Views of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) 2022-2023 Tracking Study

Awareness, impressions and perceptions of the CAF

When participants were asked what first comes to mind when they think of the CAF, some were reminded of military-related terms and objects, peacekeeping and humanitarian help. Some of the participants were more critical of the institution, using terms such as “antiquated,” “underfunded” and “scandal.”

When specifically asked about the best aspects of the CAF, similar themes emerged, including peacekeeping, and helping other countries or Canadian communities in times of crisis / natural disaster. When specifically asked about the worst aspects of the CAF, many could not think of anything in particular. Some felt they did not know enough about the CAF to comment and seemed to think that we typically hear more about other countries, including the United States.

Among those who could reflect on the worst aspects of the CAF, many referred to it being underfunded and using antiquated equipment. However, a few felt that the CAF was receiving too much funding and others referred to scandals, bad press, harassment, bullying, discrimination and abuse of power. Some were broadly reminded of “violence,” and others recalled mental health challenges that individuals in the CAF face.

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 and roles played by the CAF. Few could recall anything from the media or elsewhere about the CAF. Among the few who had noticed something, it tended to pertain to allegations of misconduct and to activities related to the recent conflict in Ukraine.

While most participants were unfamiliar with the CAF’s roles and activities, particularly basic day-to-day activities, their overall impressions of the people who serve in the CAF were mostly positive. Several participants viewed those who seek out jobs in the CAF as well disciplined. For many, the “bad press” did not necessarily influence how they feel about those who serve in general.

To the extent to which they felt that the CAF was involved in peacekeeping, helping other countries in times of crisis and coming to the aid of local communities when natural disasters strike, participants also had a positive impression of the work performed by the people who serve in the CAF.

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, while others’ trust was based on knowing individuals in the CAF. A few mentioned having high overall trust for all of Canada, and thus the CAF. Those who were more neutral explained that they lack familiarity with the CAF. The few who mistrust the CAF generally tended to mistrust or be skeptical of any institution in a position of power.

When participants were asked whether the CAF’s job is easier or harder than it was 10 years ago, opinions were split. Some felt that improvements in technology and greater recognition of and support related to mental illness might make the job easier and improve members’ quality of life. Conversely, some felt that the increase in natural disasters requiring CAF involvement and a sense that there are more conflicts compared to 10 years ago might make CAF members’ job harder. A few also felt that aging equipment and growing politicization of the military is also making their jobs harder.

Lastly, participants were asked for their opinion of what the primary or main role of the CAF was. Some felt that with the lack of war and conflict within Canada, the primary role for the CAF is to be on standby to help other countries when needed, which shows the international community that Canada is willing to play its role.

Domestic focus

Few participants could think of roles played by the CAF domestically beyond providing support to communities in times of need, including during natural disasters and, more recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A few thought that they are also conducting surveillance along our borders and in the Arctic. A few explained that those who serve are also conducting training exercises, learning, maintaining equipment, recruiting, educating the Canadian public about the importance of commemorating those who lost their lives in the line of duty, etc.

Participants were presented with a list of roles played by the CAF in Canada.¹ Most participants believed that it is important that the CAF play these roles in Canada. Beyond noticing that the CAF performs quite well when responding to natural disasters, participants did not feel sufficiently informed about the other roles to assess how well or poorly those roles were being performed.

Many had heard something about the CAF’s deployment to help with the COVID-19 pandemic, especially supporting long-term care homes. However, participants were not overly familiar with what the CAF had done beyond this role. When provided with more details, participants had positive impressions of how the CAF handled the pandemic and the roles they were called upon to play.

International focus

Participants knew very little about the CAF’s international roles. Although they think that the CAF is playing peacekeeping and support roles, 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 this sort of role, and some admitted that their opinion might change for the better if they knew exactly what efforts are being deployed and where.

Given their very limited awareness of where the CAF is present around the world, few participants could confidently suggest where it should be more or less involved. Some thought that supporting Ukraine should probably be a priority these days and that the CAF could be doing more international humanitarian aid, although they had limited awareness of what roles were currently being played in those areas.

There is a general understanding that the CAF works with various alliances to contribute to international peace and security. Most believe that the benefits of these types of collaborations outweigh the concerns associated with them. Participants felt that working together with other countries would lead to critical mass and sharing of best practices, as well as ensuring some protection in the event that support is ever needed in Canada. Few had concerns, but the main one was the possibility of becoming involved in conflicts which may not align with Canada’s priorities.

That said, few seemed to believe that this type of alliance would ever be needed to defend Canada against an external threat. Few seemed to be able to think of a credible threat to the security and sovereignty of Canadians and Canada at this time. Among some of the comments shared, the more common ones included environmental threats or cyber-security concerns.

Care of military personnel and family

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

Some sensed that the level of internal support and benefits is not as good as it should be, given some of the recent headlines pertaining to allegations of misconduct. This impression was shared among those who know of individuals who previously served and are in the community suffering from serious mental illnesses. On the other hand, some believe that support for and recognition of mental illness among active personnel has been improving.

Some believe that the CAF does rather well in terms of providing education and training and taking care of moving expenses. Finally, a few seemed to believe that those who serve are not well paid and that more should be done about it.

Media coverage of the CAF

A few participants in the 18 to 34 age bracket had considered joining the CAF at some point. Several were intrigued by the job because it would pay for their education, and a few also perceived that joining the CAF would give them a sense of direction or discipline. Otherwise, few of the young adults would consider joining the CAF.

Few participants in either age segment felt that they would discourage a friend who was considering serving in the CAF. However, participants, especially women, were not convinced that it would be an advisable career option for a woman, mostly because of what they had recently heard regarding misconduct allegations.

Participants were asked whether their recommendation would be influenced in any way by their friend’s gender identity, the colour of their skin or whether they identify as a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Some participants would outright discourage such friends from enlisting. However, many participants would simply ensure that their friend understood that they would likely be treated differently and that they might face more barriers.

