Youth unemployment in Canada is rising, with the rate for those aged 15 to 24 at 14.2 percent, more than double the national average. Among students, the unemployment rate is even higher at 17.1 percent, an increase of 3.1 percentage points since last September. Many young people who are employed are under-employed, often working in short-term or part-time positions that do not adequately cover living expenses. The situation is exacerbated by the impact of artificial intelligence on entry-level jobs and an economy facing potential tariffs, making job prospects for young Canadians increasingly challenging.

In contrast, the Canadian government is planning to allocate an additional $9 billion to the military in the upcoming budget to meet NATO's goal of spending five percent of GDP by 2030. This funding will primarily be used to upgrade aging military equipment and infrastructure. However, experts suggest that to truly strengthen the military and the nation, the government should also focus on investing in its people, particularly by promoting military service as a viable career option for young Canadians.

Ottawa has made some strides in this area, including raising base pay and providing incentives for longer service. A Major and Senior officer with two decades of experience noted, "Right now, the Canadian Armed Forces is putting more attention and resources into growth, modernization, and technological innovation than at any other time in my career. Coupled with a boost in standard of living for serving members, it’s the best time to consider a career in the Armed Forces."

Despite these improvements, many young people remain unaware of the opportunities available in the military. When asked about their career aspirations, few mention becoming a soldier. Instead, many express interest in roles such as influencer, content creator, computer engineer, or coder—positions that may soon be threatened by advancements in AI. Ilona Dougherty, managing director of the Youth and Innovation Project at the University of Waterloo, stated, "We’ve been trying to get young people into tech jobs, and that’s where they want to be, but those roles are disappearing. The army could offer more stable employment, which would be highly attractive today."

Military service offers more than just a paycheck; it provides structure, discipline, technical training, teamwork, and leadership skills. However, the government needs to enhance its outreach to high school students to promote careers in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Currently, the CAF offers paid education for qualified applicants, along with guaranteed employment after graduation. For university students and recent graduates, the army reserves provide weekend training and part-time pay.

Without awareness of these opportunities, many young people will pursue other career paths. One example of a successful recruitment is a young woman who joined the military this year and is now studying at the Royal Military College in Kingston. She expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "The sense of belonging to a group and the feeling of being able to take part in something bigger than myself. The adventure and the opportunities that come with it, too."

The sense of community and purpose offered by military service is particularly appealing in today's digital age, where many young people feel isolated. Engaging youth in cadets, reserves, and regular forces could help them connect with others and contribute to their country. However, this requires a commitment from the government and society to support military initiatives. The upcoming budget is just the beginning of what is needed to address these challenges and invest in the future of Canada's youth.