Views of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) 2023–2024 Tracking Study

Familiarity with the CAF

When asked about their overall level of familiarity with the CAF, roughly two in five (41%) respondents reported being at least somewhat familiar. The results are relatively consistent with those observed since 2020, noting a slight decrease in familiarity since the previous wave in 2022.

Among the three broad environments of the CAF, familiarity with the Canadian Army was highest, with two in five respondents describing themselves as at least somewhat familiar (40%). Familiarity with both the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was lower, with 33% at least somewhat familiar with the RCAF and 28% familiar with the RCN. These results are consistent with the 2022 wave.

Overall, familiarity across each subset of the CAF was slightly lower than what was observed in the 2022 wave.

Recent awareness

Just over one-third of respondents (34%) had recently read, seen or heard something about the CAF. This reflects a continued decrease compared to scores observed in recent year (40%), however it is still above the 28% observed in 2020.

Overall impressions

Overall impressions of the CAF were predominantly positive, with nearly two in three respondents describing their opinion as at least somewhat positive (64%). Just over one in five respondents had a strongly positive view of the CAF (21%), and results were consistent with those observed in 2021 and 2022.

More than three quarters of respondents (76%) had an at least somewhat positive overall impression of those who serve in the CAF.

Overall, positive impressions of members of the CAF remained consistent with results from 2022 (77%) and 2021 (76%).

When respondents were asked to evaluate their impression of care for active military personnel, nearly half believed that the CAF was doing a good or very good job (48%). Conversely, 14% felt that the CAF was performing poorly. Overall, the results remain consistent with those observed since 2021.

Pride in the CAF

If a young person they knew told them they were joining the CAF, 54% would view that decision favourably. These results are consistent with the previous wave conducted in 2022.

Nearly half of respondents view the CAF as a source of pride for Canadians (48%). Results have remained stable since 2021.

Modern relevance of the CAF

Less than one in five respondents (17%) felt that the CAF was modern. Conversely, over a third of respondents (35%) felt that the CAF was outdated (scores of 1 or 2), an increase of 14% since 2016.

Exactly seven in ten respondents (70%) felt that the CAF is essential, a decrease of 5% from the 75% observed in 2022. Conversely, 6% felt that the CAF was no longer needed.

Workplace environment

When evaluating the inclusiveness of the workplace environment, 60% at least somewhat agreed that the CAF is as good a career choice for visible minorities as it is for anyone else, while a similar proportion, 59%, agreed that it is as good a career choice for women as it is for men.

Agreement was much lower when considering whether the CAF was as good a career choice for members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community compared to anyone else (33%). This statement saw an 8% decrease in agreement from 41% in 2022.

Exactly half of respondents agreed that they were concerned about systemic racism in the CAF (50%), while a slightly larger proportion agreed that racist or hateful attitudes are not tolerated in the CAF (53%). Just under one third of respondents agreed that the CAF does a good job of addressing misconduct, including racist, sexist or hateful conduct (32%).

Moreover, 40% agreed that CAF membership is as diverse as the Canadian population, and the same proportion agreed that the CAF is a respectful workplace environment for women (40%).

Over two in five (46%) agreed that the CAF does a good job taking care of ill and injured members. One in five respondents at least somewhat agreed that they could see themselves joining the CAF (20%).

Results were mostly consistent with those observed in 2022.

Trust in the CAF

Just over two in five respondents (41%) trust the CAF (scores of 8 to 10), and the same proportion is somewhat trustful (scores of 5 to 7). The extent to which respondents expressed a high level of trust in the CAF increased slightly from the results observed in 2022 (from 37% to 41% in 2023); however, these findings are still slightly below the 43% observed in 2021.

Nearly a third of respondents (30%) trust the information provided to Canadians by the CAF (scores of 8 to 10), and another 46% are somewhat trustful (scores of 5 to 7).

Threats to Canada

Consistent with 2022, Russia was viewed as the biggest threat to Canadian security (15%). Another one in ten respondents mentioned China (11%), a finding consistent with the previous waves.

Funding and equipment

Consistent with results from 2022, more than two in five respondents (46%) said that Canada’s military was underfunded, while 25% said that the CAF receives the right amount of funding.

More than one quarter of respondents agree that the CAF has the equipment that it needs to do its job (27%) and that the CAF’s military equipment purchases benefit local economies (26%).

One quarter of respondents agree that the CAF is good at planning its future equipment needs (25%), a decrease from 34% in 2022. Slightly fewer agreed that purchases of military equipment tend to be well managed (23%).

Agreement with each of these statements has declined since 2022.

Less than one in five respondents were able to answer whether the CAF has the equipment it needs (18%). Close to three in ten respondents did not know whether the CAF’s equipment purchases benefit local economies (29%), whether the CAF is good at planning its future equipment needs (29%), or whether purchases of military equipment tend to be well managed (28%).

International roles

Respondents were most in agreement that the CAF should have participation in disaster relief/humanitarian aid (71%) and peace support operations (69%).

Roughly two thirds of respondents at least somewhat agree that the CAF should be participating in surveillance and defence in the North (67%), as well as in non-combat support missions (66%).

At least half of respondents agreed with the following roles:

• using satellites in space for monitoring purposes (60%);

• missions that target illegal trafficking activities (56%); and

• combat support missions for the UN and NATO (54%).

Finally, slightly less than half of respondents said they at least somewhat agree that the CAF should be training militaries or police of other countries (48%).

Overall, agreement for the CAF’s involvement in each of these international roles has declined since 2022.

More than seven in ten respondents (72%) at least somewhat agreed that Canada’s membership in international organizations such as NATO and NORAD is important for Canadian security. Agreement has declined from the previous wave in 2022.

Domestic roles

Overall, more than half felt that each domestic role played by the CAF was at least important. Ratings were highest for the following roles:

• responding to natural disasters (84%);

• search and rescue (82%); and

• providing protection against terrorist threats (81%).

More than two thirds of respondents felt that preventing illegal activity was an important role (71%), followed by protecting against cyber-security threats (70%) and patrolling the Arctic (67%). Importance ratings were lower for youth programs (54%).

Overall, the results were fairly consistent with those observed in 2021 and 2022.

When asked to provide their level of agreement that the CAF is doing a good job of performing its duties in Canada, nearly seven in ten (69%) at least somewhat agreed.

Misconduct allegations

Respondents were given the option to either respond to or skip a series of questions related to sexual misconduct allegations brought forward in the CAF. The results presented in this section are based on the 1,871 (out of 2,004) respondents who felt comfortable proceeding with the misconduct questions.

In 2023, nearly half of respondents reported paying at least some attention to news of alleged sexual misconduct in the CAF over the previous few months (47%). On the one hand, nearly one in ten respondents reported paying a lot of attention (9%). On the other hand, more than one in five (22%) had paid no attention at all to that news.

The proportion of respondents paying attention to this news is consistent with the 2022 findings.

Exactly two in five respondents (40%) at least somewhat agreed that the CAF takes misconduct allegations seriously. Conversely, one in five respondents (19%) disagreed.

More than one third of respondents agreed with the following statements regarding misconduct in the CAF:

• The misconduct allegations have led the Canadian Armed Forces to make positive changes (37%).

• I feel like the Canadian Armed Forces is taking concrete steps to make changes to evolve its culture (37%).

• I feel like the Canadian Armed Forces is taking concrete steps to prevent misconduct (36%).

Additionally, three in ten respondents at least somewhat agreed that the CAF deals with misconduct allegations appropriately (30%). Conversely, one quarter of respondents at least somewhat disagreed (25%).

Awareness, Impressions and Perceptions of the CAF

When participants were asked what first comes to mind when they think of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), some were reminded of military-related terms, peacekeeping, disaster relief and protection.

When specifically asked what comes to mind regarding the best aspects of the CAF, many of the same themes were repeated, especially the themes pertaining to peacekeeping and helping others, and particularly, helping Canadian communities in times of crisis / natural disaster. Many also referred to access to good careers, good benefits and access to education. Protecting and keeping people safe was also a common theme.

When specifically asked what comes to mind regarding the worst aspects of the CAF, many could not think of anything in particular. Among those who could, many referred to the CAF as being too small, underfunded and using obsolete equipment. Issues related to culture were also raised. Some were broadly reminded of the dangerous nature of being part of the CAF. Lastly, some brought up a lack of support for veterans.

For the remainder of the discussion, impressions and opinions related to the CAF were for the most part limited as many participants felt they were generally uninformed regarding activities undertaken by and roles played by the CAF. This limited awareness of the CAF’s activities and roles is consistent with what has been observed in previous iterations of this qualitative research. If anything, participants’ views and opinions were largely anchored around what they saw as the CAF’s “traditional” role of peacekeeping, the CAF’s activities in communities in times of natural disasters, and any headlines / news stories encountered over the past few years.

Few had seen, heard or read anything in the media or elsewhere about the CAF in general, or about CAF equipment and procurement, in particular. Among the few who had noted something, it tended to pertain to allegations of misconduct, shipping equipment to the Ukraine or the purchase of planes / used planes. A few had also seen recruitment-related initiatives.

Most would agree that the CAF lacks equipment or has obsolete equipment and that they are doing the best they can with what they have.

While they may not know very much about the CAF’s roles and activities, most participants could share their overall impressions of the people who serve in the CAF. These were mostly positive, with many explaining that members of the CAF are viewed as hard-working, well-trained, dedicated and self-sacrificing individuals.

Few felt that they could easily weigh in on the work performed by those serving in the CAF. Based on their limited awareness of the CAF’s activities and the extent to which they felt that the CAF was involved in peacekeeping and coming to the aid of Canadians when natural disasters strike, participants generally had a positive impression.

Participants tended to describe their level of trust in the CAF as moderate to high. Some felt they had no genuine reason to distrust the CAF, and others felt that, having known some individuals who serve (or have served), the CAF is trustworthy. When it came to trusting the information that the CAF provides to Canadians, most explained that they would instinctively mistrust such information or feel that they were not being told all the facts. This sentiment seemed to stem from an expectation that any military is likely to keep a lot of information “close to its chest” given the nature of its operations.

Most participants seemed to feel that the CAF’s job is harder than it was 10 years ago. These participants explained that the increase in natural disasters requiring the CAF’s involvement and a sense that there are more conflicts around the world compared to 10 years ago might make the CAF’s job harder. That being said, advances in technology left some feeling the CAF’s work might be easier in some ways. However, some also felt these advances would make the CAF’s work more challenging in other ways, especially when it comes to cybersecurity.

Domestic Focus

While many could think of roles played by the CAF domestically, they tended to focus entirely on the support provided during natural disasters. A few recalled certain roles they believed the CAF played during the COVID-19 pandemic and during the trucker convoy protest in Ottawa. A few participants also suspected that the CAF are conducting surveillance along Canada’s borders and in the Arctic.

Participants were presented with the following six roles played by the CAF in Canada:

• Responding to natural disasters

• Providing protection against terrorist threats

• Search and rescue

• Patrolling our borders

• Patrolling the Arctic (this includes defending Canadian sovereignty, natural resources, etc.)

• Monitoring space (this includes things like monitoring satellite communications, monitoring Canada’s maritime approaches, space-based earth observations, space surveillance of debris and other threats, search and rescue, selection of targets for combat operations, etc.)

The following themes emerged when discussing these specific roles:

• Most believed it is important that the CAF play these roles in Canada.

• Upon seeing the list, many explained how they take most of the roles the CAF play in Canada for granted.

• The list was, for the most part, complete – in other words, very few participants would change it by removing or adding anything.

• A few were surprised to learn that the CAF monitor space, although upon reading the description provided, they understood how that makes sense and is important.

• Beyond noticing that the CAF perform quite well when responding to natural disasters, participants did not feel sufficiently informed about the CAF’s other roles in order to assess how well or poorly they were being performed.

International Focus

Participants knew very little about the CAF’s roles on the international stage. Although they suspect the CAF are playing peacekeeping and support roles, other than some references to the Ukraine conflict, participants did not know where this was happening or the level of effort or resources being deployed for these purposes.

For the most part, participants support the CAF playing a peacekeeping role since this aligns with an established area of expertise for Canada, and it is probably the best kind of role the CAF can take on given their limited size and limited equipment. Support for a combat role was much more mixed – some felt that if the cause(s) were right, then they would support it, however many were concerned about what is in fact “the right cause.” Most felt that they would need to know more information on the specific conflict for them to comfortably take a position on a combat role.

Given participants’ very limited awareness of where the CAF are operating around the world, few could confidently suggest where they should be more or less involved.

There is a general understanding that the CAF work with various alliances to contribute to international peace and security and that participation in those alliances is important. Most believe that the benefits of those types of collaborations outweigh their concerns. The main benefits mentioned included:

• Working together with other countries leads to critical mass, meaning we are bigger/stronger together.