Some participants had recently heard about the allegations of misconduct brought forth in the CAF. This had left an impression on some participants—especially, although not exclusively, among women in the groups. Participants were uncertain that the CAF would deal with those allegations appropriately. Many participants felt that the best solution was an independent external review of the allegations. Ultimately, seeing or hearing of more individuals being accused and seeing clear and appropriate consequences would convince many that the allegations are being dealt with appropriately. There is a sense that the culture within the CAF is changing but that the change is slow. There was a feeling that, much like society in general, as younger attitudes and belief systems replace older ones, the CAF will become more diverse and inclusive.

Familiarity with the CAF

When asked to state their overall level of familiarity with the CAF, nearly half of respondents (45%) reported being at least somewhat familiar. Among each of the three environments of the CAF, familiarity with the Canadian Army was highest (45%), followed by the Royal Canadian Air Force (33%) and the Royal Canadian Navy (27%).

When the specific subsets of the CAF were compared, familiarity with the Regular Force (41%), the Reserves (33%) and Health Services (27%) was highest. Familiarity with the Rangers (15%) and the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (14%) was lowest.

Recent awareness

Approximately two in five respondents (40%) had recently read, seen or heard something about the CAF. This result remains consistent with scores observed in the previous year (42%). Among respondents having read, seen or heard something about the CAF, allegations of sexual misconduct was by far the leading topic (37%), followed by recruitment (19%), the F-35 fighter jets purchase (13%) and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine (9%).

Overall impressions

Overall impressions of the CAF were predominantly positive, with 64% describing their opinion as at least somewhat positive. When describing the biggest challenges facing the CAF, the most commonly mentioned were recruitment or retention (26%), followed by budget or funding issues (18%) and operating with outdated equipment (12%).

More than three quarters (77%) of respondents had an at least somewhat positive overall impression of those who serve in the CAF. When asked to specify their impression of care provided for active military personnel, 48% felt that the CAF was doing a good or very good job. Overall, results remain consistent with those observed in 2021.

Pride in the CAF

If a young person they knew told respondents that they were going to join the CAF, 53% of respondents would view that decision favourably. Overall, favourable results have continued to decline since 2018. Most notably, “very favourable” scores have decreased from 30% in 2018 to 20% in 2022.

Nearly half of respondents view the CAF as a source of pride for Canadians (49%), with one in five (20%) providing the highest rating (5 on a scale from 1 to 5). Results have remained stable since 2021.

Modern relevance of the CAF

More than one in five respondents (22%) felt that the CAF was modern, increasing slightly from the 2021 results (16%). Conversely, 29% felt that the CAF was outdated, a result that has remained relatively consistent since 2016.

Three quarters of respondents (75%) felt that the CAF is essential, a result that has remained consistent since 2020.

Workplace environment

When evaluating the inclusiveness of the workplace environment, 63% at least somewhat agreed that the CAF is as good a career choice for visible minorities as it is for anyone else. Slightly fewer agreed that it is as good a career choice for women as it is for men (58%). Agreement was much lower for members of the LGBTQ2+ community (41%) compared to any other subset.

A majority of respondents (54%) agreed that they were concerned with systemic racism in the CAF. A similar proportion agreed that racist or hateful attitudes are not tolerated in the CAF (52%). Slightly more than one third of respondents agreed that the CAF does a good job of addressing misconduct, including racist, sexist or hateful conduct (36%).

Moreover, 41% of respondents agreed that membership is as diverse as the Canadian population, while 39% agreed that the CAF is a respectful work environment for women.

Nearly half of respondents agreed that the CAF does a good job taking care of ill and injured members (48%). More than one in five respondents (22%) at least somewhat agreed that they could see themselves joining the CAF.

Results related to these themes were predominantly consistent with those observed in 2021. The largest improvement observed was regarding a sense of agreement that racist or hateful attitudes or behaviours are not tolerated in the CAF (52%, up from 46%).

Compared to the 2020 survey results, agreement with the CAF being a good career choice for visible minorities increased from 44% to 63%, while agreement for women decreased from 70% to 58% over the same period.

Trust in the CAF

More than one in three respondents (37%) trust the CAF, while an additional 40% were somewhat trustful. The extent to which respondents reported a high level of trust in the CAF decreased slightly from results observed in 2021 (from 43% to 37% in 2022).

Threats to Canada

Russia was viewed as the biggest threat to Canadian security by nearly one in five online respondents (16%). Nearly one in ten respondents cited China (9%), similar to the total observed since 2020. Conversely, more than two in five respondents did not know of or mention any threats currently facing Canada (42%).

Perceptions of CAF funding

When asked to provide their perceptions of CAF funding, 47% reported that Canada’s military was underfunded, while 28% felt that the CAF receives the right amount of funding. Perceptions that Canada’s military is being underfunded (47%) increased from the results observed in 2021 (40%).

Perceptions of CAF military equipment

More than a third agree that the CAF’s military equipment purchases benefit local economies and that the CAF has the equipment it needs to do its job (35% for each statement). Overall, the perception that the CAF has the equipment it needs has declined from 50% in 2016.

The perceptions that the CAF is good at planning its future equipment needs has steadily decreased to 34% from 58% in 2016. Despite the overall decline since 2016, agreement with each statement increased compared to results observed in the previous wave of the survey. Most notably, agreement that purchases of military equipment tend to be well managed rose to 32%, up from 25% in 2021.

Agreement with CAF activities abroad

Overall, at least three in five respondents at least somewhat agreed that the CAF should participate in each international role explored in the survey. Agreement was strongest regarding participation in the following roles: disaster relief/humanitarian aid (81%) and peace support operations (80%).

