The Canadian government has announced a significant increase in defense spending, pledging $84 billion over the next five years to rebuild its military. However, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is facing serious challenges in recruitment and retention, which could hinder these ambitious plans.

Recent pay raises for military personnel indicate that government and CAF leadership recognize the importance of addressing these issues. Yet, experts argue that more must be done to support military families, who often face unique and demanding circumstances.

Military life involves frequent relocations, which can disrupt access to essential services such as healthcare, childcare, and housing. When service members are assigned to new provinces, they frequently lose their family doctors, encounter long wait times for childcare, and struggle to find affordable housing. Spouses often face difficulties in maintaining employment due to licensing restrictions that vary by province.

These challenges force families to repeatedly start over, leading to instability that affects not only their personal lives but also the operational readiness of the military. The stress of these transitions can lead to a difficult choice between service and family, resulting in a loss of talent and significant costs for the military in terms of training and experience.

A recent report from the auditor general highlighted the poor condition of many military housing units, with thousands of members on waiting lists. However, the issues extend beyond physical infrastructure. Families of service members often bear the hidden costs of military life, and many are struggling to cope.

To address these challenges, experts suggest that the government must prioritize the well-being of military families as part of its defense strategy. This includes recognizing family resilience as a key component of operational readiness.

Canada should also modernize its support systems for military families, aligning policies on housing, healthcare, childcare, and spousal employment with the realities of modern military service. Current programs are often inadequate and fail to address long-standing policy gaps.

Additionally, meeting NATO's defense spending target should include investments in personnel and social services that support military families. This approach would acknowledge that the well-being of families is crucial to maintaining a ready and effective military force.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Defence Minister David McGuinty have been praised for their commitment to enhancing Canada’s national defense. However, experts emphasize that true national security relies not just on equipment but also on the people who serve and their families. Without addressing the needs of military families, Canada’s defense ambitions may remain unfulfilled.