• Working together with other countries allows for the sharing of best practices, technologies, knowledge, information, and so on; in other words, we are better together.

• Being part of a large group of allies ensures some degree of protection, knowing that this same group will support Canada if ever needed.

• Being part of an alliance allows Canada to be “at the table” when decisions are made and to be visible to the international community.

These benefits are especially important for the CAF since most agreed that the CAF are too small to undertake anything on their own on the international stage.

Few had concerns, but the main one was the possibility of becoming de facto involved in conflicts that may not align with Canada’s priorities or values.

When asked what they considered to be the biggest threat to the security and sovereignty of Canadians and Canada at this time, the most common themes included:

• Cybersecurity

• Retaliation against Canada, for our involvement in, or support for specific conflicts in other parts of the world, with particular concern for Russia

• General concerns about other countries with whom disagreements could escalate, including India, China and North Korea

• A few noted that the United States could become problematic depending on the outcome of this year’s presidential election.

Care of Military Personnel and Family

Most participants were not sufficiently familiar with what care was being provided to active personnel and their families to share an opinion on how well the CAF are meeting their needs.

Of the opinions shared, views were somewhat divided regarding access to internal support and benefits. Some sensed that the level of support is not as good as it should be given the headlines pertaining to allegations of misconduct. This sentiment was shared among those who know individuals who previously served and were now in the community suffering from serious mental illnesses.

• Views were also mixed when it came to compensation – some felt the CAF pay well, while others felt the opposite.

• Some believed that the CAF perform rather well in terms of providing education, career/skills development and training and taking care of moving expenses.

• A few mentioned how the quality of housing for CAF members and their families in Canada needs improvement.

Media Attention Around CAF

A few participants in the 18 to 34 age bracket had considered joining the CAF at one point. It was seen as an option among many others but was particularly attractive to the younger age bracket because it paid for their education and it offered interesting career options. Otherwise, few in the young adult groups would consider joining the CAF.

Few participants among both age groups felt they would discourage a friend who was considering serving in the CAF. They felt that if this person knew what they were getting into and they were passionate about it, far be it for them to discourage their choice. That said, a good number of participants were not convinced that this would be an advisable career option for women, mostly because of what they had heard regarding misconduct allegations.

Participants were asked by the moderator whether their recommendation would in any way be influenced by their friend’s gender identity, the colour of their skin or whether they identify as a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Some participants would discourage such friends from enlisting, with the biggest concerns expressed for individuals who are gender diverse or a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Concerns on this front included challenges with discrimination within the CAF but also concerns with the international destinations in which these individuals might find themselves, some of which may not be open to gender- and sexually-diverse individuals.

While some felt that the culture was slowly changing to become more inclusive, there was a sense that this progress was happening slowly and that the CAF were still a very white male dominated environment.

Few participants had heard something over the past 12 months about the allegations of misconduct brought forth in the CAF. Participants were concerned that the CAF would not deal with these allegations appropriately. There was a sense that aspects of the CAF culture focused on “protecting our own”, which would provide unnecessary obstacles when dealing with allegations. Some also questioned whether a military court system would generate the best outcomes for these allegations. Once informed that cases of sexual assault leading to criminal charges are now being transferred to the civilian court system, many felt this was a step in the right direction and would likely lead to appropriate outcomes. While still not a perfect solution, many felt that removing a part of the process from the CAF universe would be beneficial. Ultimately, seeing or hearing more individuals being accused of misconduct and seeing clear and appropriate consequences would convince many that the allegations are being dealt with appropriately.

Moving forward, few participants could propose strategies to reduce the likelihood of future misconduct within the CAF. Among the ideas proposed, some sensed that only time and the gradual disappearance of the “old guard” and the growing presence of more diverse and inclusive staff and mindsets will lead to improvements on this front. Some also felt that the introduction and promotion of reliable and safe avenues for victims to disclose abuse would be an improvement. Ultimately, it was suggested that only those within the CAF were in a position to propose strategies since they were the ones familiar with why and how abuse happens.

Qualitative research disclaimer

Key segments

The following segments tended to be more likely to report being at least somewhat familiar with the CAF compared to their respective counterparts:

• Indigenous (62%), white (41%), and black (49%) respondents compared to Chinese respondents (22%);

• men compared to women (48% vs. 33%);

• respondents who have a family member employed by DND or the CAF (67% vs. 35%);

• respondents aged 65 years or older (43%) and those aged 45–54 (43%) compared to those 18 to 24 years old (33%); and

• respondents living outside of Quebec compared to those living in Quebec (46% vs. 22%), with familiarity being the highest in Atlantic Canada (56%).

Among the three broad environments of the CAF, familiarity with the Canadian Army was highest, with two in five respondents describing themselves as at least somewhat familiar (40%). Familiarity with both the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was lower, with 33% at least somewhat familiar with the RCAF and 28% familiar with the RCN. These results are consistent with the 2022 wave.

The graph presents Figure 3 - Familiarity with specific environments of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), indicating respondents’ familiarity levels with the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and the Royal Canadian Navy from 2022 to 2023

The data provided indicates varying levels of familiarity with the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Royal Canadian Navy across different years. For the Canadian Army in 2023, familiarity ranged from very familiar (5%), somewhat familiar (35%), not very familiar (46%), not at all familiar (12%), to don’t know/no response (1%). Similarly, in 2022, the percentages were 7%, 37%, 41%, 14%, and 1% respectively. For the Royal Canadian Air Force in 2023, the percentages were 5%, 28%, 46%, 20%, and 2%, while in 2022, they were 5%, 29%, 12%, 24%, and 2%. For the Royal Canadian Navy in 2023, familiarity stood at 4%, 24%, 49%, 22%, and 2%, and in 2022, it was 4%, 23%, 45%, 26%, and 1%. A box labeled “Top 2 box” indicates the combined percentage of those who are either very familiar or somewhat familiar, which ranged from 27% to 44% across the different categories and years.

Q11. And using the same scale, how familiar would you say you are with each of the following environments of the Canadian Armed Forces? Base: All respondents, 2023, n=2,004.

Key segments

Respondents living outside of Quebec tended to be more likely to report being at least somewhat familiar with the three CAF environments compared to those living in Quebec:

• The Canadian Army (45% outside of Quebec vs. 24% in Quebec).

• The Royal Canadian Air Force (38% outside of Quebec vs. 12% in Quebec).

• The Royal Canadian Navy (32% outside of Quebec vs. 14% in Quebec).

Those living in Atlantic Canada were more familiar with the Royal Canadian Navy compared to those living outside of Atlantic Canada (43% in Atlantic Canada vs. 26% outside of Atlantic Canada).

Men were generally more inclined to be at least somewhat familiar with each of the environments compared to women:

• The Canadian Army (48% of men vs. 32% of women).

• The Royal Canadian Navy (34% of men vs. 21% of women).

• The Royal Canadian Air Force (39% of men vs. 26% of women).

Respondents aged 25 and older tended to be more familiar with the Canadian Army compared to respondents aged 18–24 (41% of those aged 25 or older vs. 33% of those 18–24).

Indigenous and white respondents were more likely to be familiar with each of the environments compared to Chinese respondents:

• The Canadian Army (56% of Indigenous respondents, 41% of white respondents and 25% of Chinese respondents).

• The Royal Canadian Navy (45% of Indigenous respondents, 28% of white respondents and 11% of Chinese respondents).

• The Royal Canadian Air Force (52% of Indigenous respondents, 33% of white respondents and 18% of Chinese respondents).

Additionally, familiarity was also measured for more specific subsets of the CAF. Respondents’ familiarity with the Regular Force was the highest, with more than one third of respondents describing themselves as at least somewhat familiar (35%). More than one quarter of respondents were at least somewhat familiar with the Reserves (27%) while slightly fewer were at least somewhat familiar with Health Services (22%). Familiarity was lowest for the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (14%) followed by the Rangers (13%).

Overall, familiarity across each subset of the CAF was slightly lower than what was observed in the 2022 wave.

The graph illustrates familiarity percentages with various branches of the Canadian Armed Forces (Regular Force, Reserves, Health Services, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, and The Rangers) over different years, ranging from “Very familiar” to “DK/NR,” with corresponding percentages provided

The provided data illustrates the level of familiarity with different military branches and units across several years. For the Regular Force (Army, Navy, Air Force) in 2023, familiarity ranged from very familiar (4%), somewhat familiar (31%), not very familiar (43%), not at all familiar (20%), to don’t know/no response (2%). Similarly, in 2022, the percentages were 6%, 35%, 36%, 22%, and 2%, and in 2021, they were 8%, 37%, 36%, 16%, and 3% respectively. For the Reserves (Army, Navy, Air Force) in 2023, the percentages were 3%, 24%, 46%, 25%, and 2%, in 2022 they were 5%, 28%, 39%, 27%, and 1%, and in 2021 they were 5%, 30%, 40%, 21%, and 3%. In the Health Services, the percentages for 2023 were 3%, 19%, 42%, 34%, and 2%, for 2022 they were 5%, 22%, 37%, 35%, and 2%, and for 2021 they were 4%, 26%, 39%, 38%, and 3%. Similarly, for the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command in 2023, the percentages were 2%, 12%, 41%, 43%, and 3%, in 2022 they were 2%, 13%, 36%, 48%, and 2%, and in 2021 they were 3%, 10%, 32%, 52%, and 4%. For the Rangers in 2023, the percentages were 1%, 11%, 36%, 49%, and 2%, in 2022 they were 2%, 12%, 33%, 51%, and 2%, and in 2021 they were 3%, 12%, 34%, 46%, and 4%. A box labeled “Top-2 box” indicates the combined percentage of those who are either very familiar or somewhat familiar, ranging from 35% to 15% across the different categories.

Q12. And how familiar would you say you are with each of the following parts of the Canadian Armed Forces? [RANDOMIZE LIST.] Base: All respondents, 2023, n=2,004.

Key segments

Respondents living outside of Quebec were more likely to report being at least somewhat familiar with the following specific environments compared to those living in Quebec:

• The Regular Force (39% outside of Quebec vs. 22% in Quebec).

• The Reserves (30% outside of Quebec vs. 18% in Quebec).

Men were more likely to be at least somewhat familiar with each of the following specific environments compared to women:

• The Regular Force (43% of men vs. 28% of women).

• The Reserves (32% of men vs. 22% of women).

• The Rangers (18% of men vs. 10% of women).

• The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (18% of men vs. 8% of women).

Indigenous, black and white respondents were more likely to be familiar with the following environments compared to Chinese respondents:

• The Regular Force (42% of Indigenous respondents, 42% of black respondents and 36% of white respondents vs. 15% of Chinese respondents).

• The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (32% of Indigenous respondents, 23% of black respondents and 12% of white respondents vs. 4% of Chinese respondents).

Indigenous respondents were more likely to be familiar with the following environments compared to white and Chinese respondents:

• The Reserves (51% of Indigenous respondents, 27% of white respondents, and 14% of Chinese respondents).

• Health Services (37% of Indigenous respondents, 20% of white respondents, and 14% of Chinese respondents).

• The Rangers (29% of Indigenous respondents, 11% of white respondents, and 8% of Chinese respondents).

Just over one-third of respondents (34%) had recently read, seen or heard something about the CAF. This reflects a continued decrease compared to scores observed in recent year (40%), however it is still above the 28% observed in 2020.

The graph illustrates the recent awareness percentages of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) across different years, ranging from 2005 to 2023

The data is presented as follows: In 2023, the percentage was 34 percent; in 2022, it was 40 percent; in 2021, it stood at 42 percent; in 2020, it was 28 percent; in 2018, it was 26 percent; in 2016, it was 35 percent; in 2014, it was 34 percent; in 2012, it reached 38 percent; in 2011, it was at 57 percent; in 2010, it was 72 percent; in 2009, it was 63 percent; in 2008, it stood at 72 percent; in 2006, it was 74 percent; and in 2005, it was 55 percent.

Q5. Many of the topics we will be covering are related to the Canadian military and defence issues. Have you recently seen, read or heard anything about the Canadian Armed Forces? Base: All respondents, 2023, n=2,004.

Key segments

Those most likely to recently recall hearing, reading or seeing something about the CAF include:

• respondents in Manitoba/Saskatchewan compared to those in Quebec (40% vs. 28%);

• men compared to women (41% vs. 27%); and

• respondents with a university education (40%) compared to those with a college (31%) or high-school education (26%).

Respondents who recalled hearing, reading or seeing something about the CAF were then asked to describe the topics. General advertising and recruitment were the most recalled topic, mentioned by one in five respondents (20%), followed by allegations of sexual misconduct, cited by 11% of respondents (a large decrease from the 37% who cited this topic in 2022). Additionally, respondents mentioned the Ukraine conflict (9%), helping with forest fires (9%), budgetary constraints (9%), and NATO agreements (8%).

