Public support for increased defence spending in Canada has surged to its highest level in 30 years, reaching 75% according to a recent poll, largely due to security concerns.
A recent EKOS survey indicates that support for defence spending among Canadians has reached a record high, with 75% of respondents favoring increased funding. This marks a significant increase of nine percentage points since December 2023. The rising anxiety regarding national security and perceptions of threats from the United States appear to be key factors influencing public opinion on this issue.
Moreover, Frank Graves, the president of EKOS, suggests that the political climate, notably the differing administrations in the U.S., plays a crucial role in shaping Canadian perceptions of defence requirements. He noted that the shift in public sentiment followed Donald Trump's presidency, highlighting that the numbers might not have risen to the same extent if Joe Biden had remained in office during the timeline of the previous poll.
This surge in support for defence spending not only reflects public concern about security but also suggests that Canadians prioritize national defence more now than they have in decades, potentially leading to implications for government policy and military funding in the future.
