Half of Canadians would volunteer to fight if war breaks out, and fewer young people, poll finds

As Canada ramps up defence spending in an effort to meet its NATO commitments, a pollster suggests the military may struggle to find the people it needs. According to a new Angus Reid Institute poll, just under half of Canadians say they’d be willing to serve if war broke out, and younger adults were the least likely to say they would volunteer.

The survey asked Canadians if they would be willing to fight in a war. Only 49 per cent of respondents said they would volunteer for military service in a combat role.