Roughly three quarters of respondents at least somewhat agreed that the CAF should be participating in non-combat support missions (78%) and in surveillance and support in the North (75%).

Three in five respondents or more agreed with the remaining roles:

• Using satellites in space for monitoring purposes (70%).

• Combat support missions for the United Nations (UN) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) (68%).

• Missions that target illegal trafficking activities (67%).

• Training militaries or police of other countries (60%).

Compared to the 2021 results, agreement scores increased notably for the following roles:

• Combat missions in support of the UN and NATO (57% to 68%).

• Using satellites in space for monitoring purposes (61% to 70%).

• Training the militaries or police forces of other countries (54% to 60%).

In 2022, respondents were most likely to “strongly agree” with the following international roles:

• Missions that target illegal trafficking activities (48%).

• Peace support operations (46%).

• Non-combat support operations (46%).

Membership in international organizations

Canada’s membership in international organizations such as NATO and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) continues to receive a high level of support, as more than four in five respondents at least somewhat agreed that membership is important for Canadian security (81%). This represents an increase compared to the previous year, including a notable increase among those who “strongly agree,” which rose from 43% to 57%.

Importance of the CAF’s domestic roles

Overall, more than half felt that each domestic role played by the CAF was at least important, with the following roles receiving the highest ratings:

• Responding to natural disasters (86%).

• Providing protection against terrorist threats (83%).

• Search and rescue (83%).

Nearly three quarters of respondents felt that protecting against cyber-security threats was an important CAF role (73%), followed by preventing illegal activity (72%) and patrolling the Arctic (68%). Importance ratings are lower for youth programs (59%) and for community assistance related to the COVID-19 pandemic (53%).

Results were consistent with those observed in 2021, notwithstanding the decrease observed regarding support related to the COVID-19 pandemic (69% down to 53%).

It is important to note that “very important” scores have decreased since 2016 for some roles, including the following:

• Responding to natural disasters (74% down to 64%).

• Providing protection against terrorist threats (75% down to 66%).

• Search and rescue (67% down to 59%).

Agreement regarding the domestic value of the CAF

When asked about their level of agreement that the CAF is doing a good job of performing duties in Canada, 78% at least somewhat agreed. More specifically, 33% strongly agreed with this statement. As well, 62% at least somewhat agreed that the CAF plays a valuable role in supporting Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recall of the CAF’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic

Online respondents were subsequently asked to indicate the extent to which they recalled hearing anything about the CAF playing a role in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic since its outbreak. More than two thirds at least vaguely recalled the role (68%), with 33% clearly recalling having heard of the role.

Misconduct allegations

In 2022, nearly half of online respondents reported paying at least some attention to news of alleged sexual misconduct in the CAF over the few months preceding the survey (48%). More than one in ten respondents reported paying a lot of attention (11%). Conversely, 19% had paid no attention at all to that news.

Percentages are lower compared to those observed in 2021, with those paying at least some attention falling from 59% to 48%.

More than one quarter of respondents (27%) were confident that the CAF would handle the allegations appropriately, while 44% were neutral. Conversely, 22% were not confident. Confidence that the CAF would appropriately address misconduct allegations increased from 2021 to 2022-23, rising from 21% to 27%.

Using the same confidence scale, respondents were asked to rate their confidence in the CAF’s ability to make positive changes in the future. Nearly one third of respondents (31%) were confident that the CAF could move toward a more positive culture, while 47% were neutral and 15% were not confident. Confidence in the ability to make positive changes was higher than in 2021, increasing from 25% to 31%.

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 (59%), white (47%), and black (43%) respondents compared to Chinese respondents (20%).

• Men compared to women (54% vs. 37%).

• Respondents living in rural areas compared to those in urban areas (50% vs. 44%).

• Respondents aged 35 years or older compared to those 18 to 34 years old (49% vs. 35%).

• Respondents living outside of Quebec compared to those living in Quebec (49% vs. 34%).

Familiarity with the Canadian Army was highest among each of the broad environments of the CAF, with more than two in five respondents describing themselves as at least somewhat familiar (44%). Familiarity with both the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was lower, with roughly one in three respondents (33%) at least somewhat familiar with the RCAF and approximately one in four respondents (27%) familiar with the RCN.

A stacked bar chart represents the familiarity with broad environments

A horizontal stacked bar chart represents the familiarity with broad environments of the C 'A' F in different organization. The familiarity options are very familiar, somewhat familiar, not very familiar, not at all familiar, and don't know or no response. The data abstracted from the graph for each organization is as follows. The Royal Canadian Navy (R C N): (very familiar, 4 percent); (somewhat familiar, 23 percent); (not very familiar, 45 percent); (not at all familiar, 26 percent); (don't know or no response, 1 percent). The Royal Canadian Air Force (R C 'A' F): (very familiar, 5 percent); (somewhat familiar, 28 percent); (not very familiar, 42 percent); (not at all familiar, 24 percent); (don't know or no response, 2 percent). The Canadian Army: (very familiar, 7 percent); (somewhat familiar, 37 percent); (not very familiar, 41 percent); (not at all familiar, 14 percent); (don't know or no response, 1 percent). The top-2 box provides the following details: (The Royal Canadian Navy, 27 percent); (The Royal Canadian Air Force, 33 percent); (The Canadian Army, 44 percent).

Q11. And using the same scale, how familiar would you say you are with each of the following environments of the Canadian Armed Forces? [REPEAT LIST ONLY IF NEEDED/SHOW LIST.] Base: All respondents, 2022, n=2,001.

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 (47% outside of Quebec vs. 34% in Quebec).

• The Royal Canadian Navy (31% outside of Quebec vs. 13% in Quebec).

• The Royal Canadian Air Force (38% outside of Quebec vs. 17% in Quebec).

Those living in Atlantic Canada were more familiar with the Royal Canadian Navy compared to those living outside of Atlantic Canada (44% 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 (53% of men vs. 36% of women).