Key segments

Respondents aged 65 and older were most likely to mention hearing about a new Chief of Defence (16%).

Those with a negative overall impression of the CAF tended to be more likely to cite allegations of sexual misconduct (29%) compared to those with a neutral (7%) or positive impression of the CAF (10%).

Respondents who view the CAF as essential were more likely to reference helping with forest fires compared to those who perceive the CAF as no longer needed (10% vs. 0%).

Overall impressions of the CAF were predominantly positive, with nearly two in three respondents describing their opinion as at least somewhat positive (64%). Just over one in five respondents had a strongly positive view of the CAF (21%), and results were consistent with those observed in 2021 and 2022.

The graph illustrates the overall impression of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from 2021 to 2023, with respondents rating their impressions as strongly positive, somewhat positive, somewhat negative, or strongly negative, along with responses for neither/neutral and DK/NR

The data is organized as follows: In 2023, responses categorized as “Strongly positive” accounted for 21 percent, “Somewhat positive” accounted for 43 percent, “Neither/Neutral” stood at 26 percent, “Somewhat negative” at 6 percent, “Strongly negative” at 2 percent, and “Don’t know/No response” at 2 percent. Similarly, in 2022, the percentages were 23 percent, 41 percent, 19 percent, 11 percent, 3 percent, and 3 percent, respectively. A box labeled “Top 2 box” indicates percentages of 64 percent, 64 percent, and 65 percent for the respective years.

Q7. What is your overall impression of the Canadian Armed Forces? Base: All respondents, 2023, n=2,004.

Key segments

The following segments tended to report a positive view of the CAF compared to their respective counterparts:

• respondents living in Atlantic Canada (74%) compared to those living in Quebec (61%) and Ontario (63%);

• respondents aged 65 and older compared to those aged 64 or younger (74% vs. 61%);

• respondents with a family member employed by DND or the CAF (75% vs. 62%); and

• white respondents compared to Chinese respondents (66% vs. 45%).

Respondents were asked to describe the biggest issues or challenges they feel the CAF is currently facing. One in five respondents described issues of recruitment or retention (20%) while slightly fewer mentioned funding or budget issues (16%). Additionally, just under one in ten (9%) felt that the CAF was operating with outdated equipment. Perceptions related to sexual misconduct (6%) further decreased from what was observed in 2022 (12%) and 2021 (18%), as did perceptions of gender equity and sexism issues (5% compared to 8% in 2022 and 10% in 2021).

Nearly two in five respondents were unsure of any issues or challenges facing Canada’s military (37%), consistent with the previous two waves conducted in 2022 and 2021.

Key segments

Those living in British Columbia were more likely to describe issues related to recruitment and retention (25%) compared to those living in Alberta (15%).

The issue of funding was more likely to be mentioned by those living in Manitoba or Saskatchewan (22%), Alberta (22%), Ontario (18%) and British Columbia (16%) compared to those living in Quebec (9%).

Men were more likely than women to describe the following issues:

• funding and budget issues (22% of men vs. 11% of women); and

• lack of equipment (11% of men vs. 7% of women).

Conversely, women were more likely than men to describe gender equity or sexism issues (7% vs. 4%).

Respondents aged 65 or older were among the highest scores across the following issues:

• recruitment and retention (31% of those aged 65 years or older);

• funding issues (21% of those aged 65 years or older);

• lack of equipment (13% of those aged 65 years or older); and

• sexual misconduct (9% of those aged 65 years or older).

Respondents with a university education were more likely than those with a high-school education or less to describe the following issues:

• recruitment and retention (22% of those with a university education vs. 14% of those with a high school education); and

• sexual misconduct (8% of those with a university education vs. 2% of those with a high school education).

More than three quarters of respondents (76%) had an at least somewhat positive overall impression of those who serve in the CAF. One third (33%) described their impression as strongly positive, while 5% reported a negative impression.

Overall, positive impressions of members of the CAF remained consistent with results from 2022 (77%) and 2021 (76%).

The graph demonstrates shifting levels of sentiment (strongly positive, somewhat positive, neither/neutral, somewhat negative, strongly negative) across different years (2020-2023), with a notable change in percentages over time

The data is outlined as follows: In 2023, the distribution was as follows: “Strongly positive” responses accounted for 33 percent, “Somewhat positive” for 42 percent, “Neither/Neutral” for 18 percent, “Somewhat negative” for 4 percent, “Strongly negative” for 1 percent, and “Don’t know/No response” for 2 percent. Similarly, in 2022, the percentages were 36 percent, 41 percent, 14 percent, 5 percent, 1 percent, and 3 percent, respectively. For the year 2021, the breakdown was 35 percent, 41 percent, 16 percent, 5 percent, 1 percent, and 2 percent. In 2020, the data showed 43 percent, 39 percent, 12 percent, 2 percent, 1 percent, and 3 percent. For 2018, the percentages were 57 percent, 32 percent, 5 percent, 2 percent, 1 percent, and 3 percent. A box labeled “Top 2 box” indicates percentages of 76 percent, 77 percent, and 76 percent, 82 percent, 89 percent for the respective years.

Q9. What is your overall impression of the people who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces? Base: All respondents, 2023, n=2,004.

Key segments

The following segments were more likely to have a positive view of those who serve in the CAF compared to their respective counterparts:

• respondents living in Atlantic Canada (82%), British Columbia (80%) and Alberta (80%) compared to those living in Quebec (69%); and

• respondents who had recently seen, read, or heard anything about the CAF compared to those who had not (80% vs. 73%).

Respondents aged 65 or older were the most likely to report a positive view of those who serve in the CAF (85%).

When respondents were asked to evaluate their impression of care for active military personnel, nearly half believed that the CAF was doing a good or very good job (48%). Conversely, 14% felt that the CAF was performing poorly. Overall, the results remain consistent with those observed since 2021.

The graph illustrates varying impressions of care for active military personnel across different years (2021-2023), with respondents rating the care as very good, good, neither good nor poor, poor, or very poor, and the “good job” category consistently holding the highest proportion in the top two box responses

In 2023, the breakdown is as follows: “Very good job” received 10 percent of responses, “Good job” received 38 percent, “Neither a good nor a poor job” received 21 percent, “Poor job” received 11 percent, “Very poor job” received 4 percent, and “Don’t know/No response” accounted for 17 percent. For 2022, the percentages were: 11 percent, 37 percent, 24 percent, 11 percent, 4 percent, and 13 percent, respectively. In 2021, the percentages were: 10 percent, 37 percent, 23 percent, 12 percent, 5 percent, and 12 percent, respectively. The “Top 2 box” shows the following percentages: 48 percent, 48 percent, and 47 percent for the respective years.

Q14. Generally speaking, when it comes to looking after active military personnel, would you say the Canadian Armed Forces does a very good job, a good job, neither a good job nor a poor job, a poor job, or a very poor job? Base: All respondents, 2023, n=2,004.

Key segments

The following segments tended to feel that the CAF was doing at least a good job caring for military personnel compared to their respective counterparts:

• those living in Atlantic Canada (57%) or Quebec (54%) compared to those living in Ontario (45%), Alberta (43%) or British Columbia (45%); and

• those with a family member employed by DND or the CAF compared to those without (55% vs. 47%).

If a young person they knew told them they were joining the CAF, 54% would view that decision favourably. Fewer than one in five respondents felt that the decision would be very or somewhat unfavourable (15%), while 27% would be neutral. These results are consistent with the previous wave conducted in 2022. Favourable results are still much lower than what was observed in the 2018 and 2020 waves. Most notably, “very favourable” scores have decreased from 30% in 2018 to 19% in 2023.

The graph illustrates impressions of a young person joining the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) over several years (2016-2023), with respondents rating the impression as very favourable, somewhat favourable, neutral, somewhat unfavourable, or very unfavourable, along with DK/NR responses

In 2023, the distribution is as follows: “Very favorable” received 19 percent of responses, “Somewhat favorable” received 35 percent, “Neutral” received 27 percent, “Somewhat unfavorable” received 11 percent, “Very favorable” received 4 percent, and “Don’t know/No response” accounted for 3 percent. Similarly, for 2022, the percentages were: 20 percent, 33 percent, 29 percent, 10 percent, 6 percent, and 2 percent, respectively. For 2021, the percentages were: 21 percent, 34 percent, 28 percent, 11 percent, 4 percent, and 2 percent, respectively. In 2020, the percentages were: 27 percent, 35 percent, 24 percent, 9 percent, 4 percent, and 1 percent, respectively. For 2018, the percentages were: 30 percent, 33 percent, 26 percent, 6 percent, 4 percent, and 1 percent, respectively. And for 2016, the percentages were: 27 percent, 30 percent, 26 percent, 9 percent, 6 percent, and 1 percent, respectively. The “Top 2 box” shows the following percentages: 54 percent, 53 percent, 55 percent, 62 percent, 63 percent, and 57 percent for the respective years.

Q13. If a young person you know, such as a family member or friend, told you that they were joining the Canadian Armed Forces, how would you view that decision? Base: All respondents, 2023, n=2,004.

Key segments

The following segments tended to perceive the decision to join as at least somewhat favourable compared to their respective counterparts:

• respondents living in Atlantic Canada (65%) compared to those living in Ontario (55%), Alberta (51%) or Quebec (50%);

• those 65 or older compared to those 64 or younger (66% vs. 51%);

• men compared to women (59% vs. 50%);

• Indigenous (62%) and white (55%) respondents compared to Chinese respondents (34%); and

• those who had recently heard something about the CAF compared to those who had not heard anything (61% vs. 50%).

Nearly half of respondents view the CAF as a source of pride for Canadians (48%) while 11% did not feel that the CAF was a source of pride. Results have remained stable since 2021; however, the proportion of respondents assigning the highest score (5 on a scale of 1 to 5) has decreased since 2022 (from 20% to 16%).

The exhibit shows impressions of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as a source of pride from 2016 to 2023, with respondents rating it as very much a source of pride, neutral, or not at all a source of pride, along with a DK/NR option

In 2023, the breakdown is as follows: “Very much a source of Pride (5)” received 16 percent of responses, “(4)” received 32 percent, “Neutral (3)” received 37 percent, “(2)” received 8 percent, “Not at all a source of Pride (1)” received 3 percent, and “Don’t know/No response” accounted for 4 percent. Similarly, for 2022, the percentages were: 20 percent, 29 percent, 36 percent, 8 percent, 4 percent, and 3 percent, respectively. For 2021, the percentages were: 18 percent, 29 percent, 38 percent, 7 percent, 4 percent, and 4 percent, respectively. In 2020, the percentages were: 28 percent, 34 percent, 29 percent, 4 percent, 3 percent, and 2 percent, respectively. For 2018, the percentages were: 35 percent, 31 percent, 26 percent, 5 percent, 2 percent, and 1 percent, respectively. And for 2016, the percentages were: 37 percent, 33 percent, 24 percent, 4 percent, 2 percent, and 1 percent, respectively. The data in the top-2 box reads as follows 28 percent, 49 percent, 47 percent, 62 percent, 66 percent and 70 percent.

Q16. To what extent do you think the Canadian Armed Forces is a source of pride for Canadians? Please use a 5-point scale, where “1” means not at all a source of pride, “3” is neutral, and “5” means very much a source of pride. Base: All respondents, 2023, n=2,004.

Key segments

The following segments were more inclined to view the CAF as a source of pride compared to their respective counterparts:

• those living in Atlantic Canada (58%) and Manitoba or Saskatchewan (55%) compared to those living in Alberta (44%) and Quebec (42%);

• those with a family member serving in the CAF compared to those without one (59% vs. 46%);

• respondents aged 65 or older compared to those 44 or younger (56% vs. 42%); and

• those who had recently heard something about the CAF compared to those who had not heard anything (53% vs. 45%).

Less than one in five respondents (17%) felt that the CAF was modern (scores of 5 or 4 on a 5-point scale, where “1” means very outdated, “3” means neither outdated nor modern, and “5” means very modern). Conversely, over a third of respondents (35%) felt that the CAF was outdated (scores of 1 or 2), an increase of 14% since 2016.

The graph illustrates views of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as either modern or outdated from 2016 to 2023, with respondents rating it as very modern, neither, or very outdated, along with a DK/NR option

For the year 2023, the breakdown is as follows: “Very modern” received 4 percent of responses, “(4)” received 13 percent, “Neither (3)” received 37 percent, “(2)” received 23 percent, “Very Outdated (1)” received 12 percent, and “Don’t know/No response” accounted for 10 percent. Similarly, for the year 2022, the percentages were: 7 percent, 14 percent, 41 percent, 19 percent, 10 percent, and 9 percent, respectively. For the year 2021, the percentages were: 4 percent, 13 percent, 42 percent, 22 percent, 9 percent, and 11 percent, respectively. In 2020, the percentages were: 7 percent, 17 percent, 43 percent, 15 percent, 9 percent, and 9 percent, respectively. For 2018, the percentages were: 9 percent, 22 percent, 44 percent, 14 percent, 7 percent, and 5 percent, respectively. And for 2016, the percentages were: 8 percent, 21 percent, 45 percent, 14 percent, 7 percent, and 5 percent, respectively. The data for the “Top-2 box” reads as follows: 17 percent, 22 percent, 16 percent, 24 percent, 31 percent, and 29 percent for the respective years.

