Canada Increases Military Pay Up to 20% to Boost Recruitment

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced significant pay increases for Canadian Armed Forces members, including a 20 per cent hike for entry-level privates in the regular force and a 13 per cent increase for reservists, aimed at addressing recruitment and retention challenges. The raises, retroactive to April 1, also include smaller increases for higher-ranking personnel and new service-related pay benefits to reflect the importance of military roles and align compensation with other public servants. This initiative is part of a broader $9 billion federal investment in the military, with about $2 billion allocated specifically for pay raises. Carney emphasized that these measures are designed to strengthen the military, support service members’ sacrifices, and enhance readiness amid ongoing demands. Experts have welcomed the pay hikes as a necessary correction for previously lagging military compensation, highlighting that both personnel pay and equipment investments are essential for national defense. The government’s plan also includes additional compensation for those serving in challenging conditions, such as frequent relocations or deployments for natural disasters and combat training.