Canadian Defence Spending Support Hits 30-Year Peak Amid Security Concerns
A new national poll indicates that Canadian support for increased defence spending has surged to its highest level in three decades, reflecting growing anxieties about security and sovereignty. According to the EKOS survey, three-quarters of Canadians now believe there should be more spending on defence, a significant rise from 66 percent in December 2023.
Driving Factors Behind the Shift
EKOS President Frank Graves attributes this dramatic change in public opinion largely to the political climate in the United States, particularly the presidency of Donald Trump. Graves noted that the previous poll was conducted when Joe Biden was still president, and the current numbers would not be nearly as high if Biden or Kamala Harris were in office.
"Trump is the key driver of this notion," Graves stated in an interview. "Most people thought it was going to be bad but didn't think he was going to be talking about annexing us. So, that is a powerful visceral driver of this rise in support for defence spending."
This sentiment has pushed defence spending from its typical low priority—usually around 20th in the minds of Canadians—to near the top of the national agenda. "Defence spending is not number one priority, but it is really close," Graves remarked. "This is remarkable because it's usually 20th in the minds of Canadians."
Broad Support for NATO Targets
The poll reveals widespread national backing for Canada to meet its NATO commitments. Specifically:
- 75 percent of Canadians support meeting NATO's benchmark of spending two percent of GDP on defence.
- 72 percent endorse a target of five percent of GDP spending by 2035.
Currently, Canada's military spending stands at only 1.33 percent of GDP, according to a 2025 NATO report. This represents an increase from 1.01 percent in 2014 but still places Canada joint-fifth for the lowest percentage among NATO members.
Partisan Perspectives on Defence Spending
Support for increased military expenditure shows notable bipartisanship between the two major parties:
- Liberals poll at 75 percent in favor.
- Conservatives show even stronger support at 79 percent.
In contrast, NDP supporters display the lowest percentage of support, with only 49 percent in favor of higher military spending. A majority of NDP supporters—51 percent—are either indifferent or opposed, with 38 percent actively opposed.
Graves explained that while NDP support has increased in previous years, their stance reflects a more guarded response. "I think largely because many of them would rather see the funds directed to things like social programs, for example," he said.
NDP MP Lori Idlout of Nunavut recently criticized the increased defence spending, calling it unprecedented. "Boosting defence spending...is an unprecedented target which was never mentioned in the election campaign, and could impact the investments needed in other critical areas, from housing to health care to renewable energy," Idlout stated in a press release.
Historical Context and Future Implications
This approval for increased defence spending marks the highest level recorded since 1995, indicating a significant shift in Canadian public sentiment. The poll sampled one thousand people between January 29 and February 3, 2026, providing a robust snapshot of current attitudes.
The findings suggest that concerns over U.S. relations and national security are reshaping priorities, potentially influencing future government policies and budget allocations. As Canada navigates these geopolitical uncertainties, the public's heightened focus on defence spending may lead to substantive changes in military investment and strategic planning.
