Military aims to fill 300,000-person reserve with patriotism pitch
Defence planners say distinct uniforms and national pride could draw volunteers for a minimally trained mobilization force in emergencies.
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The Canadian military believes it can recruit 300,000 volunteers for a new reserve force designed for national emergencies by appealing to patriotism and offering tangible benefits like distinct uniforms and tax breaks.
Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan has been advancing the plan, which would create a pool of people with minimal training — basic skills like shooting, driving, or flying a drone — available for rapid deployment. The scheme was first reported by the Ottawa Citizen in October 2025.
Defence planners obtained by the Citizen recommend developing what they call "a national narrative that inspires belief and trust," emphasizing national service and personal fulfilment. Beyond messaging, incentives could include tax benefits, employer recognition of military training as professional development, and "distinct uniform pieces, ID cards, licence plates" awarded after meeting training requirements.
Unlike primary reserves — who train weekly and sometimes weekends — mobilization force members would receive roughly one week of training per year.
Planners acknowledged the concept is "foreign to the national psyche," noting that "senses of patriotism and national pride are perceived differently across the country and across generations." Carignan told CBC she expected to present options to the Liberal government sometime in June.