Q17. Do you think Canada’s military is modern or outdated? Please use a 5-point scale, where “1” means very outdated, “3” means neither outdated nor modern, and “5” means very modern. Base: All respondents, 2023, n=2,004.

Key segments

The following segments were more inclined to view the CAF as outdated compared to their respective counterparts:

• those with a negative overall impression of the CAF compared to those with a positive impression (77% vs. 29%);

• respondents who felt that the CAF was no longer needed versus those who felt that it was essential (58% vs. 36%);

• men compared to women (41% vs. 30%);

• respondents with a university (37%) or college education (36%) compared to those with a high school education (29%);

• those with an income of $80,000 or more compared to those with an income of $40,000 or less (39% vs. 30%); and

• white (38%), Chinese (35%) and Indigenous respondents (31%) compared to Black (6%) and Asian⁶ respondents (15%).

Exactly seven in ten respondents (70%) felt that the CAF is essential (scores of 5 or 4 on a 5-point scale, where “1” means no longer needed at all and “5” means very essential), a decrease of 5% from the 75% observed in 2022. Conversely, 6% felt that the CAF was no longer needed (scores of 2 or 1).

The graph illustrates the perceived need for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from 2018 to 2023, with respondents rating it as very essential, somewhat essential, somewhat non-essential, or no longer needed at all, along with a DK/NR option

For the year 2023, the breakdown is as follows: “Very essential (5)” received 46 percent of responses, “(4)” received 24 percent, “(3)” received 18 percent, “(2)” received 4 percent, “No longer needed at all (1)” received 2 percent, and “Don’t know/No response” accounted for 5 percent. Similarly, for the year 2022, the percentages were: 53 percent, 22 percent, 14 percent, 4 percent, 2 percent, and 4 percent, respectively. For the year 2021, the percentages were: 46 percent, 26 percent, 16 percent, 6 percent, 2 percent, and 4 percent, respectively. In 2020, the percentages were: 50 percent, 26 percent, 14 percent, 6 percent, 2 percent, and 2 percent, respectively. For 2018, the percentages were: 57 percent, 26 percent, 11 percent, 3 percent, 2 percent, and 1 percent, respectively. The data for the “Top-2 box” presents the following percentages: 70 percent, 75 percent, 72 percent, 76 percent, and 83 percent for the respective years.

Q18. Do you think Canada’s military is essential or no longer needed? Please use a 5-point scale, where “1” means no longer needed at all and “5” means very essential. Base: All respondents, 2023, n=2,004.

Key segments

The following segments were more inclined to view the CAF as essential compared to their respective counterparts:

• respondents aged 65 years or older compared to those 64 years or younger (85% vs. 66%);

• respondents living in Atlantic Canada (78%) compared to those living in Ontario (70%) or British Columbia (67%);

• white respondents compared to Chinese respondents (73% vs. 52%);

• those who had recently seen, read or heard anything about the CAF compared to those who had not (76% vs. 67%);

• respondents with a positive impression of the CAF (83%) compared to those with a neutral (50%) or negative impression (44%);

• those with a high school (73%) or college education (75%) compared to those with a university education (67%);

• those living in rural areas compared to those living in urban areas (74% vs. 68%).

Respondents were asked to provide their level of agreement with a series of statements surrounding the workplace environment of the CAF. When evaluating the inclusiveness of the workplace environment, 60% at least somewhat agreed that the CAF is as good a career choice for visible minorities as it is for anyone else, while a similar proportion, 59%, agreed that it is as good a career choice for women as it is for men.

Agreement was much lower when considering whether the CAF was as good a career choice for members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community compared to anyone else (33%). This statement saw an 8% decrease in agreement from 41% in 2022.

Exactly half of respondents agreed that they were concerned about systemic racism in the CAF (50%), while a slightly larger proportion agreed that racist or hateful attitudes are not tolerated in the CAF (53%). Just under one third of respondents agreed that the CAF does a good job of addressing misconduct, including racist, sexist or hateful conduct (32%).

Moreover, 40% agreed that CAF membership is as diverse as the Canadian population, and the same proportion agreed that the CAF is a respectful workplace environment for women (40%).

Over two in five (46%) agreed that the CAF does a good job taking care of ill and injured members. One in five respondents at least somewhat agreed that they could see themselves joining the CAF (20%).

Results were mostly consistent with those observed in 2022.

Key segments

Men were more likely to agree with the following statements compared to women:

• The CAF is as good a career choice for visible minorities as it is for anyone else (65% of men vs. 56% of women).

• The CAF is as good a career choice for women as it is for men (63% of men vs. 55% of women).

• Racist or hateful attitudes or behaviours are not tolerated in the CAF (59% of men vs. 47% of women).

• The Canadian Armed Forces does a good job of taking care of its ill and injured members (49% of men vs. 44% of women).

• The membership of the CAF seems just as diverse as the Canadian population (48% of men vs. 33% of women).

• I think that the CAF workplace environment is respectful of women (48% of men vs. 32% of women).

• The CAF is as good a career choice for people in the 2SLGBTQI+ community as it is for anyone else (36% of men vs. 31% of women).

• The CAF does a good job of addressing misconduct such as racist, sexist or hateful conduct (38% of men vs. 27% of women).

• I could see myself joining the CAF (28% of men vs. 12% of women).

Conversely, women were more likely to agree that they were concerned with systemic racism in the CAF (54% of women vs. 46% of men).

Those with a high school education or less and those with a college education were more likely to agree with the following statements compared to those with a university education:

• The CAF is as good a career choice for visible minorities as it is for anyone else (66% high school, 67% college vs. 53% university).

• The CAF is as good a career choice for women as it is for men (67% high school, 65% college vs. 52% university).

• Racist or hateful attitudes or behaviours are not tolerated in the CAF (60% high school, 58% college vs. 47% university).

• The membership of the CAF seems just as diverse as the Canadian population (44% high school, 48% college vs. 34% university).

• I think that the CAF workplace environment is respectful of women (44% high school, 45% college vs. 34% university).

• The CAF is as good a career choice for people in the 2SLGBTQI+ community as it is for anyone else (40% high school, 37% college vs. 28% university).

• The CAF does a good job of addressing misconduct such as racist, sexist or hateful conduct (36% high school, 35% college vs. 29% university).

Conversely, those with a university education were more likely than those with a high school education to agree that they were concerned with systemic racism in the CAF (53% university vs. 45% high school).

Respondents aged 25 to 34 years old were more likely to agree that the CAF does a good job of taking care of its ill and injured members compared to those 35 years or older (55% of those aged 25 to 34 vs. 44% of those aged 35 years or older).

Respondents were asked to evaluate the extent to which they trusted that the CAF is prepared to keep Canadians safe (on a scale of 1 to 10, where “1” meant no trust at all and “10” meant complete trust). Just over two in five respondents (41%) trust the CAF (scores of 8 to 10), and the same proportion is somewhat trustful (scores of 5 to 7). A smaller proportion (14%) are not very trustful (scores of 1 to 4).

The extent to which respondents expressed a high level of trust in the CAF increased slightly from the results observed in 2022 (from 37% to 41% in 2023); however, these findings are still slightly below the 43% observed in 2021.

The graph illustrates the level of trust in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to keep Canadians safe in 2021-2023, with respondents rating it as trustful, somewhat trustful, not very trustful, or DK/NR

For the year 2023, the breakdown is as follows: “Trustful (8-10)” received 41 percent of responses, “Somewhat trustful (5 to 7)” received 41 percent, “Not very trustful (1 to 4)” received 14 percent, and “Don’t know/No response” accounted for 4 percent. Similarly, for the year 2022, the percentages were: 37 percent, 42 percent, 18 percent, and 3 percent, respectively. For the year 2021, the percentages were: 43 percent, 41 percent, 12 percent, and 4 percent, respectively.

Q20A. On a scale of 1 to 10, where “1” means you have no trust at all, and “10” means you have complete trust…how much trust do you have that the Canadian Armed Forces is prepared to keep Canadians safe? Base: All respondents, 2023, n=2,004.

Key segments

The following segments tended to trust the CAF more compared to their respective counterparts:

• respondents living in Atlantic Canada (45%) or Quebec (44%) compared to those living in Ontario (36%);

• those living in rural areas (48%) compared to those living in suburban (38%) or urban areas (40%);

• respondents with a high-school education (48%) compared to those with a college (39%) or university education (38%);

• those with a family member employed by DND or the CAF compared to those without (46% vs. 39%);

• black (59%), Indigenous (49%) and white respondents (41%) compared to Chinese respondents (26%);

• respondents who view the CAF as a source of pride compared to those who do not (60% vs. 12%); and

• respondents who view the CAF as essential compared to those who do not (51% vs. 8%).

Respondents were asked to evaluate the extent to which they trust the information that the CAF provides to Canadians (on a scale of 1 to 10, where “1” meant no trust at all and “10” meant complete trust). Nearly a third of respondents (30%) trust the information provided to Canadians by the CAF (scores of 8 to 10), and another 46% are somewhat trustful (scores of 5 to 7). A smaller proportion (15%) are not very trustful (scores of 1 to 4), while 9% were unsure.

Q20B. On a scale of 1 to 10, where “1” means you have no trust at all, and “10” means you have complete trust… how much trust do you have in the information that the Canadian Armed Forces provides to Canadians? Base: All respondents, 2023, n=2,004.

Key segments

The following segments were more likely to trust the information that the CAF provides compared to their respective counterparts:

• respondents living in Atlantic Canada (40%) compared to those living in Quebec (30%), Ontario (30%), Alberta (27%) or British Columbia (30%);

• respondents who had a family member employed by DND or the CAF compared to those who did not (39% vs. 29%); and

• men compared to women (33% vs. 28%).

Respondents who reported low trust in the information that the CAF provides to Canadians (scores of 1 to 4 on a scale of 1 to 10) were asked to provide reasons for their low level of trust. The most common response pertained to a lack of transparency (20%), followed by political ties (10%) and dishonesty (10%). Other notable responses referred to barely knowing anything about the CAF (6%), too many cover ups or scandals (6%), limited resources (5%) and corruption (4%).

More than one in five respondents (22%) were unsure of the reasoning behind their low trust in the information that the CAF provides to Canadians.

Key segments

Respondents in Quebec were more likely to cite lack of transparency as their reason behind their low trust in the information that the CAF provides compared to those in Ontario (35% vs. 13%).

Respondents living in rural areas were more likely than those living in urban areas to attribute their low trust to the following reasons:

• political ties (18% vs. 6%);

• limited resources (12% vs. 2%).

Conversely, respondents living in urban (9%) or suburban areas (7%) were more likely to attribute their low trust to cover ups or scandals compared to those living in rural areas (0%).

Respondents who had a family member who was employed by DND or the CAF were more likely than those without to attribute their low trust to weak military (10% vs. 0%).

Respondents earning an income of more than $80,000 were more likely than those with an income of $40,000 to $80,000 to mention limited or outdated resources as their reason for having low trust in the information that the CAF provides to Canadians (8% vs. 0%).

Respondents with a university education were more likely than those with a college education to attribute their low trust to the following:

• scandals/cover ups (9% vs. 3%); and

• lack of accountability for actions (6% vs. 1%).

Respondents who reported high trust in the information that the CAF provides to Canadians (scores of 8 to 10 on a scale of 1 to 10) were asked to provide reasons for their high level of trust. Among the reasons given, respondents felt that the CAF is trustworthy or has no reason to lie (6%), is here to protect (6%), and is honest (5%), and there was also an understanding that some information is kept secret for security reasons (5%).

More than two in five (44%) were unsure of the reasoning for their high level of trust.

Key segments

Respondents in Ontario were more likely than those living in British Columbia to say that they have high levels of trust because the CAF are here to protect and provide safety (8% vs. 3%).

Those earning an income of more than $80,000 were more likely to suggest that the CAF’s honesty and transparency is the reason for their high trust (9%) compared to those earning an income of $40,000 to $80,000 (1%) and those earning less than $40,000 (4%).

Women were more likely than men to say that the reason for their high trust in the information that the CAF provides to Canadians is that they understand that some information is kept secret for security reasons (7% vs. 4%).

Conversely, men were more likely to attribute their trust to a perception that the CAF is doing a good job (4% vs. 2%).

