The Department of National Defence (DND) says the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are bereft of thousands of members required for minimum military strength.
A DND briefing note details the critical lack of fully trained soldiers, sailors and air crew, according to Blacklock’s Reporter.
The brief further showed a CAF program designed to bolster enlistment by targeting immigrants enrolled just over a hundred volunteers.
“People are at the core of everything the Canadian Armed Forces does to deliver on its mandate,” said the September 26 note on CAF readiness.
“We recognize personnel and staffing issues combined with a changing demographic and expectations of our workforce continue to challenge the Forces’ strength and readiness.”
Minimum strength in the regular force is 71,500. “As of July 31, 2024 the trained effective strength” was 52,539, said the note. Figures included 28,270 in the Canadian Army.
The department acknowledged a 2022 recruitment program targeting immigrants on a promise of fast-tracked Canadian citizenship had scant results.
“Since introducing the updated policy in 2022, 111 permanent residents have been enrolled,” it said.
No reason for the poor take-up was given.
The department in a 2023 briefing note Recruitment Of Permanent Residents blamed lengthy approval times, often several months.
“The processing of applications is a challenging and time-consuming process which we are trying to expedite,” it said.
“There are important and necessary measures which need to be completed such as security checks and medical evaluations,” said the brief.
“As well the validation of security clearances generally takes longer for permanent residents.”
Defence Minister Bill Blair in 2023 remarks in Senate Question Period said low enlistment was a problem.
“There is a real challenge in the Canadian Armed Forces,” he said.
“Over the last three years we’ve actually seen greater attrition, more people leaving the Forces than the Canadian Armed Forces has been able to recruit.”
“I think that may be the greatest challenge I face as the new defence minister, to do everything I can to support the Armed Forces in their efforts to recruit the talent we need and just as importantly to retain the excellent people they already have.”
“I have asked them to look very carefully at some of the impediments to recruitment and how long things have taken.”
“Does your biggest concern lie in recruitment?” asked Sen. Tony Loffreda.
“My concern is not only for recruitment, because we have to get the best talent coming in the door, but I am also concerned about retention,” replied Blair.
“I want to make sure we provide them with the appropriate support.”