• The Royal Canadian Navy (40% of men vs. 27% of women).

• The Royal Canadian Air Force (33% of men vs. 21% of women).

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

• The Canadian Army (57% of Indigenous respondents, 45% of white respondents and 25% of Chinese respondents).

• The Royal Canadian Navy (40% of Indigenous respondents, 34% of white respondents and 22% of Chinese respondents).

• The Royal Canadian Air Force (37% of Indigenous respondents, 27% of white respondents and 17% of Chinese respondents).

Familiarity was also gauged for more specific subsets of the CAF. Respondents’ familiarity with the Regular Force was the highest, with more than two in five respondents describing themselves as at least somewhat familiar (41%). More than one quarter of respondents were at least somewhat familiar with the Reserves (33%) and Health Services (27%). Familiarity with the Rangers (15%) and the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (14%) was lowest.

Overall results remained relatively consistent with those observed in 2021, with slight decreases among the most recognizable specific environments.

A group of charts represent the familiarity with specific environments of the C 'A' F

Multiple horizontal stacked bar charts represent the familiarity with specific environments of the C 'A' F. The first chart represents the regular force (army, navy, air force). The responses is as follows. 2021: (very familiar, 8 percent); (somewhat familiar, 37 percent); (not very familiar, 36 percent); (not at all familiar, 16 percent); (don't know or no response, 3 percent). 2022: (very familiar, 6 percent); (somewhat familiar, 35 percent); (not very familiar, 36 percent); (not at all familiar, 22 percent); (don't know or no response, 2 percent). The top-2 box provides the following details: (2021, 45 percent); (2022, 41 percent). The second chart represents the reserves (army, navy, air force). The responses is as follows. 2021: (very familiar, 5 percent); (somewhat familiar, 30 percent); (not very familiar, 40 percent); (not at all familiar, 21 percent); (don't know or no response, 3 percent). 2022: (very familiar, 5 percent); (somewhat familiar, 28 percent); (not very familiar, 39 percent); (not at all familiar, 27 percent); (don't know or no response, 1 percent). The top-2 box provides the following details: (2021, 36 percent); (2022, 33 percent). The third chart represents the health services. The responses is as follows. 2021: (very familiar, 4 percent); (somewhat familiar, 26 percent); (not very familiar, 39 percent); (not at all familiar, 28 percent); (don't know or no response, 3 percent). 2022: (very familiar, 5 percent); (somewhat familiar, 22 percent); (not very familiar, 37 percent); (not at all familiar, 35 percent); (don't know or no response, 2 percent). The top-2 box provides the following details: (2021, 30 percent); (2022, 27 percent). The fourth chart represents the rangers. The responses is as follows. 2021: (very familiar, 3 percent); (somewhat familiar, 12 percent); (not very familiar, 34 percent); (not at all familiar, 46 percent); (don't know or no response, 4 percent). 2022: (very familiar, 2 percent); (somewhat familiar, 12 percent); (not very familiar, 33 percent); (not at all familiar, 51 percent); (don't know or no response, 2 percent). The top-2 box provides the following details: (2021, 15 percent); (2022, 15 percent). The fifth chart represents the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. The responses is as follows. 2021: (very familiar, 3 percent); (somewhat familiar, 10 percent); (not very familiar, 32 percent); (not at all familiar, 52 percent); (don't know or no response, 4 percent). 2022: (very familiar, 2 percent); (somewhat familiar, 13 percent); (not very familiar, 36 percent); (not at all familiar, 48 percent); (don't know or no response, 2 percent). The top-2 box provides the following details: (2021, 13 percent); (2022, 14 percent).

Q12. How familiar would you say you are with each of the following parts of the Canadian Armed Forces? [TELEPHONE ONLY] Would you say …? [RANDOMIZE LIST ONLY IF NEEDED? SHOW LIST.] Base: All respondents, 2022, n=2,001.

Key segments

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

• The Regular Force (46% outside of Quebec vs. 27% in Quebec).

• The Reserves (36% outside of Quebec vs. 21% in Quebec).

• The Rangers (17% outside of Quebec vs. 8% 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 (50% of men vs. 33% of women).

• The Reserves (37% of men vs. 29% of women).

• The Rangers (20% of men vs. 10% of women).

• The Canadian Special Forces Command (20% of men vs. 9% of women).

Those with an annual household income of $80,000 or more tended to be more familiar with the Regular Force compared to those earning less than $80,000 (45% earning $80,000 or more vs. 39% earning less than $80,000).

Indigenous respondents were more likely to be familiar with each specific environment compared to white and Chinese respondents:

• The Regular Force (54% of Indigenous respondents, 42% of white respondents, 21% of Chinese respondents).

• The Reserves (48% of Indigenous respondents, 33% of white respondents, 12% of Chinese respondents).

• Health Services (40% of Indigenous respondents, 25% of white respondents, 17% of Chinese respondents).

• The Rangers (31% of Indigenous respondents, 14% of white respondents, 6% of Chinese respondents).

• The Canadian Special Forces Command (29% of Indigenous respondents, 13% of white respondents, 9% of Chinese respondents).

Approximately two in five respondents (40%) had recently read, seen or heard something about the CAF. This result remains consistent with scores observed in the previous year (42%). The 2021 and 2022 scores are the highest observed since 2012 (38%).

A horizontal bar chart illustrates the awareness of the C 'A' F among the respondents

A horizontal bar chart represents the recent awareness of the C 'A' F through the years 2005 to 2022. The bars are in a shade till 2011, after that, the shades of the bars vary. The data extracted from the chart is as follows: (2005, 55 percent); (2006, 74 percent); (2008, 72 percent); (2009, 63 percent); (2010, 72 percent); (2011, 57 percent); (2012, 38 percent); (2014, 34 percent); (2016, 35 percent); (2018, 26 percent); (2020, 28 percent); (2021, 42 percent); (2022, 40 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, 2022, n=2,001.