Respondents were asked to list what they felt were the greatest threats to Canada’s security and sovereignty in 2023. Consistent with 2022, Russia was viewed as the biggest threat to Canadian security (15%). Another one in ten respondents mentioned China (11%), a finding consistent with the previous waves.

A smaller proportion of respondents mentioned cyber security (6%), war (6%), Arctic sovereignty (6%), and political interference (5%). Additional considerations included the leadership of the Canadian government (4%), the United States (4%), and terrorism (4%).

More than one third of respondents did not know of or mention any threats currently facing Canada (36%).

Key segments

Respondents aged 65 and older were most likely to consider Russia to be a threat to Canadian security (25%).

Men were more likely than women to consider the following as threats:

• Russia (17% men vs. 13% women);

• China (14% men vs. 9% women); and

• Arctic sovereignty (8% men vs. 4% women).

Conversely, women were more likely than men to view war and conflicts as a threat (7% women vs. 4% men).

Those earning an income of $40,000 to $80,000 (15%) and those earning $80,000 and above (17%) were more likely than those earning an income of less than $40,000 (11%) to consider Russia as a threat.

Respondents with a university education were more likely to view the following as threats to Canadian security compared to those with a college education and those with a high school education or less:

• Russia (18% university vs. 13% college and 10% high school);

• Arctic sovereignty (7% university vs. 4% college and 3% high school); and

• the United States (6% university vs. 3% college and 2% high school).

Respondents with a university or college education were more likely to view the following as threats to Canadian security compared to those with a high school education or less:

• China (13% university, 11% college vs. 7% high school).

• Cyber security (7% university, 6% college vs. 4% high school).

Key segments

The following segments were more likely to agree that Canada’s military is underfunded compared to their respective counterparts:

• respondents living outside of Quebec compared to respondents from Quebec (49% vs. 36%);

• respondents who had a family member actively serving in the CAF compared to those who did not (57% vs. 44%);

• respondents aged 65 or older compared to those 64 or younger (64% vs. 40%);

• respondents who had recently heard something about the CAF compared to those who had not heard anything (61% vs. 37%);

• respondents who view the CAF as essential compared to those who view the CAF as no longer needed (56% vs. 16%);

• men compared to women (54% vs. 38%);

• white (50%) and Indigenous respondents (39%) compared to Chinese respondents (32%); and

• those with an income of $80,000 or more compared to those with an income of $40,000 or less (48% vs. 40%).

Four statements pertaining to the CAF’s equipment were presented to respondents. More than one quarter of respondents agree that the CAF has the equipment that it needs to do its job (27%) and that the CAF’s military equipment purchases benefit local economies (26%). Agreement with each of these statements has declined since 2022.

One quarter of respondents agree that the CAF is good at planning its future equipment needs (25%), a decrease from 34% in 2022. Slightly fewer agreed that purchases of military equipment tend to be well managed (23%), which has also seen a decrease from the 32% observed in 2022.

Less than one in five respondents were able to answer whether the CAF has the equipment it needs (18%). Close to three in ten respondents did not know whether the CAF’s equipment purchases benefit local economies (29%), whether the CAF is good at planning its future equipment needs (29%), or whether purchases of military equipment tend to be well managed (28%).

Key segments

Respondents living in Atlantic Canada were more likely to agree that the CAF’s military equipment purchases tend to benefit local economies (38%) compared to those in Quebec (21%), Ontario (27%), Alberta (26%), and British Columbia (21%)

Respondents living in Atlantic Canada were more likely to agree that the CAF is good at planning its future equipment needs (31%) compared to those in Quebec (19%) and British Columbia (22%).

Respondents living in Atlantic Canada were more likely than those in the rest of the country to agree that purchases of military equipment by the CAF tend to be well-managed (33% in Atlantic Canada vs. 22% outside of Atlantic Canada).

Those living in urban areas were more likely to agree that the CAF has the equipment it needs to do its job compared to those in suburban areas (30% vs. 23%).

Men were more likely than women to agree with the following statements:

• CAF military equipment purchases tend to benefit local economies (30% of men vs. 22% of women).

• The CAF is good at planning its future equipment needs (29% of men vs. 22% of women).

Respondents aged 18–24 were most likely to agree with the following statements:

• The Canadian Armed Forces has the equipment it needs to do its job (39%).

• Purchases of military equipment by the Canadian Armed Forces tend to be well-managed (34%).

Respondents with a family member in the CAF were more likely to agree with the following statements compared to those without a family member in the CAF:

• CAF military equipment purchases tend to benefit local economies (38% vs. 23%).

• The CAF is good at planning its future equipment needs (32% vs. 24%).

Respondents with a high-school education were more likely to agree with the following statements compared to those with a university education:

• CAF military equipment purchases tend to benefit local economies (29% high school vs. 23% university).

• The CAF is good at planning its future equipment needs (31% high school vs. 23% university).

Respondents with an income of $40,000 or less were more likely to agree that purchases of military equipment by the Canadian Armed Forces tend to be well managed compared to those with an income of $80,000 or more (30% vs. 22%).

Key segments

Respondents living in Quebec were more likely to agree that the CAF should participate in disaster relief and humanitarian aid (77%), compared to those living in Ontario (70%), British Columbia (68%), Alberta (67%), and Manitoba or Saskatchewan (66%).

Respondents living in Quebec were more likely to agree that the CAF should participate in the following international roles compared to those living in Ontario:

• peace support operations (73% vs. 65%);

• surveillance and defence in the North (72% vs. 65%);

• combat support missions for the UN and NATO (58% vs. 50%); and

• training the militaries or police forces of other countries (55% vs. 44%).

Those living in rural areas were more inclined to agree that the CAF should participate in the following international roles, compared to those living in suburban and urban areas:

• missions that target illegal trafficking activities (62% in rural areas vs. 55% in suburban areas and 55% in urban areas); and

• training militaries or police of other countries (54% in rural areas vs. 47% in suburban areas and 46% in urban areas).

Men were more likely than women to agree that the CAF should participate in the following international roles:

• surveillance and defence in the North (73% of men vs. 62% of women);

• non-combat support missions (69% of men vs. 63% of women);

• using satellites in space for monitoring purposes (66% of men vs. 56% of women);

• combat support missions for the UN and NATO (59% of men vs. 49% of women); and

• training militaries or police of other countries (53% of men vs. 43% of women).

Respondents aged 65 years or older were more likely to agree that the CAF should participate in the following international roles compared to those 64 years of age or younger:

• surveillance and defence in the North (86% of those 65 or older vs. 61% of those 64 or younger);

• non-combat support operations (79% of those 65 or older vs. 62% of those 64 or younger);

• using satellites in space for monitoring purposes (75% of those 65 or older vs. 56% of those 64 or younger); and

• missions that target illegal trafficking activities (71% of those 65 or older vs. 52% of those 64 or younger).

Respondents with a college education were more likely to agree that the CAF should participate in surveillance and defence in the North compared to those with a high-school education (70% vs. 63%).

Respondents with a university or college education were more likely to agree that the CAF should participate in the following international roles compared to those with a high-school education:

• non-combat support operations (68% university and 67% college vs. 59% high-school); and

• combat support missions for the UN and NATO (54% university and 58% college vs. 48% high-school).

Respondents with an income of more than $80,000 were more likely to agree that the CAF should participate in peace support operations compared to those with an income of $40,000 or less (71% vs. 64%).

Respondents with an income of $40,000 or more were more likely to agree that the CAF should participate in the following international roles compared to those with an income of less than $40,000:

• surveillance and defence in the North (71% vs. 59%);

• non-combat support operations (68% vs. 60%);

• combat support missions for the UN and NATO (57% vs. 46%); and

• training militaries or police of other countries (50% vs. 41%).

Indigenous (71%) and white (71%) respondents were more likely to agree that the CAF should be involved in surveillance and defence in the North compared to Chinese (54%) and Asian (53%) respondents.

Indigenous (63%) and white (57%) respondents were more likely to agree that the CAF should be involved in missions that target illegal trafficking activities compared to Chinese respondents (37%).

White respondents were more likely to agree that the CAF should participate in the following international roles compared to Chinese respondents:

• disaster relief/humanitarian aid (73% vs. 60%);

• peace support operations (71% vs. 58%);

• non-combat support operations (68% vs. 57%);

• using satellites in space for monitoring purposes (62% vs. 48%);

• combat support missions for the UN and NATO (56% vs. 43%); and

• training militaries or police of other countries (50% vs. 36%).

More than seven in ten respondents (72%) at least somewhat agreed that Canada’s membership in international organizations such as NATO and NORAD is important for Canadian security. Agreement has declined from the previous wave in 2022.

The graph illustrates attitudes towards the importance of membership in international organizations from 2018 to 2023, with varying proportions strongly or somewhat agreeing, disagreeing, or expressing neutrality. Overall, a majority, ranging from 72% to 88%, consistently viewed membership as important, with fluctuations in agreement levels across the years

For the year 2023, the breakdown is as follows: “Strongly agree” received 52 percent of responses, “Somewhat agree” received 21 percent, “Neither” received 13 percent, “Somewhat disagree” received 3 percent, “Strongly disagree” received 2 percent, and “Don’t know/No response” accounted for 10 percent. Similarly, for the year 2022, the percentages were: 47 percent, 24 percent, 6 percent, 4 percent, 3 percent, and 6 percent, respectively. For the year 2021, the percentages were: 42 percent, 34 percent, 8 percent, 3 percent, 2 percent, and 5 percent, respectively. In 2020, the percentages were: 49 percent, 34 percent, 5 percent, 3 percent, 2 percent, and 7 percent, respectively. For 2018, the percentages were: 63 percent, 25 percent, 3 percent, 3 percent, 3 percent, and 3 percent, respectively. The data for the “Top-2 box” gives the following percentages: 7 percent, 81 percent, 77 percent, 83 percent, and 88 percent for the respective years.

Q25. Please rate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statement: I believe that Canada’s membership in international organizations, such as NATO and NORAD, is important for Canadian security. Base: All respondents, 2023, n=2,004.

Key segments

The following segments were more likely to at least somewhat agree that the CAF’s membership in international organizations is important for Canadian security, compared to their respective counterparts:

• respondents aged 65 years or older compared to those 64 years or younger (89% vs. 68%);

• those with a family member actively serving in the CAF compared to those who do not have a family member who serves (79% vs. 72%);

• men compared to women (75% vs. 69%);

• respondents with a university (75%) or college education (74%) compared to those with a high-school education or less (64%);

• respondents with an income of $40,000 or more compared to those with an income of less than $40,000 (75% vs. 62%); and

• white respondents compared to Chinese respondents (75% vs. 63%).

Key segments

Respondents living in Quebec were more likely to agree that the following roles were important for the CAF compared to respondents living in Ontario, Manitoba or Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia:

• responding to natural disasters (89% in Quebec vs. 83% in Ontario, 82% in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, 81% in Alberta and 82% in British Columbia); and

• search and rescue (87% in Quebec vs. 81% in Ontario, 80% in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, 77% in Alberta and 78% in British Columbia).

Respondents living in Quebec were more likely than those living in Alberta to agree that the CAF should be involved in providing protection against terrorist threats (84% vs. 77%).

Respondents living in Atlantic Canada (77%) and Quebec (73%) were more likely than those living in Alberta (64%) to agree that the CAF should be involved in helping prevent illegal activities.

Respondents living in Quebec were more likely than those living in British Columbia to agree that the CAF should be involved in providing protection against cyber-security threats (74% vs. 66%).

Respondents living in Atlantic Canada (63%) were more likely than those living in Quebec (54%) or Ontario (52%) to agree that the CAF should be involved in youth programs.

Respondents living in rural areas tended to give higher importance ratings for the following domestic roles compared to those living in urban areas:

• responding to natural disasters (88% in rural areas vs. 83% in urban areas); and

• helping prevent illegal activities (75% in rural areas vs. 69% in urban areas).

Those living in rural areas (63%) tended to give higher importance ratings for the CAF’s involvement in youth programs compared to those living in suburban (55%) or urban areas (51%).

Women tended to place greater importance on the following roles compared to men:

• responding to natural disasters (86% of women vs. 82% of men);

• providing protection against terrorist threats (84% of women vs. 78% of men); and

• helping prevent illegal activities (74% of women vs. 68% of men).

Consistent with 2022, men were more likely to place importance on patrolling the Arctic compared to women (76% to 58%).

Respondents aged 65 or older gave the highest overall importance score for each domestic role presented. The general trend observed was that, as age increases, importance placed on domestic roles of the CAF also increases.

Respondents with a college education were more likely than those with a university education to feel that the following domestic roles were important for the CAF to be involved in:

• providing protection against terrorist threats (84% college vs. 80% university); and

• helping prevent illegal activities (74% college vs. 68% university).

