


Women have been eligible for all combat positions in the CAF since 1989, following a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruling, with submarine service opened in 2001. However, the argument that women should not hold combat positions due to risks like rape and torture if captured is holds merit.


Historical cases show female POWs found themselves in a particular hell. During the Gulf War, Major Rhonda Cornum was subjected to “sexual indecencies” within hours of capture, as reported in  FindLaw, and World War II saw Japanese forces subjecting female POWs to inhumane treatment, including sexual abuse according to the Japan Nihon. Women face gender-specific risks, with conservatives arguing it’s unfair to ask women to endure such dangers, given the potential for endless torture and rape if captured.


However, counterarguments exist. A 2021 Norwegian study found integrating women into squads did not hurt male recruits’ performance, as noted in Wikipedia on women in combat, and women have served and persevered in combat roles, as seen with Brig. Gen. Rhonda Cornum’s resilience in the U.S. Army article. The Geneva Conventions of 1949 provide protections for all POWs, but enforcement varies, and the risk remains, particularly in conflicts with non-compliant actors.


I believe it is one thing to ask a man to put his life down in service of the freedom of his home country, but it’s another thing to ask one to possibly endure endless tourture and gang-rape behind enemy lines, particularaly when fighting an enemy which does not play by the same rules, or respect the same human right we do, not to mention the potential complication of unit cohesion and dynamics, as argued formerly. Yet, acknowledging women’s right to serve if they choose, the debate balances equality with protection, with historical service showing women can endure, but unique risks remaining a concern.


The implications are significant. If military spending remains below the NATO target, Canada risks weakening its defense capabilities, potentially isolating itself from allies, as noted in Wilson Center. The focus on DEI, well-intentioned or not, should face backlash if found to compromise merit, especially in conservative circles, with potential legal and operational challenges, as seen in the U.S. context in Torys LLP. For women in combat, the outcome could shape recruitment and retention, with the risk of capture remaining a debated factor in policy decisions.


Canada’s military is underfunded relative to historical and NATO benchmarks, with significant aid to Ukraine potentially straining domestic resources. The focus on DEI initiatives raises concerns about merit-based readiness, and the debate over women in combat positions highlights unique risks, with historical evidence showing both resilience and challenges. The outcome could shape Canada’s defense posture, with calls for increased spending, reduced foreign aid, and a merit-focused military to ensure national security in an increasingly turbulent world.


### Key Citations

- [Canada military spending as percentage of GDP](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS?locations=CA)

- [Canada pledged to spend 2% of GDP on its military](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/gdp-nato-military-spending-canada-1.6912028)

- [Economic, humanitarian and development assistance, and security and stabilization support – Russia’s invasion of Ukraine](https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/issues_development-enjeux_developpement/response_conflict-reponse_conflits/crisis-crises/ukraine-dev.aspx?lang=eng)

- [Canada has promised more than $1.5B in military aid to Ukraine](https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/canada-ukraine-military-hardware-1.6895534)

- [Canada commits an extra $500M in military assistance as NATO rallies around Ukraine](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-ukraine-russia-war-1.7260215)

- [Canadian Forces need to recruit warriors, not DEI hires](https://nationalpost.com/news/canadian-forces-need-warriors-not-dei-hires)

- [Canadian Military Journal on gender integration](http://www.journal.forces.gc.ca/cmj-article-en-arcpage36.html)

- [Women in the Canadian Armed Forces | The Canadian Encyclopedia](https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/women-in-the-military)

- [“Proud, brave, and tough”: women in the Canadian combat arms](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sociology/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2024.1304075/full)

- [Female POWs prove women can endure war's hardships](https://www.army.mil/article/54136/female_pows_prove_women_can_endure_wars_hardships)

- [American Women Prisoners of War](http://userpages.aug.com/captbarb/prisoners.html)

- [How did the Japanese treat female prisoners of war?](https://www.japannihon.com/how-did-the-japanese-treat-female-prisoners-of-war/)

- [Identity in the Trenches: The Fatal Impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on U.S. Military Readiness](https://dc.claremont.org/identity-in-the-trenches-the-fatal-impact-of-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-on-u-s-military-readiness/)

- [DEI in the Military Going INto 2025](https://usmilitary.com/dei-in-military/)

- [Ending military diversity efforts will cost us talent and readiness](https://www.militarytimes.com/opinion/2025/02/21/ending-military-diversity-efforts-will-cost-us/)

- [DEI efforts in US Armed Forces ineffective, run 'opposite of the military ethos'](https://nypost.com/2024/07/01/us-news/dei-efforts-in-us-armed-forces-ineffective-run-opposite-of-the-military-ethos-study/)

- [Canada - ratio of military expenditure to gross domestic product (GDP) 2012-2022](https://www.statista.com/statistics/810367/ratio-of-military-expenditure-to-gross-domestic-product-gdp-canada/)

- [List of countries with highest military expenditures](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_with_highest_military_expenditures)



 
 
 

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