Key segments

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

• respondents 55 years or older compared to those 54 years or younger (51% vs. 32%);

• men compared to women (47% vs. 33%);

• respondents with a household income of $80,000 or more compared to those earning less than $40,000 (43% vs. 33%);

• respondents with a university education compared to those with a high-school education (43% vs. 35%); and

• white respondents (42%) compared to Chinese (27%) and Asian (17%) respondents.

Online respondents who recalled hearing, reading or seeing something about the CAF were then asked to describe the topics. Allegations of sexual misconduct was by far the leading topic among respondents, cited by nearly two in five online respondents (37%). General mentions of advertising or recruitment were cited by 19%, followed by the recent announcement about the purchase of F-35 fighter jets (13%). International roles relating to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine were cited by nearly one in ten online respondents (9%).

Key segments

The following groups tended to be more likely to cite allegations of sexual misconduct compared to their respective counterparts:

• Respondents aged 65 years or older compared to those 25 to 54 years old (59% vs. 30%).

• Those with a negative overall impression of the CAF (60%) compared to those with a neutral (43%) or positive impression of the CAF (27%).

• Respondents who do not view the CAF as a source of pride (53%) or were neutral (42%) compared to those who view the CAF as a source of pride (29%).

• Those whose view on others joining the CAF was unfavourable (57%) compared to those who were neutral (37%) or viewed others joining as positive (31%).

Men were more likely to reference the F-35 fighter jets purchase compared to women (17% vs. 6%).

Respondents living in suburban areas tended to cite the conflict in Ukraine to a greater extent than rural respondents (14% vs. 3%).

Respondents aged 35 years or older were more inclined to report the following topics compared to those 25 to 34 years old:

• Allegations of sexual misconduct (46% vs. 13%).

• F-35 jet fighter purchase (16% vs. 3%).

• Ukraine conflict (10% vs. 0%).

Conversely, those 25 to 34 years old more commonly described seeing military advertising or recruitment compared to those 35 years or older (36% vs. 15%).

Overall impressions of the CAF were predominantly positive, with nearly two in three respondents describing their opinion as at least somewhat positive (64%). Nearly a quarter of respondents had a strongly positive view of the CAF (23%), and results were consistent with those observed in 2021.

A horizontal bar chart represents the overall impression of C 'A' F

A horizontal stacked bar chart represents the overall impression of C 'A' F. The bars represents the years 2021 and 2022. The responses for each year is as follows. 2021: (strongly positive, 21 percent); (somewhat positive, 44 percent); (neither or neutral, 22 percent); (somewhat negative, 8 percent); (strongly negative, 3 percent); (don't know or no response, 3 percent). 2022: (strongly positive, 23 percent); (somewhat positive, 41 percent); (neither or neutral, 19 percent); (somewhat negative, 11 percent); (strongly negative, 3 percent); (don't know or no response, 3 percent). The top-2 box provides the following data. (2021, 65 percent); (2022, 64 percent).

Q7. [TELEPHONE: ACCEPT NEITHER/NEUTRAL IF VOLUNTEERED] [ONLINE: SHOW ALL ANSWER CATEGORIES] What is your overall impression of the Canadian Armed Forces? Would you say it is positive or negative? Would that be strongly or somewhat [positive/negative]? Base: All respondents, 2022, n=2,001.

Key segments

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

• Respondents living in Alberta (72%) compared to those living in Quebec (61%) and Ontario (61%).

• Those with a high-school education compared to those with a university education (71% vs. 61%).

• Indigenous respondents compared to Chinese respondents (72% vs. 49%).

Online respondents were asked to describe the biggest issues or challenges they feel the CAF is currently facing. More than one quarter described issues of recruitment or retention (26%), up from 10% in 2021. Nearly one in five respondents mentioned budget or funding issues (18%), while 12% felt that the CAF was operating with outdated equipment. Perceptions related to sexual misconduct (12%) decreased slightly from the previous year (18%), while perceptions of gender equity and sexism issues remained relatively consistent (8%).

Nearly two in five online respondents were unsure of any issues or challenges facing Canada’s military (37%). This result remains quite consistent with the results observed in 2021.

Key segments

Respondents living in Quebec reported the highest scores across the following perceived issues or challenges:

• Recruitment and retention (37% of those living in Quebec).

• Sexual misconduct (17% of those living in Quebec).

• Gender equity and sexism issues (8% of those living in Quebec).

Those living in Manitoba or Saskatchewan were more likely to describe issues related to funding (30%) compared to those living in Ontario (17%) or Quebec (14%).

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

• Recruitment and retention (31% of men vs. 21% of women).

• Funding and budget issues (23% of men vs. 14% of women).

• Lack of equipment (18% of men vs. 8% of women).

Those 35 years or older were more likely to name the following issues compared to younger respondents:

• Lack of equipment (17% of those aged 35 years or older vs. 4% of those aged 34 years or younger).

• Sexual misconduct (16% of those aged 35 years or older vs. 7% of those aged 34 years or younger).

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

• Recruitment and retention (38% of those aged 65 years or older).

• Funding issues (22% of those aged 65 years or older).

• Lack of equipment (21% of those aged 65 years or older).

• Sexual misconduct (19% of those aged 65 years or older).

• Gender equity and sexism issues (16% of those aged 65 years or older).

More than three quarters of respondents (77%) had an at least somewhat positive overall impression of those who serve in the CAF. More than one third (36%) described their impression as strongly positive, while fewer than one in ten (6%) reported a negative impression.