Those with a high-school (57%) or college education (62%) were more likely than those with a university education (49%) to feel that the CAF’s involvement in youth programs was important.

Those with a household income of more than $80,000 tended to place greater importance on the following roles compared to those with a household income of less than $40,000:

• responding to natural disasters (86% vs. 82%); and

• providing protection against terrorist threats (84% vs. 78%).

Those with a household income of $40,000 or more tended to place greater importance on patrolling the Arctic compared to those with a household income of less than $40,000 (69% vs. 60%).

White respondents were more likely than Chinese and Asian respondents to place importance on the following domestic roles:

• responding to natural disasters (87% vs. 67% and 69% respectively);

• search and rescue (84% vs. 69% and 68% respectively); and

• patrolling the Arctic (69% vs. 57% and 57% respectively).

White respondents were more likely than Chinese respondents to place importance on the following domestic roles:

• providing protection against terrorist threats (83% vs. 69%); and

• youth programs (55% vs. 42%).

Indigenous respondents were more likely than Chinese respondents to give higher importance ratings to the CAF’s involvement in the following roles:

• responding to natural disasters (83% vs. 67%); and

• youth programs (66% vs. 42%).

Indigenous (82%) respondents were more likely than white (71%) and Chinese (63%) respondents to give higher importance ratings to the CAF’s involvement in helping prevent illegal activities.

When asked to provide their level of agreement that the CAF is doing a good job of performing its duties in Canada, nearly seven in ten (69%) at least somewhat agreed. More specifically, nearly one quarter (24%) strongly agreed with this statement.

Strong agreement scores have declined from those observed in 2022.

The graph illustrates agreement levels regarding the perceived effectiveness of the Canadian Armed Forces in carrying out its duties within Canada

For the year 2023, the breakdown is as follows: “Strongly agree” received 24 percent of responses, “Somewhat agree” received 45 percent, “Neither” received 14 percent, “Somewhat disagree” received 4 percent, “Strongly disagree” received 2 percent, and “Don’t know/No response” accounted for 11 percent. Similarly, for the year 2022, the percentages were: 33 percent, 45 percent, 9 percent, 4 percent, 2 percent, and 7 percent, respectively. For the year 2021, the percentages were: 34 percent, 44 percent, 9 percent, 2 percent, 1 percent, and 9 percent, respectively. The data for the “Top-2 Box” is as follows: 69 percent, 78 percent, and 79 percent for the respective years.

Q27. Please rate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statement. Base: All respondents, 2023, n=2,004.

Key segments

The following segments were more likely to at least somewhat agree that the CAF is doing a good job performing its domestic duties:

• respondents 65 or older compared to those 64 years or younger (81% vs. 65%);

• those who had a family member employed by DND or the CAF compared to those who did not (78% vs. 68%);

• respondents living in Atlantic Canada (75%) compared to those living in Ontario (67%) or Alberta (65%);

• respondents with a high-school education compared to those with a university education (73% vs. 67%);

• women compared to men (71% vs. 67%); and

• white (71%), black (73%) and Indigenous respondents (72%) compared to Chinese respondents (49%).

When looking specifically at those who strongly agreed, respondents in Atlantic Canada were most likely to strongly agree that the CAF is doing a good job at performing domestic duties compared to those living outside of Atlantic Canada (37% vs. 22%).

Key segments

The following segments tended to have paid at least some attention to the allegations compared to their respective counterparts:

• those 65 years or older compared to respondents 64 years or younger (67% vs. 40%);

• respondents who had a family member employed by DND or the CAF compared to those who did not (59% vs. 45%);

• respondents living in Quebec (56%) compared to those living elsewhere in Canada (44%); and

• white (49%) and Indigenous (42%) respondents compared to Chinese respondents (26%).

Respondents were then asked to rate the extent to which they agreed or disagreed with a series of statements pertaining to misconduct allegations.

Exactly two in five respondents (40%) at least somewhat agreed that the CAF takes misconduct allegations seriously. Conversely, one in five respondents (19%) disagreed.

More than one third of respondents agreed with the following statements regarding misconduct in the CAF:

• The misconduct allegations have led the Canadian Armed Forces to make positive changes (37%).

• I feel like the Canadian Armed Forces is taking concrete steps to make changes to evolve its culture (37%).

• I feel like the Canadian Armed Forces is taking concrete steps to prevent misconduct (36%).

Additionally, three in ten respondents at least somewhat agreed that the CAF deals with misconduct allegations appropriately (30%). Conversely, one quarter of respondents at least somewhat disagreed (25%).

Key segments

Respondents who had a family member employed by DND or the CAF were more likely to agree with each of the statements pertaining to the CAF’s response to misconduct allegations compared to those who did not:

• The Canadian Armed Forces takes them seriously (51% vs. 38%).

• The misconduct allegations have led the Canadian Armed Forces to make positive changes (46% vs. 35%).

• I feel like the Canadian Armed Forces is taking concrete steps to make changes to evolve its culture (46% vs. 35%).

• I feel like the Canadian Armed Forces is taking concrete steps to prevent misconduct (47% vs. 34%).

• The Canadian Armed Forces deals with them appropriately (41% vs. 28%).

Men were more likely to agree with each of the statements pertaining to the CAF’s response to misconduct allegations compared to women:

• The Canadian Armed Forces takes them seriously (46% men vs. 34% women).

• The misconduct allegations have led the Canadian Armed Forces to make positive changes (43% men vs. 31% women).

• I feel like the Canadian Armed Forces is taking concrete steps to make changes to evolve its culture (43% men vs. 31% women).

• I feel like the Canadian Armed Forces is taking concrete steps to prevent misconduct (43% men vs. 29% women).

• The Canadian Armed Forces deals with them appropriately (39% men vs. 23% women).

Respondents with a high-school or college education were more likely to agree with each of the statements pertaining to the CAF’s response to misconduct allegations compared to those with a university education:

• The Canadian Armed Forces takes them seriously (45% high school, 44% college vs. 36% university).

• The misconduct allegations have led the Canadian Armed Forces to make positive changes (42% high school, 42% college vs. 32% university).

• I feel like the Canadian Armed Forces is taking concrete steps to make changes to evolve its culture (43% high school, 40% college vs. 32% university).

• I feel like the Canadian Armed Forces is taking concrete steps to prevent misconduct (41% high school, 42% college vs. 30% university).

• The Canadian Armed Forces deals with them appropriately (37% high school, 33% college vs. 26% university).

Respondents who had recently seen, read or heard anything about the CAF were more likely to agree with each of the statements compared to those who had not:

• The Canadian Armed Forces takes them seriously (45% vs. 38%).

• The misconduct allegations have led the Canadian Armed Forces to make positive changes (44% vs. 33%).

• I feel like the Canadian Armed Forces is taking concrete steps to make changes to evolve its culture (42% vs. 34%).

• I feel like the Canadian Armed Forces is taking concrete steps to prevent misconduct (42% vs. 33%).

• The Canadian Armed Forces deals with them appropriately (35% vs. 28%).

Impressions of people who serve in the CAF

While participants admitted to having limited knowledge about the CAF’s roles and activities, most participants could share their overall impressions of the people who serve in the CAF, and these impressions were mostly positive. Many explained that members of the CAF are viewed as hard-working, disciplined, compassionate, motivated, well-trained, dedicated, noble, honourable and self-sacrificing individuals. There was a sense that a career in the CAF is not easy and so those who have joined must be physically and mentally strong and have self-determination. Similarly, a few felt that the level of training required by the CAF leaves its employees with a large and diverse skill set that can also benefit them outside of their career.

“They’re really brave. I feel like they are very motivated. They know what they want to do and they want to fight for that.” – Female, 20, Atlantic Canada

Participants’ limited knowledge of those who serve was often based on friends, family members, neighbours or acquaintances they knew who were in the CAF and on limited interactions. Despite limited familiarity, participants believed CAF members are patriotic and disciplined individuals due to the fact that they are protecting our country despite the challenges of their careers and the risks they face.

While there was awareness of misconduct, participants typically sensed that these issues pertained to a smaller number of certain individuals in higher ranks rather than the majority of those who serve in the CAF, especially on the front lines.

Those who had slightly less positive impressions of those who serve typically reflected individuals they knew who had joined the CAF for what may not have been the right reasons. Some discussed how individuals living in areas with fewer job opportunities may join the CAF simply because they feel they do not have many other options. Additionally, one participant mentioned that they had seen acquaintances get rejected from careers as police officers or firefighters and so they joined the CAF as a backup career.

Again, due to limited awareness about the CAF’s roles and activities, few participants felt that they could easily weigh in on the work performed by those who serve.

Impressions of the work performed

Based on their limited awareness of the CAF’s activities and the extent to which they felt that the CAF was involved in peacekeeping and coming to the aid of Canadians when natural disasters strike, participants generally had a positive impression of the work performed by those who serve in the CAF.

There was an impression that CAF members do not always have a say in where they are required or what role they need to carry out, but regardless of that, they always dedicate themselves entirely. Additionally, some felt that those who serve are performing a job that not a lot of people can or want to do and saw this work as selfless.

While there was a sense that Canada does not currently have a lot of threats, many participants shared that they felt that if a threat did arise, the CAF would be prepared to protect the country. Some participants described how negative news tends to spread more than positive news and so if members of the CAF were not performing well, they would probably have heard more about their roles. Thus, they believed those who serve are probably doing just fine.

A few participants, particularly those from the Territories, had some encounters with members of the CAF due to specific circumstances where their community required aid and the CAF were there to help. This left them with a positive impression of the work performed by those in the CAF.

The small amount of criticism surrounding the work done by CAF members typically involved the idea that the organization as a whole acts as more of a follower than a leader. One participant discussed how the members of the CAF were very capable people but may not be provided with enough funding or opportunities to serve a leadership role.

Participants were asked, all things considered, whether they felt that the CAF’s job is easier or harder than it was 10 years ago. Most participants seemed to feel that the CAF’s job is harder than it was previously. These participants explained that the increase in natural disasters requiring CAF involvement and a sense that there are more conflicts around the world compared to 10 years ago might make their job harder. Additionally, advancements in technology could lead to a bigger challenge when it comes to cybersecurity.

That being said, a small number of participants felt that the advancement of technology might make the job easier, as there would be better equipment, which could enhance certain areas such as detecting threats to Canada.

Trust in the CAF

When the topic of trust came up, most participants tended to describe a moderate to high level of trust in the CAF. Some felt they had no genuine reason to distrust the CAF, with the sentiment that “no news is good news.” Many also felt that if the country was in need or a threat was to arise, they would trust that the CAF was prepared to handle it.

Others felt that, having known some individuals who serve (or have served) and based on the kinds of activities they do in communities, the CAF is trustworthy.

Many who did not know anyone currently serving or who had served in the past also had high trust and believed that the screening and recruitment process was strict, meaning that members must be good people.

Some compared hearing about issues and scandals in other countries’ military and felt that our military was, for the most part, in a good place as they had not heard of similar issues in Canada.

Those who had lower levels of trust typically felt that those who serve have good intentions; they had lower levels of trust in the politicians who make the decisions. For example, some felt that Canada’s involvement in other countries may not always be in our best interest, and they suspected this may be due to poor political decisions or to economical motivations.

When it came to trusting the information that the CAF provide to Canadians, most explained that they would trust basic information (such as the CAF’s involvement in domestic disaster relief, recruitment statistics, etc.). Several felt that similar to their trust in the people who serve, they have not been given a reason not to trust the CAF as a whole or the information the CAF share.

However, most assume that we are not being told all the facts and that Canadians are “sheltered” from most of what goes on, especially when it comes to international affairs. This sentiment seemed to stem from an expectation that any military is likely to keep a lot of information “close to its chest” given the nature of its operations and the need for national security.

For the most part, participants felt that only very little information is shared, and it often pertains to positive outcomes, recruitment initiatives or donations.

“I think it’s stable, it’s trustworthy, we are a stable nation. I assume that everything I read from every press release and from every organization has been passed through so many filters that it’s a presentable version of the truth.” – Male, 40, Ontario

“All the information that is being provided to us is to uphold whatever image they want to portray. They want you to think that you can trust them and that what they are doing is the right thing to do. But are you getting the whole picture? Probably not. I wouldn’t say we can’t trust the information that you are given, but as a whole, there is more to it than just the façade of what we are seeing.” – Female, 26, British Columbia

Qualitative Research Disclaimer

Non-response bias considerations

Online landing page

Section 1: Screening

1. What is your gender?

   Male	1
   Female	2
   Other (please specify)	77
   Prefer not to say	99

1. 2A. In what year were you born?

   [INSERT YEAR. IF YOUNGER THAN 18 YEARS, TERMINATE]

   [IF PREFER NOT TO SAY, ASK Q2B]

2. 2B. In which age group do you belong?

