Rahm Emanuel, a former chief of staff to President Barack Obama and a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, is advocating for a national service program. This initiative is not typically associated with the Democratic Party. Emanuel, who has served as the mayor of Chicago and the U.S. ambassador to Japan, believes that while diversity is often celebrated, it can only thrive on a foundation of unity. He argues that Western democracies have lost this unifying principle and suggests that requiring young people to engage in military service, the Peace Corps, or other forms of public service for six months could help restore a sense of civic purpose.

In Canada, discussions are underway about significantly expanding the size of the reserve force from 28,000 to 400,000 members. This proposal has met skepticism in some circles. However, proponents argue that such an expansion could help bridge the regional and political divisions that have emerged in recent years. They believe that fostering a sense of common purpose, possibly through national service, could remind Canadians of their shared identity and history.

Historically, the concept of citizenship has been linked to a sense of privilege and obligation. H.G. Wells noted in his "Short History of the World" that the Roman Empire thrived on this collective mission, which ultimately faltered and led to its collapse. Advocates for national service in Canada hope to instill a similar sense of duty among citizens today.

Currently, Canada’s military is short of its authorized strength, with 15,000 fewer soldiers than the target of 71,500 full-time and 30,000 reserve members. The goal for 2030 is to increase the regular force to 86,000. A recent directive from Chief of the Defence Staff Jennie Carignan aims to boost the reserve force from 23,561 to 100,000, with an additional 295,000 supplementary members. This increase is intended to enhance resilience against domestic threats, such as natural disasters, and to provide a larger pool of recruits during emergencies, including large-scale combat operations.

Currently, there are 4,384 supplementary reserves, primarily retired military personnel who are willing to return to duty if needed. The proposed expansion would prioritize public servants, who would be encouraged to volunteer for military training, including handling firearms, driving trucks, and flying drones. The directive indicates that entry standards would be less stringent regarding age and physical requirements compared to the permanent reserve force.

In June, Brigadier General Brendan Cook, director general of the Royal Canadian Air Force, emphasized the need for Canada to prepare for potential conflicts with Russia or China by 2028-2030. While the ambition behind this proposal is commendable, it differs from Emanuel’s suggestion of a compulsory service model. Canada’s approach is not akin to Finland’s conscription system, which mandates military service for males aged 18 to 60, soon to be extended to 65.

The feasibility of expanding the military remains uncertain. While there has been a significant number of applications to join the Canadian Forces—192,000 between 2022 and 2025—actual recruitment has only added 15,000 new members, barely keeping pace with an annual attrition rate of eight to nine percent. The government has promised pay increases, and various strategies are being considered to enhance recruitment efforts.