Canadians Show Growing Support for Military and Defence Spending
Our national survey reveals an increase in Canadians’ positive impressions of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), alongside growing trust in their ability to defend the country. There is also strong public support for the government’s commitment to increased defence spending.
While Canadians prioritize domestic roles for the CAF, such as defending national territory and responding to natural disasters, they also express nuanced views on key challenges and the complexities of military procurement in a shifting political landscape.
This survey, conducted among 1,500 Canadian adults from June 17 to 19, 2025, explores public opinion on the CAF and the recently announced increase to the defence budget. Several questions were tracked from a previous survey conducted in March 2025, during the federal election campaign. For full results, see here.
Growing support for the Canadian Armed Forces
In March this year, we asked Canadians about their impressions of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). We repeated the question in this study, and the results show a positive shift in public sentiment. A combined 67% of Canadians now have a very or mostly positive impression of the CAF, an increase of 7 points since March. Notably, the share of those with a very positive impression rose from 21% to 31%, a 10-point gain.
Meanwhile, 20% of respondents reported a neutral impression, down 3 points from March. Only 5% said they have a very or mostly negative impression, reflecting a 4-point decrease.
Favourable opinions remain strongest among Canadians aged 60 and older, as well as those living in the Atlantic region.
Next, we asked Canadians again whether they trust or distrust the Canadian Armed Forces’ ability to effectively defend Canada.
Overall, 62% of Canadians say they completely or somewhat trust the CAF to defend the country. This represents a 13-point increase compared to March. The proportion of those who completely trust the CAF rose by 8 points, reaching 26%.
Meanwhile, 16% say they neither trust nor distrust the CAF, which is a 4-point decrease. Another 14% express some level of distrust, marking a 9-point decline.
Trust is notably higher among young Canadians aged 18 to 29. In contrast, older Canadians aged 60 and over tend to show more distrust. The highest levels of trust are currently reported in Ontario and the Atlantic provinces.
Backing the announcement of increased defence spending
First, we provided a brief reminder about the recent defence budget announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney, confirming that Canada will meet its 2% NATO spending target this year.
Overall, 62% of Canadians strongly or somewhat support the announcement of increased defence spending. An additional 18% say they can accept it, while 9% oppose the announcement. Support varies by political affiliation, with 74% of Liberal voters expressing support, compared to lower levels among Conservative voters (60%) and NDP voters (51%). This aligns with our March findings, which showed that 65% of Canadians believe a new federal government should spend significantly or somewhat more on Canada’s defence than it does currently.
Support for halting U.S. military purchases slips
Given the growing connection between military equipment purchases and the ongoing tariff dispute with the new Trump administration, we asked Canadians whether they support or oppose the federal government immediately halting the purchase of defence and military equipment from the United States. This question was first asked in March 2025 and repeated in the current study.
Support for an immediate halt has declined since March. Combined support now stands at 56%, an 8-point drop. Those who strongly support the measure have decreased by 7 points. Meanwhile, the share of Canadians who neither support nor oppose the idea has risen slightly to 25%, an increase of 4 points. Opposition to an immediate stop has grown as well, now at 11%, up 3 points since March.
Support for an immediate stop continues to vary by political affiliation. Conservative voters show the lowest level of support at 46%, down 7 points since March. In comparison, support among Liberal voters stands at 67% (down 8 points), while 64% of NDP voters support the measure (a 9-point drop).
These shifts suggest that while a majority still backs the idea of halting military purchases from the U.S., support is softening across the political spectrum as Canadians reassess their positions in the context of evolving economic and diplomatic tensions.
Views on the CAF’s role and key issues
We asked Canadians how they perceive the importance of the Canadian Armed Forces across various areas. The top two combined ratings (essential and very important) show that Canadians view defending Canadian territory and sovereignty (72%) and responding to natural disasters in Canada (71%) as the most critical roles of the CAF. Providing jobs and training opportunities for Canadians (62%) and representing Canada internationally (61%) are ranking behind. Roles such as contributing to peacekeeping missions (57%), supporting NATO and international alliances (56%), and supporting global security efforts like in Ukraine or the Indo-Pacific (49%) are considered less critical, though still important, by about half the respondents.
The results highlight Canadians’ strong preference for focusing on domestic defence and disaster response rather than international military engagement.
As a final question, we asked Canadians what they believe are the real problems facing the Canadian Armed Forces today. The top concerns identified were outdated equipment (42%), difficulty recruiting new personnel (40%), and a lack of readiness for modern threats such as cyberattacks (31%). Issues seen as less critical by Canadians include declining trust in the institution (24%), high attrition rates (23%), harassment and misconduct (23%), and a lack of leadership or vision (20%). Additionally, 22% of Canadians felt they did not know enough to provide an opinion.
THE UPSHOT
In the early weeks of Prime Minister Carney’s new federal government, Canadians are expressing stronger support for the Canadian Armed Forces, with trust and positive impressions rising since March. This shift coincides with broad approval of the recent defence spending announcement, particularly among Liberal voters.
At the same time, support for halting defence equipment purchases from the United States is softening. Although a majority (56%) still favour the idea, support has dropped across all political groups, suggesting that Canadians may be weighing economic and diplomatic concerns more heavily in light of the ongoing trade dispute with the Trump administration.
Public opinion also reveals a well-defined set of priorities. Canadians want the CAF to concentrate primarily on domestic responsibilities, showing less enthusiasm for international military engagement. At the same time, Canadians recognize key internal challenges facing the military, including outdated equipment, difficulties in recruiting new personnel, and insufficient readiness for modern threats such as cyberattacks.
Overall, the results point to a growing alignment among Canadians in support of a stronger, better-funded, and more trusted military. While views on specific policies vary, there is clear momentum behind reinforcing the CAF’s role in national defence and readiness.
METHODOLOGY
The survey was conducted with 1,500 Canadians from June 17 – 19, 2025. A random sample of panelists were invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.
The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 2.53%, 19 times out of 20.
The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
The survey was paid for by Abacus Data.
Abacus Data follows the CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards and Disclosure Requirements that can be found here: https://canadianresearchinsightscouncil.ca/standards/
ABOUT ABACUS DATA
We are Canada’s most sought-after, influential, and impactful polling and market research firm. We are hired by many of North America’s most respected and influential brands and organizations.
We use the latest technology, sound science, and deep experience to generate top-flight research-based advice to our clients. We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail, and exceptional value.
And we are growing throughout all parts of Canada and the United States and have capacity for new clients who want high quality research insights with enlightened hospitality.
Our record speaks for itself: we were one of the most accurate pollsters conducting research during the 2025 Canadian election following up on our outstanding record in the 2021, 2019, 2015, and 2011 federal elections.
Contact us with any questions.
Find out more about how we can help your organization by downloading our corporate profile and service offering.