   Under 18 years old [THANK & TERMINATE.]	0
   18 to 24	1
   25 to 34	2
   35 to 44	3
   45 to 54	4
   55 to 64	5
   65 or older	6
   Prefer not to say [THANK & TERMINATE.]	9

3. Which province or territory do you live in?

   Newfoundland and Labrador	1
   Nova Scotia	2
   Prince Edward Island	3
   New Brunswick	4
   Quebec	5
   Ontario	6
   Manitoba	7
   Saskatchewan	8
   Alberta	9
   British Columbia	10
   Yukon	11
   Nunavut	12
   Northwest Territories	13
   Prefer not to say [THANK & TERMINATE.]	99

4. Do you, or does anyone in your family or household, work in any of the following areas?

   Advertising or market research [THANK & TERMINATE.]	1
   The media (i.e. TV, radio, newspapers) [THANK & TERMINATE.]	2
   Department of National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces [RECORD & CONTINUE.]	3
   None of the above	7
   Prefer not to answer [THANK & TERMINATE.]	9

Section 2: Overall impressions of the Canadian Armed Forces

5. Many of the topics we will be covering are related to the Canadian military and defence issues. Have you recently seen, read or heard anything about the Canadian Armed Forces?

   Yes	1
   No [SKIP TO Q7]	2
   Don’t know/Prefer not to answer [SKIP TO Q7]	9

6. About what topic or topics regarding the Canadian Armed Forces have you recently seen, read or heard? [PROGRAM AS OPEN-END W/ TEXT BOX]

   Don’t know/Prefer not to answer

   99

7. What is your overall impression of the Canadian Armed Forces?

   Strongly positive	5
   Somewhat positive	4
   Neither/Neutral	3
   Somewhat negative	2
   Strongly negative	1
   Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

8. What would you say are the biggest issues or challenges facing the Canadian Armed Forces these days? [PROGRAM AS OPEN-END W/ TEXT BOX]

   Don’t know/Prefer not to answer

   99

9. And what is your overall impression of the people who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces?

   Strongly positive	5
   Somewhat positive	4
   Neither/Neutral	3
   Somewhat negative	2
   Strongly negative	1
   Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

10. Overall, how familiar would you say you are with the Canadian Armed Forces? Would you say…?

    Very familiar	4
    Somewhat familiar	3
    Not very familiar	2
    Not at all familiar	1
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

11. And using the same scale, how familiar would you say you are with each of the following environments of the Canadian Armed Forces?

    1. The Canadian Army

    2. The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN)

    3. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)

    Very familiar	4
    Somewhat familiar	3
    Not very familiar	2
    Not at all familiar	1
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

12. And how familiar would you say you are with each of the following parts of the Canadian Armed Forces? [RANDOMIZE LIST.]

    1. The Regular Force (Army, Navy, Air Force)

    2. The Reserves (Army, Navy, Air Force)

    3. The Rangers

    4. Health Services

    5. The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command

    Very familiar	4
    Somewhat familiar	3
    Not very familiar	2
    Not at all familiar	1
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

13. If a young person you know, such as a family member or friend, told you that they were joining the Canadian Armed Forces, how would you view that decision?

    Very favourable	5
    Somewhat favourable	4
    Neutral	3
    Somewhat unfavourable	2
    Very unfavourable	1
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

14. Generally speaking, when it comes to looking after active military personnel, would you say the Canadian Armed Forces does a very good job, a good job, neither a good nor a poor job, a poor job or a very poor job? Please keep in mind we are asking about active personnel in this question, not veterans.

    Very good	5
    Good	4
    Neither	3
    Poor	2
    Very poor	1
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

15. To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? [RANDOMIZE LIST.]

    1. I could see myself joining the Canadian Armed Forces.

    2. The membership of the Canadian Armed Forces seems just as diverse as the Canadian population.

    3. The Canadian Armed Forces is as good a career choice for women as it is for men.

    4. I think that the Canadian Armed Forces workplace environment is respectful of women.

    5. Systemic racism in the Canadian Armed Forces is something I am concerned about.

    6. Racist or hateful attitudes or behaviours are not tolerated in the Canadian Armed Forces.

    7. The Canadian Armed Forces does a good job of addressing misconduct such as racist, sexist or hateful conduct.

    8. The Canadian Armed Forces is as good a career choice for people in the 2SLGBTQI+ community as it is for anyone else.

    9. The Canadian Armed Forces is as good a career choice for visible minorities as it is for anyone else.

    10. The Canadian Armed Forces does a good job of taking care of its ill and injured members.

    Strongly agree	4
    Somewhat agree	3
    Somewhat disagree	2
    Strongly disagree	1
    Don’t know/Not sure	9

16. To what extent do you think the Canadian Armed Forces is a source of pride for Canadians? Please use a 5-point scale, where “1” means not at all a source of pride, “3” is neutral, and “5” means very much a source of pride.

    Very much a source of pride	5
    4	4
    Neutral	3
    2	2
    Not at all a source of pride	1
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

17. Do you think Canada’s military is modern or outdated? Please use a 5-point scale, where “1” means very outdated, “3” means neither outdated nor modern, and “5” means very modern.

    Very modern	5
    4	4
    Neither outdated nor modern	3
    2	2
    Very outdated	1
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

18. Do you think Canada’s military is essential or no longer needed? Please use a 5-point scale, where “1” means no longer needed at all and “5” means very essential.

    Very essential	5
    4	4
    3	3
    2	2
    No longer needed at all	1
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

19. What do you think is the biggest threat to the security and/or sovereignty of Canadians and Canada at this time? [PROGRAM AS OPEN-END W/ TEXT BOX.]

    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer

    99

20. On a scale of 1 to 10, where “1” means you have no trust at all and “10” means you have complete trust…

    1. How much trust do you have that the Canadian Armed Forces is prepared to keep Canadians safe?

    2. How much trust do you have in the information that the Canadian Armed Forces provides to Canadians?

    Complete trust	10
    	9
    	8
    	7
    	6
    	5
    	4
    	3
    	2
    No trust at all	1
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	99

21. 1. ASK IF Q20B<5: What is behind your low level of trust in the information that the Canadian Armed Forces provides to Canadians?

    2. ASK IF Q20B>6: What is behind your high level of trust in the information that the Canadian Armed Forces provides to Canadians?

    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer

    99

Section 3: Funding and equipment

22. Do you feel that Canada’s military is underfunded, overfunded or receives about the right amount of funding?

    Underfunded	3
    Receives about the right amount of funding	2
    Overfunded	1
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

23. Please rate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. [RANDOMIZE LIST].

    1. The Canadian Armed Forces is good at planning its future equipment needs.

    2. The Canadian Armed Forces has the equipment it needs to do its job.

    3. Purchases of military equipment by the Canadian Armed Forces tend to be well managed.

    4. When the Canadian Armed Forces purchases military equipment, it tends to benefit local economies.

    Strongly agree	5
    Somewhat agree	4
    Neither	3
    Somewhat disagree	2
    Strongly disagree	1
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

Section 4: International roles

24. Shifting focus now to Canadian Armed Forces activities abroad, there are a number of roles the Canadian Armed Forces could play internationally. Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree that the Canadian Armed Forces should participate in each of the following activities. To do so, use a 5-point scale, where “1” means strongly disagree and “5” means strongly agree. How about …? [RANDOMIZE LIST.]

    The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that promotes international cooperation.

    NATO is an alliance of countries from North America and Europe committed to fulfilling the goals of the North Atlantic Treaty, which was signed on April 4, 1949.

    1. Combat roles in support of the United Nations* and NATO* missions.

    2. Non-combat support roles in support of the United Nations* and NATO* missions. This could include things like medical assistance, communications and logistical support, or transportation.

    3. Peace support operations.

    4. Disaster relief or humanitarian aid in response to a request for help from another country.

    5. Training the militaries or police forces of other countries.

    6. Missions that target drug, weapons, or other illegal trafficking activities in international waters.

    7. Using satellites in space to monitor territory, gather intelligence and/or identify targets.

    8. Surveillance and defence in the North.

    *The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that promotes international cooperation.

    *NATO is an alliance of countries from North America and Europe committed to fulfilling the goals of the North Atlantic Treaty, which was signed on April 4, 1949.

    Strongly agree	5
    Somewhat agree	4
    Neither	3
    Somewhat disagree	2
    Strongly disagree	1
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

25. Please rate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statement:

    I believe that Canada’s membership in international organizations, such as NATO and NORAD,* is important for Canadian security.

    *NORAD is a Canada and United States bi-national organization that conducts aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning in the defence of North America.

    Strongly agree	5
    Somewhat agree	4
    Neither	3
    Somewhat disagree	2
    Strongly disagree	1
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

Section 5: Domestic roles

26. The next questions are about the role of Canada’s military domestically, here in Canada.

    There are a number of roles that the Canadian Armed Forces plays here in Canada. Please indicate how important each of the following roles should be, in your opinion, using a 5-point scale, where 1 means not important at all and 5 means very important. How about…? [RANDOMIZE LIST.]

    1. Responding to natural disasters, including catastrophic weather events such as floods, wildfires or ice storms.

    2. Search and rescue.

    3. Helping prevent illegal activity such as drug smuggling, human smuggling or illegal immigration.

    4. Providing protection against terrorist threats.

    5. Providing protection against cyber-security threats.

    6. Patrolling the Arctic.

    7. Delivering the Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers programs for youth 12 to 18 years of age.

    Very important	5
    4	4
    3	3
    2	2
    Not important at all	1
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

27. Please rate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statement:

    Overall, the Canadian Armed Forces is doing a good job performing its duties here in Canada.

    Strongly agree	5
    Somewhat agree	4
    Neither	3
    Somewhat disagree	2
    Strongly disagree	1
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

Section 6: Misconduct allegations

As you may have heard, allegations of sexual misconduct have been brought forth in the Canadian Armed Forces. These next questions will focus on the topic of misconduct allegations and are, of course, completely voluntary. If you do not feel comfortable answering these questions, please feel free to skip them.

Are you comfortable to proceed with these questions?

28. How much attention have you paid over the past few months to news about alleged sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces?

    A lot of attention	4
    Some attention	3
    A little attention	2
    No attention at all	1
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

29. Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements pertaining to the response from the Canadian Armed Forces regarding misconduct allegations. Please use a 5-point scale, where “1” means strongly disagree and “5” means strongly agree. How about …? [PRESENT STATEMENTS A AND B FIRST, RANDOMIZE STATEMENTS C THROUGH E.]

    1. The Canadian Armed Forces takes them seriously.

    2. The Canadian Armed Forces deals with them appropriately.

    3. The misconduct allegations have led the Canadian Armed Forces to make positive changes within the military.

    4. I feel like the Canadian Armed Forces is taking concrete steps to make changes to evolve its culture.

    5. I feel like the Canadian Armed Forces is taking concrete steps to prevent misconduct.

    Strongly agree	5
    Somewhat agree	4
    Neither	3
    Somewhat disagree	2
    Strongly disagree	1
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

Section 7: Demographics

The last few questions are for classification purposes only.

30. What is the highest level of formal education that you have completed?

    Grade 8 or less	1
    Some high school	2
    High school diploma or equivalent	3
    Registered apprenticeship or other trades certificate or diploma	4
    College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma	5
    University certificate or diploma below bachelor’s level	6
    Bachelor’s degree	7
    Post-graduate degree above bachelor’s level	8
    Currently a student	9
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	99

31. Is there someone in your immediate family who is either a current or former member or employee of the Canadian Armed Forces––that is, the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Navy or the Royal Canadian Air Force?

    Yes	1
    No	2
    Don’t know/Prefer not to say	9

32. Are you an Indigenous person, that is, First Nations (North American Indian), Métis or Inuk (Inuit)?

    Yes [SKIP TO Q34]	1
    No	2
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

33. [IF NOT INDIGENOUS] Are you…? [SELECT UP TO THREE.]

    White	1
    South Asian (e.g. East Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, etc.)	2
    Chinese	3
    Black	4
    Filipino	5
    Latin American	6
    Arab	7
    Southeast Asian (e.g. Vietnamese, Cambodian, Malaysian, Laotian, etc.)	8
    West Asian (e.g. Iranian, Afghan, etc.)	9
    Korean	10
    Japanese	11
    Other [SPECIFY]	77
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	99

34. Which of the following categories best describes your total household income? That is, the total income of all persons in your household combined, before taxes?

    Under $20,000	1
    $20,000 to just under $40,000	2
    $40,000 to just under $60,000	3
    $60,000 to just under $80,000	4
    $80,000 to just under $100,000	5
    $100,000 to just under $150,000	6
    $150,000 or above	7
    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

35. Would you describe the community you live in as…?

    Urban	1
    Suburban	2
    Rural	3
    Remote	4
    Don’t know/Prefer not to say	9

36. What are the first three characters of your postal code?

    Don’t know/Prefer not to answer

    99

That concludes the survey. Thank you very much for your thoughtful feedback. It is much appreciated.

