TRENTON, ONT. - Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a significant pay increase for entry-level members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Starting pay for regular force privates will rise by 20 percent, while reservists will see a 13 percent increase. This move is part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing recruitment and operational readiness within the military.

The federal government estimates that the new compensation package will cost approximately $2 billion annually. This initiative is included in a planned budget increase of $9.3 billion for the year, which aims to meet NATO's defense spending target of two percent of the country's GDP.

In addition to the pay raises, the government is introducing new military allowances and improving existing ones. These changes are designed to help retain personnel and attract new recruits in a competitive job market. Among the new incentives is a $50,000 bonus for individuals entering and working in what the government identifies as "stressed occupations." These are critical roles in sectors experiencing significant staffing shortages.

Currently, staffing levels in 53 out of 116 critical occupations, including vehicle and maritime technicians, are reported to be below 75 percent. The government is taking these steps to address the challenges of filling these essential positions.