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

A horizontal bar chart represents the overall impression of C 'A' F members

A horizontal stacked bar chart represents the overall impression of C 'A' F members. The bars represents the years 2018 and 2022. The responses for each year is as follows. 2018: (strongly positive, 57 percent); (somewhat positive, 32 percent); (neither or neutral, 5 percent); (somewhat negative, 2 percent); (strongly negative, 1 percent); (don't know or no response, 3 percent). 2020: (strongly positive, 43 percent); (somewhat positive, 39 percent); (neither or neutral, 12 percent); (somewhat negative, 2 percent); (strongly negative, 1 percent); (don't know or no response, 3 percent). 2021: (strongly positive, 35 percent); (somewhat positive, 41 percent); (neither or neutral, 16 percent); (somewhat negative, 5 percent); (strongly negative, 1 percent); (don't know or no response, 2 percent). 2022: (strongly positive, 36 percent); (somewhat positive, 41 percent); (neither or neutral, 14 percent); (somewhat negative, 5 percent); (strongly negative, 1 percent); (don't know or no response, 3 percent). The top-2 box provides the following data. (2018, 89 percent); (2020, 82 percent); (2021, 76 percent); (2022, 77 percent).

Q9. [TELEPHONE: ACCEPT NEITHER/NEUTRAL IF VOLUNTEERED] [ONLINE: SHOW ALL ANSWER CATEGORIES] What is your overall impression of the people who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces? Would you say it is positive or negative? Would that be strongly or somewhat [positive/negative]? Base: All respondents, 2022, n=2,001.

Key segments

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

• Respondents living in Manitoba or Saskatchewan (84%) and Alberta (83%) compared to those living in Quebec (76%), Ontario (75%) and British Columbia (75%).

• Rural respondents (83%) compared to suburban (78%) and urban (75%) respondents.

• Respondents 55 or older compared to those 34 or younger (82% vs. 69%).

• Respondents with a high-school education compared to those with a university education (82% vs. 75%).

• Men compared to women (80% vs. 75%).

When asked to evaluate their impression of care for active military personnel, nearly half of respondents felt that the CAF was doing a good or very good job (48%). Conversely, more than one in ten respondents (15%) felt that the CAF was performing poorly. Overall, the results remain consistent with those observed in 2021.

A bar chart illustrates the impressions of care for active military personnel

A horizontal stacked bar chart represents the impressions of care for active military personnel. The bars represent the years 2021 and 2022. The responses for each year is as follows. 2021: (very good job, 10 percent); (good job, 37 percent); (neither a good nor a poor job, 23 percent); (poor job, 12 percent); (very poor job, 5 percent); (don't know or no response, 12 percent). 2022: (very good job, 11 percent); (good job, 37 percent); (neither a good nor a poor job, 24 percent); (poor job, 11 percent); (very poor job, 4 percent); (don't know or no response, 13 percent). The top-2 box provides the following data: (2021, 47 percent); (2022, 48 percent).

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, 2022, n=2,001.

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:

• Black respondents (68%) compared to white (47%) or Chinese (36%) respondents.

• Those living in Atlantic Canada (59%) or Quebec (55%) compared to those living in Ontario (45%), Alberta (43%) or British Columbia (42%).

• High school–educated respondents compared to university-educated respondents (56% vs. 44%).

If a young person they knew told them they were joining the CAF, 53% of respondents would view that decision favourably. Fewer than one in five respondents felt that the decision would be very or somewhat unfavourable (16%), while 29% would be neutral. Overall, favourable results have continued to decline since 2018. Most notably, “very favourable” scores have decreased from 30% in 2018 to 20% in 2022.

A bar chart represents the favorability among the youngsters to join C 'A' F

A horizontal stacked bar chart represents the impressions of a young person they know joining the C 'A' F. The bars represent the years 2016 to 2022. The responses for each year is as follows. 2016: (very favorable, 27 percent); (somewhat favorable, 30 percent); (neutral, 26 percent); (somewhat unfavorable, 9 percent); (very unfavorable, 6 percent); (don't know or no response, 1 percent). 2018: (very favorable, 30 percent); (somewhat favorable, 33 percent); (neutral, 26 percent); (somewhat unfavorable, 6 percent); (very unfavorable, 4 percent); (don't know or no response, 1 percent). 2020: (very favorable, 27 percent); (somewhat favorable, 35 percent); (neutral, 24 percent); (somewhat unfavorable, 9 percent); (very unfavorable, 4 percent); (don't know or no response, 1 percent). 2021: (very favorable, 21 percent); (somewhat favorable, 34 percent); (neutral, 28 percent); (somewhat unfavorable, 11 percent); (very unfavorable, 4 percent); (don't know or no response, 2 percent). 2022: (very favorable, 20 percent); (somewhat favorable, 33 percent); (neutral, 29 percent); (somewhat unfavorable, 10 percent); (very unfavorable, 6 percent); (don't know or no response, 2 percent). The top-2 box provides the following data: (2016, 57 percent); (2018, 63 percent); (2020, 62 percent); (2021, 55 percent); (2022, 53 percent).

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, 2022, n=2,001.

Key segments

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

• Those 65 or older compared to those 54 or younger (64% vs. 50%).

• Respondents living in rural regions (60%) compared to those living in suburban (53%) or urban (50%) ones.

• Respondents with a high-school education compared to those with a university education (60% vs. 50%).

• Men compared to women (59% vs. 47%, respectively).

• Black (59%), Indigenous (56%) and white (53%) respondents compared to Chinese respondents (31%).

• Those who had recently heard something about the CAF compared to those who had not heard anything (59% vs. 49%).

Nearly half of respondents view the CAF as a source of pride for Canadians (49%), with one in five (20%) giving it the highest rating (5 on a scale from 1 to 5). More than one in ten respondents (11%) did not feel that the CAF was a source of pride. Results have remained stable since 2021.

