A new survey suggests most Canadians would support some form of mandatory national service program for young adults – as long as military service isn’t the only option.
The findings come as several countries reconsider national service programs amid growing geopolitical tensions and domestic challenges. According to the Canada Institute for Public Opinion poll released yesterday, 64 percent of Canadians would back a mandatory program for those under 30, with support strongest among voters over 55.
“There’s a surprising appetite for this kind of civic engagement,” says Marjorie Linden, the institute’s research director. “But Canadians are clear they want options beyond military service, reflecting our peacekeeping identity rather than a warrior culture.”
The poll surveyed 2,340 Canadians nationwide between July 28 and August 4, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.6 percentage points.
The concept has gained traction as youth unemployment hovers at 12.8 percent and concerns mount about social disconnection following the pandemic years. Opposition remains strongest among younger Canadians themselves, with only 41 percent of those aged 18-29 supporting the concept.
Liberal MP François Belanger sparked debate in June when he introduced a private member’s bill proposing a “National Service Initiative” that would see Canadians aged 18-25 complete a mandatory year of community work, environmental restoration, or military service.
“We’re seeing young people struggling to find purpose and connection,” Belanger told reporters outside Parliament. “A service year creates pathways to careers while rebuilding our sense of shared citizenship.”
The proposed legislation faces uncertain prospects but has attracted unusual cross-partisan interest. Conservative critics have expressed openness to the concept while questioning implementation costs, estimated at $4.2 billion annually.
In Winnipeg, community organizer Rachel Johannson sees potential benefits but warns against rushed implementation. “Many young people are already working multiple jobs to afford rent and pay student loans. If we’re going to ask for a year of service, the program needs to address economic realities, not create new burdens.”
Across the Atlantic, France and Germany have recently revived versions of national service, though with significant differences from traditional military conscription. France’s Service National Universel combines civic education with community placements, while Germany’s program emphasizes environmental conservation and elder care alongside military options.
The Canadian survey revealed stark preference differences across regions. Quebec respondents showed the strongest support for environmental service options at 72 percent, while Alberta led preference for infrastructure projects at 68 percent. Healthcare assistance programs garnered strong support across all provinces.
Jennifer Taggart, a political science professor at McMaster University who studies civic engagement, sees both opportunity and risk in the proposal.
“There’s real potential to address multiple challenges – from climate adaptation to healthcare worker shortages – while giving young people meaningful experience,” Taggart explains. “But mandatory programs raise legitimate concerns about personal freedom and whether the state should compel service.”
The parliamentary budget office estimates a voluntary national service program would cost substantially less at approximately $1.8 billion annually while potentially reaching 25 percent of eligible youth.
In Toronto, high school senior Marcus Wong expresses skepticism. “I’m already volunteering and working part-time. Taking a year for mandatory service feels like delaying my actual career.” His classmate Aisha Ibrahim disagrees: “I’d welcome the chance to work on environmental projects before college, especially if it helped with tuition.”
Indigenous leaders have expressed concern about any program that fails to acknowledge Canada’s complicated history with mandatory government programs for youth. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse emphasized that “any service program must respect Indigenous sovereignty and offer culturally appropriate options developed with our communities.”
The poll revealed potential political dividends for parties embracing the concept, with 58 percent of respondents saying they’d view a party more favorably if it championed a service program emphasizing environmental restoration and community care.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has remained noncommittal, stating last month that his government “welcomes creative ideas that strengthen civic engagement” while emphasizing that any program would need careful consultation.
As Parliament returns next month, the debate looks set to intensify. With mounting climate challenges, healthcare worker shortages, and youth unemployment, the concept of national service touches multiple policy priorities – but implementation questions remain formidable.
For now, most Canadians seem to agree on one thing: if young people are asked to serve, the program should offer meaningful choices that build skills while addressing real community needs.
