Canada Armed Forces exceed recruitment target, set higher intake goal for 2026–27

Surpassing its annual target for the second consecutive year, the figure exceeds the target of 6,957 recruits and marks a significant rebound in enlistment levels, according to the Department of National Defence.

According to the statement, officials have now raised the recruitment objective to 8,200 new members for fiscal year 2026–27, signalling an accelerated expansion plan.

The milestone comes as the military works to rebuild its ranks and address personnel shortages while aligning with its updated defence strategy, Our North, Strong and Free.

Women accounted for 17% of new recruits, while 1,400 permanent residents joined the force, the highest intake from that category since 2022.

The data reflects growing diversity in recruitment, though officials say further efforts are needed to broaden participation across demographics.

The CAF also reported a sharp rise in applications, with more than 44,800 candidates completing eligibility verification in 2025–26, compared with 27,700 the previous year.

To manage rising demand, the military is rolling out a suite of digital reforms, including a new Digital Onboarding System and an upgraded recruiting platform aimed at streamlining applications, improving processing times and enhancing candidate experience.

Training capacity is also being expanded, with increased throughput at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School and its facility at Canadian Forces Base Borden. The institutions trained 7,219 recruits last year, with a graduation rate of 77%.

Despite the gains, the CAF continues to face shortages in critical roles. A recruitment allowance introduced in late 2025 aims to attract candidates to under-strength occupations, many of which achieved at least 90% of their intake targets last year.

Officials said ongoing reforms are aligned with recommendations from the Office of the Auditor General, focusing on modernising recruitment systems, improving training capacity and adapting to evolving workforce expectations.