A bar chart represents the impressions of C 'A' F as a source of pride

A horizontal stacked bar chart represents the impressions of the C 'A' F as a source of pride. The bars represent the years 2016 to 2022. The responses for each year is as follows. 2016: (very much a source of pride (5), 37 percent); (4, 33 percent); (neutral (3), 24 percent); (2, 4 percent); (not at all a source of pride (1), 2 percent); (don't know or no response, 1 percent). 2018: (very much a source of pride (5), 35 percent); (4, 31 percent); (neutral (3), 26 percent); (2, 5 percent); (not at all a source of pride (1), 2 percent); (don't know or no response, 1 percent). 2020: (very much a source of pride (5), 28 percent); (4, 34 percent); (neutral (3), 29 percent); (2, 4 percent); (not at all a source of pride (1), 3 percent); (don't know or no response, 2 percent). 2021: (very much a source of pride (5), 18 percent); (4, 29 percent); (neutral (3), 38 percent); (2, 7 percent); (not at all a source of pride (1), 4 percent); (don't know or no response, 4 percent). 2022: (very much a source of pride (5), 20 percent); (4, 29 percent); (neutral (3), 36 percent); (2, 8 percent); (not at all a source of pride (1), 4 percent); (don't know or no response, 3 percent). The top-2 box provides the following data: (2016, 70 percent); (2018, 66 percent); (2020, 62 percent); (2021, 47 percent); (2022, 49 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, 2022, n=2,001.

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 (64%) compared to those living in British Columbia (49%), Alberta (49%), Ontario (48%) and Quebec (47%).

• Respondents who were at least somewhat familiar with the CAF compared to those who were not familiar with it (59% vs. 41%).

• Those with a family member serving in the CAF compared to those without one (58% vs. 48%).

• Respondents aged 55 or older compared to those 54 or younger (56% vs. 45%).

• Those who had recently heard something about the CAF compared to those who had not heard anything (53% vs. 47%).

• Men compared to women (53% vs. 46%).

More than one in five respondents (22%) 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), increasing slightly from results observed in 2021 (16%). Conversely, nearly a third of respondents (29%) felt that the CAF was outdated (scores of 1 or 2), a result that has remained relatively consistent since 2016.

A bar chart illustrates the views about the C 'A' F

A horizontal stacked bar chart represents the views of the C 'A' F as either modern or outdated. The bars represent the years 2016 to 2022. The responses for each year is as follows. 2016: (very modern, 8 percent); (4, 21 percent); (neither (3), 45 percent); (2, 14 percent); (very outdated (1), 7 percent); (don't know or no response, 5 percent). 2018: (very modern, 9 percent); (4, 22 percent); (neither (3), 44 percent); (2, 14 percent); (very outdated (1), 7 percent); (don't know or no response, 5 percent). 2020: (very modern, 7 percent); (4, 17 percent); (neither (3), 43 percent); (2, 15 percent); (very outdated (1), 9 percent); (don't know or no response, 9 percent). 2021: (very modern, 4 percent); (4, 13 percent); (neither (3), 42 percent); (2, 22 percent); (very outdated (1), 9 percent); (don't know or no response, 11 percent). 2022: (very modern, 7 percent); (4, 14 percent); (neither (3), 41 percent); (2, 19 percent); (very outdated (1), 10 percent); (don't know or no response, 9 percent). The top-2 box provides the following data: (2016, 29 percent); (2018, 31 percent); (2020, 24 percent); (2021, 16 percent); (2022, 22 percent).

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, 2022, n=2,001.

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 (53% vs. 23%).

• Respondents who felt that the CAF was no longer needed versus those who felt that it was essential (46% vs. 28%).

• Respondents who had recently heard something about the CAF compared to those who had not heard anything (37% vs. 23%).

• Those living in Manitoba, Saskatchewan or Alberta compared to those living in Quebec or Ontario (35% vs. 27%, respectively).

• Men compared to women (34% vs. 23%).

• Those with an income of $80,000 or more compared to those with an income of less than $80,000 (34% vs. 25%).

• Respondents with a college education compared to those with a high-school education (33% vs. 24%).

• Respondents aged 35 or older compared to those 34 or younger (32% vs. 20%).

Three quarters of respondents (75%) 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 result that has remained consistent since 2020. Conversely, fewer than one in ten respondents (7%) felt that the CAF was not needed (scores of 2 or 1).

A bar chart represents the perceived need for the C 'A' F

A horizontal stacked bar chart represents the perceived need for the C 'A' F. The bars represent the years 2018 to 2022. The responses for each year is as follows. 2018: (very essential (5), 57 percent); (4, 26 percent); (3, 11 percent); (2, 3 percent); (no longer needed at all (1), 2 percent); (don't know or no response, 1 percent). 2020: (very essential (5), 50 percent); (4, 26 percent); (3, 14 percent); (2, 6 percent); (no longer needed at all (1), 2 percent); (don't know or no response, 2 percent). 2021: (very essential (5), 46 percent); (4, 26 percent); (3, 16 percent); (2, 6 percent); (no longer needed at all (1), 2 percent); (don't know or no response, 4 percent). 2022: (very essential (5), 53 percent); (4, 22 percent); (3, 14 percent); (2, 4 percent); (no longer needed at all (1), 2 percent); (don't know or no response, 4 percent). The top-2 box provides the following data: (2018, 83 percent); (2020, 76 percent); (2021, 72 percent); (2022, 75 percent).

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, 2022, n=2,001.

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 (88% vs. 72%).

• Respondents living in Manitoba or Saskatchewan (86%) compared to those living in Alberta (77%), Quebec (76%), British Columbia (74%) or Ontario (72%).

• Those living in rural areas (84%) compared to those living in suburban (76%) or urban (72%) ones.

• Those aged 35 or older compared to those 34 or younger (81% vs. 60%).

• Men compared to women (78% vs. 73%).

