Canada’s defence chief to outline options for major military expansion
Canadian Armed Forces expansion plan could reshape recruitment, training and reserves See how Canada may build toward 500,000 personnel despite staffing and equipment gaps
Canada’s top military commander is preparing to present options for a large expansion of the Canadian Armed Forces, including growth in both the regular force and the reserves.
Gen. Jennie Carignan said the plan could involve as many as 500,000 personnel across different categories of service, with a possible role for lightly trained citizen soldiers alongside primary reservists and fulltime members.
The proposal comes as the military continues to struggle with recruiting shortfalls, training backlogs and equipment gaps. Defence officials have said the current system lacks enough instructors, training spaces and support capacity to manage a much larger force.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has said expanding the military remains a government priority, but officials have warned that meeting existing personnel targets may not be possible for several more years.