[PRE-TEST ONLY: ADD QUESTIONS A THROUGH J]

1. Did you find any aspect of this survey difficult to understand? Y/N

2. [IF A=YES] Please describe what you found difficult to understand.

3. Did you find that the way any of the questions in this survey were asked made it difficult for you to provide your answer? Y/N

4. [IF C=YES] Please describe the problem with how the question was asked.

5. Did you experience any difficulties with the language? Y/N

6. [IF E=YES] Please describe what difficulties you had with the language.

7. Did you find any terms confusing? Y/N

8. [IF G=YES] Please describe what terms you found confusing.

9. Did you encounter any other issues during the course of this survey that you would like us to be aware of? Y/N

10. [IF I=YES] What are they?

That concludes the survey. Thank you for your participation!

A. Introduction

Hello/Bonjour, my name is [NAME] and I am with Quorus Consulting Group, a national public opinion research company. We’re planning a series of online discussion groups on behalf of the Government of Canada with people in your area. Would you prefer to continue in English or French? / Préférez-vous continuer en anglais ou en français?

[INTERVIEWER NOTE 1 : FOR ENGLISH GROUPS, IF PARTICIPANT WOULD PREFER TO CONTINUE IN FRENCH, PLEASE RESPOND WITH, « Malheureusement, nous recherchons des gens qui parlent anglais pour participer à ces groupes de discussion. Nous vous remercions de votre intérêt.” FOR FRENCH GROUPS, IF PARTICIPANT WOULD PREFER TO CONTINUE IN ENGLISH, PLEASE RESPOND WITH, “Unfortunately, we are looking for people who speak French to participate in this discussion group. We thank you for your interest.”]

[INTERVIEWER NOTE 2: IF SOMEONE IS ASKING TO PARTICIPATE IN FRENCH/ENGLISH BUT NO GROUP IN THIS LANGUAGE IS AVAILABLE IN THIS AREA, TALK TO YOUR SUPERVISOR. EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO INCLUDE THEM IN A GROUP IN THEIR PREFERRED LANGUAGE IN THE NEAREST TIME ZONE TO WHERE THEY LIVE. ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEWS CAN ALSO BE ACCOMMODATED AS THE NEED ARISES.]

As I was saying – we are planning a series of online discussion groups on issues of importance on behalf of the Government of Canada with people in your area. The groups will last up to 90 minutes (one and a half hours) and people who take part will receive a cash gift to thank them for their time.

Participation is completely voluntary. We are interested in your opinions. No attempt will be made to sell you anything or change your point of view. The format is a group discussion held using an online web conferencing platform similar to Zoom, led by a research professional with about six to eight other participants invited the same way you are being invited. The use of a computer, a tablet or a smartphone in a quiet room is necessary for participation. All opinions will remain anonymous and will be used for research purposes only in accordance with laws designed to protect your privacy.

[INTERVIEWER NOTE: IF ASKED ABOUT PRIVACY LAWS, SAY: “The information collected through the research is subject to the provisions of the Privacy Act, legislation of the Government of Canada, and to the provisions of relevant provincial privacy legislation.”]

1. Before we invite anyone to attend, we need to ask you a few questions to ensure that we get a good mix of people in each of the groups. This will take 5 minutes. May I continue?

   Yes	1	CONTINUE
   No	2	THANK/DISCONTINUE

Monitoring text:

B. Qualification

2. Do you or does anyone in your immediate family or household work in any of the following areas? [READ LIST]

   	Yes	No
   A marketing research firm	1	2
   A magazine or newspaper, online or print	1	2
   A radio or television station	1	2
   A public relations company	1	2
   An advertising agency or graphic design firm	1	2
   An online media company or as a blog writer	1	2
   The government, whether federal, provincial or municipal	1	2
   The Canadian Armed Forces or Department of National Defence	1	2

   IF “YES” TO ANY OF THE ABOVE, THANK AND TERMINATE

3. What is your gender identity? [If you do not feel comfortable disclosing, you do not need to do so] [DO NOT READ LIST]

   Woman	1
   Man	2
   Gender diverse (optional to specify: _____)	3
   Prefer not to say	9

   AIM FOR 50/50 SPLIT OF WOMEN AND MEN, WHILE RECRUITING OTHER GENDER IDENTITIES AS THEY FALL

4. We are looking to include people of various ages in the group discussion. May I have your age please? RECORD AGE: ______________

   AGE	GROUP	RECRUITMENT SPECIFICATIONS
   18-34	Young Adults	Recruit a range of ages within this group Groups: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
   35-65	Adults	Recruit a range of ages within this group Groups: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
   66+		THANK AND TERMINATE

5. In which province/territory do you live in?

   RECORD ______________________

   IF Q5 = NB, QC, ON, MB, BC OR THE TERRITORIES, CONTINUE, OTHERWISE, THANK AND TERMINATE

6. A) [ASK IF Q5=NB] Do you live within 100 km of Moncton?

   Yes	1	Groups: 1, 2
   No	2	THANK AND TERMINATE

   B) [ASK IF Q5=QC] Do you live within 100 km of Montreal?

   Yes	1	Groups: 3, 4
   No	2	THANK AND TERMINATE

   C) [ASK IF Q5=ON] Do you live within 100 km of Toronto?

   Yes	1	Groups: 5, 6
   No	2	THANK AND TERMINATE

   D) [ASK IF Q5=MB] Do you live within 100 km of Winnipeg?

   Yes	1	Groups: 7, 8
   No	2	THANK AND TERMINATE

   E) [ASK IF Q5=BC] Do you live within 100 km of Vancouver?

   Yes	1	Groups: 9, 10
   No	2	THANK AND TERMINATE

7. We want to make sure we speak to a diversity of people. Do you identify as any of the following?

   An Indigenous person that is, First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)? First Nations includes Status and Non–Status Indians.	1
   A member of an ethnocultural or a visible minority group other than an Indigenous person	2
   None of the above	3

   RECRUIT AT LEAST 2 MEMBERS OF VISIBLE MINORITIES IN EACH REGION

   ON A BEST EFFORT BASIS, RECRUIT 2 INDIGENOUS PERSONS IN EACH REGION

8. [ASK ONLY IF Q7=2] What is your ethnic background? RECORD

   ENSURE GOOD MIX

   RECORD ETHNICITY: ______________

9. Which of the following best describes your current employment status?

   ENSURE GOOD MIX

   Full Time (35 hrs. +)	1
   Part Time (under 35 hrs.)	2
   Self-employed	3
   Homemaker	4
   Retired	5
   Unemployed / Looking for work	6
   Student – not working	7
   Other/ Unable to work	8
   Prefer not to say	99

10. Which of the following categories best describes your total household income; that is, the total income of all persons in your household combined, before taxes? [READ LIST]

    Under $20,000	1
    $20,000 to under $40,000	2
    $40,000 to under $60,000	3
    $60,000 to under $80,000	4
    $80,000 to under $100,000	5
    $100,000 to under $150,000	6
    $150,000 or more	7
    Prefer not to say	9

    ENSURE GOOD MIX

11. What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

    In the process of completing high school	1
    Completed high school	2
    Currently in college	3
    Graduated from college	4
    Currently in university	5
    Graduated from university	6
    Prefer not to say	9

    ENSURE GOOD MIX

12. Have you ever attended a discussion group or taken part in an interview on any topic that was arranged in advance and for which you received money for participating?

    Yes	1
    No	2	GO TO Q16

13. When did you last attend one of these discussion groups or interviews?

    Within the last 6 months	1	THANK & TERMINATE
    Over 6 months ago	2

14. Thinking about the groups or interviews that you have taken part in, what were the main topics discussed?

    RECORD: _______________

    THANK/TERMINATE IF RELATED TO MILITARY ISSUES, FOREIGN AFFAIRS OR THE CANADIAN ARMED FORCES

15. How many discussion groups or interviews have you attended in the past 5 years?

    Fewer than 5	1
    Five or more	2	THANK & TERMINATE

16. Participants in group discussions are asked to voice their opinions and thoughts, how comfortable are you in voicing your opinions in an online group discussion with others your age? Are you… READ OPTIONS

    Very comfortable	1	MIN 4 PER GROUP
    Fairly comfortable	2
    Not very comfortable	3	THANK & TERMINATE
    Very uncomfortable	4	THANK & TERMINATE

17. Do you have access to a stable internet connection, capable of sustaining a 90-minute online video conference?

    Yes	1
    No	2	THANK & TERMINATE

18. Participants will be asked to provide their answers through an online web conferencing platform using a computer, a tablet or a smartphone in a quiet room. If you need glasses to read or a device for hearing, please remember to wear them. Is there any reason why you could not participate? (No access to computer, tablet or smartphone, internet, etc.)

    Yes	1
    No	2	SKIP TO INVITATION

19. Is there anything we could do to ensure that you can participate?

    Yes	1
    No	2	THANK AND TERMINATE
    DK/NR	9	THANK AND TERMINATE

20. What specifically? [OPEN END]

    INTERVIEWER TO NOTE FOR POTENTIAL ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW

    RECRUITER NOTE: WHEN TERMINATING AN INTERVIEW, SAY: “Thank you very much for your cooperation. We are unable to invite you to participate because we have enough participants who have a similar profile to yours.”

C. INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE

21. I would like to invite you to participate to the online focus group session scheduled for residents in your region. The discussion will be led by a researcher from the national public opinion research firm, Quorus Consulting. The group will be hosted using an online web conferencing platform, taking place on [DAY OF WEEK], [DATE], at [TIME]. It will last 90 minutes (one and a half hours). People who attend will receive $125 to thank them for their time.

    Would you be interested in taking part in this study?

    Yes	1
    No	2	THANK & TERMINATE

PRIVACY QUESTIONS

Now I have a few questions that relate to privacy, your personal information and the research process. We will need your consent on a few issues that enable us to conduct our research. As I run through these questions, please feel free to ask me any questions you would like clarified.

1. P1) First, we will be providing a list of respondents’ first names and profiles (screener responses) to the moderator so that they can sign you into the group. Do we have your permission to do this? I assure you it will be kept strictly confidential.

   Yes	1	GO TO P2
   No	2

2. P1a) We need to provide the first names and background of the people attending the focus group because only the individuals invited are allowed in the session and this information is necessary for verification purposes. Please be assured that this information will be kept strictly confidential.

   Now that I’ve explained this, do I have your permission to provide your first name and profile?

   Yes	1	GO TO P2
   No	2	THANK & TERMINATE

3. P2) A recording of the group session will be produced for research purposes. The recordings will be used by the research professional to assist in preparing a report on the research findings and may be used by the Government of Canada for internal reporting purposes.

   Do you agree to be recorded for research and reporting purposes only?

   Yes	1	THANK & GO TO P3
   No	2

4. P2a) It is necessary for the research process for us to record the session as the researchers need this material to complete the report.

   Now that I’ve explained this, do I have your permission for recording?

   Yes	1	THANK & GO TO P3
   No	2	THANK & TERMINATE

5. P3) Employees from the Government of Canada directly involved in this research project may also be online to observe the groups.

   Do you agree to be observed by Government of Canada employees?

   Yes	1	THANK & GO TO FINAL INVITATION
   No	2

6. P3a) It is standard qualitative procedure to invite clients, in this case, Government of Canada employees, to observe the groups online. They will be there simply to hear your opinions firsthand although they may take their own notes and confer with the moderator on occasion to discuss whether there are any additional questions to ask the group.

   Do you agree to be observed by Government of Canada employees?

   Yes	1	THANK & GO TO FINAL INVITATION
   No	2	THANK & TERMINATE

FINAL INVITATION

To conduct the session, we will be using a screen-sharing application called Zoom. We will need to send you by email the instructions to connect.

We recommend that you click on the link we will send you a few days prior to your session to make sure you can access the online meeting that has been setup and repeat these steps at least 10 to 15 minutes prior to your session.

As we are only inviting a small number of people to attend, your participation is very important to us. If for some reason you are unable to attend, you cannot send someone to participate on your behalf - please call us so that we can get someone to replace you. You can reach us at [INSERT NUMBER] at our office. Please ask for [INSERT NAME].

So that we can contact you to remind you about the focus group or in case there are any changes, can you please confirm your name and contact information for me? [READ INFO AND CHANGE AS NECESSARY.]

First name _______________________________________________

Last Name _______________________________________________

Email ___________________________________________________

Day time phone number ____________________________________

Night time phone number ___________________________________

Thank you!

If the respondent refuses to give his/her first or last name or phone number please assure them that this information will be kept strictly confidential in accordance with the privacy law and that it is used strictly to contact them to confirm their attendance and to inform them of any changes to the focus group. If they still refuse THANK & TERMINATE.