Carney Calls on Canada for Citizens' Army, as NATO Warns of Russian Attack Within 5 Years

[Dr Strangelove]

After Trump threats, Canadian military recruits surge
Trump’s NATO comments triggered a real reaction in Canada
- Trump said he would “encourage Russia to do whatever the hell they want” to NATO countries that don’t meet spending targets.
- This caused widespread concern among Canadians about national security and U.S. reliability.

Recruitment jumped immediately afterward
- The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) saw a significant increase in applications in the days following Trump’s remarks.
- Politico describes it as a “surge” compared to normal recruitment levels.

Canada’s military has been struggling with a personnel crisis
Before this spike:
- The CAF was short tens of thousands of personnel.
- Recruitment had been at historic lows.
- The forces were unable to meet operational commitments.

The surge is strongest among younger Canadians
Politico notes:
- Many new applicants are in their 20s and early 30s.
- Recruiters say applicants explicitly referenced Trump’s comments as a motivator.

Ottawa sees this as both an opportunity and a warning
- Officials welcome the recruitment boost.
- But they also see Trump’s stance as a strategic threat to Canada’s security environment.
- It adds pressure on Canada to increase defence spending and readiness.