Canada's Ambitious Initiative for a 300,000-Strong Civilian Defence Force

Canada is set to enhance its national defence with a proposal to form a civilian force comprising 300,000 volunteers. This initiative arises in response to increasing threats from foreign powers and the growing frequency of climate-related emergencies.

According to an internal document from the Canadian Armed Forces, this initiative embodies a “whole of society” strategy for defence, which encompasses disaster response and extensive military missions. The objective is to grow the number of reservists from 30,000 to 100,000 and to enlist an additional 300,000 volunteers for this supplementary force.

Participants will encounter relaxed age and fitness requirements and will be required to train for only five days annually, acquiring essential skills like shooting, driving, communication, and drone operation. Medical coverage will be provided during training, but no pension benefits will be included.

Defence Minister David McGuinty endorses the proposal, citing examples of Finland and Sweden where citizen volunteers effectively prepare for crises and conflicts.

Currently, the plan is undergoing review and has not yet received governmental approval. The Canadian military also seeks to address existing shortages, requiring about 15,000 additional personnel to achieve optimal operational strength. Recent investments in defence and focused recruitment efforts have been yielding promising outcomes.