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, 63% at least somewhat agreed that the CAF is as good a career choice for visible minorities as it is for anyone else. Slightly fewer agreed that it is as good a career choice for women as it is for men (58%). Agreement was much lower for members of the LGBTQ2+ community (41%) compared to anyone else.

A nearly identical proportion of respondents agreed that they were concerned about systemic racism in the CAF (54%) compared to those who agreed that racist or hateful attitudes are not tolerated in the CAF (52%). One third of respondents agreed that the CAF does a good job of addressing misconduct, including racist, sexist or hateful conduct (36%).

Moreover, 41% of respondents agree that CAF membership is as diverse as the Canadian population, while 39% agree that the CAF is a respectful workplace environment for women.

Nearly half of respondents (48%) agreed that the CAF does a good job taking care of ill and injured members. More than one in five respondents at least somewhat agreed that they could see themselves joining the CAF (22%).

Results were mostly consistent with those observed in 2021. The largest improvement observed was in the level of agreement that racist or hateful attitudes or behaviours are not tolerated in the CAF (52%, up from 46%).

When comparing to results observed in 2020, agreement that the CAF is a good career choice for visible minorities increased from 44% to 63%, but agreement that it is a good choice for women decreased from 70% to 58% over the same period.

Key segments

Respondents living in Quebec were more likely to at least somewhat agree with the following statements compared to those living outside of Quebec:

• The CAF does a good job of taking care of its ill and injured members (62% in Quebec vs. 43% outside of Quebec).

• The CAF is as good a career choice for people in the LGBTQ2+ community as it is for anyone else (52% in Quebec vs. 38% outside of Quebec).

Those living in rural populations were more likely to agree with the following statements compared to those living in urban populations:

• The CAF is as good a career choice for visible minorities as it is for anyone else (68% rural vs. 58% urban).

• The CAF is as good a career choice for women as it is for men (65% rural vs. 53% urban).

• Racist or hateful attitudes or behaviours are not tolerated in the CAF (58% rural vs. 49% urban).

• The membership of the CAF seems just as diverse as the Canadian population (47% rural vs. 39% urban).

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 (72% of men vs. 54% of women).

• The CAF is as good a career choice for women as it is for men (63% of men vs. 53% of women).

• Racist or hateful attitudes or behaviours are not tolerated in the CAF (60% of men vs. 45% of women).

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

• The membership of the CAF seems just as diverse as the Canadian population (48% of men vs. 35% of women).

• The CAF is as good a career choice for people in the LGBTQ2+ community as it is for anyone else (45% of men vs. 37% of women).

• The CAF does a good job of addressing misconduct such as racist, sexist or hateful conduct (44% of men vs. 28% of women).

• I could see myself joining the CAF (32% of men vs. 12% of women).

Conversely, women were more likely to agree that they were concerned with systemic racism in the CAF (57% of women vs. 51% of men).

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 (57% of those aged 25 to 34 vs. 45% 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). More than one in three respondents (37%) trust the CAF (scores of 8 to 10), while an additional two in five are somewhat trustful (scores of 5 to 7). Conversely, nearly one in five (18%) are not very trustful (scores of 1 to 4).

The extent to which respondents expressed a high level of trust in the CAF decreased slightly from the results observed in 2021 (from 43% to 37% in 2022).

A bar chart illustrates the trust in the C 'A' F

A horizontal stacked bar chart represents the trust in the C 'A' F. The bars represent the years 2021 and 2022. The responses is as follows. 2021: (trustful (8 to 10), 43 percent); (somewhat trustful (5 to 7), 41 percent); (not very trustful (1 to 4), 12 percent); (don't know or no response, 4 percent). 2022: (trustful (8 to 10), 37 percent); (somewhat trustful (5 to 7), 42 percent); (not very trustful (1 to 4), 18 percent); (don't know or no response, 3 percent).

Q20. 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, 2022, n=2,001.

Key segments

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

• Respondents living in Atlantic Canada (46%) or Quebec (45%) compared to those living in Manitoba or Saskatchewan (34%), Ontario (33%) and British Columbia (33%).

• Respondents with a high-school education (46%) compared to those with a college (39%) or university education (33%).

• Respondents with a household income of less than $40,000 compared to those earning $40,000 or more (45% vs. 35%).

• Respondents who were at least somewhat familiar with the CAF compared to those who were not familiar with it (41% vs. 34%).

• Respondents who had not recently heard anything about the CAF compared to those who had (41% vs. 32%).

Online respondents were asked to list the greatest threats to Canada’s security and sovereignty in 2022. Russia was viewed as the biggest threat to Canadian security by nearly one in five online respondents (16%). Nearly one in ten respondents cited China (9%), which is similar to the results from 2020 and 2021.

War and conflict in general were among the most mentioned, in addition to threats to Arctic sovereignty (6% for each). Additional considerations included the leadership of the Canadian government (6%) and threats to cyber-security (5%).

Conversely, more than two in five respondents did not know of or mention any threats currently facing Canada (42%).

Key segments

Those 65 years or older were more likely to consider Russia as a threat compared to those 44 years or younger (24% aged 65 or older vs. 11% of those 44 years or younger).

Respondents 45 or older were more likely to cite China as a threat compared to those 44 or younger (14% of those aged 45 or older vs. 4% of those 44 or younger).

Men were more likely than women to cite the following perceived threats:

• China (12% of men vs. 5% of women).

• Threats to Arctic sovereignty (8% of men vs. 3% of women).

Key segments

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

• Respondents who had a family member actively serving in the CAF compared to those who did not (64% vs. 43%).

• Respondents aged 55 or older compared to those 54 or younger (62% vs. 36%).

• Respondents who had recently heard something about the CAF compared to those who had not heard anything (62% vs. 37%).

• Respondents living in Manitoba or Saskatchewan (60%) compared to those living in Ontario (45%) and Quebec (41%).

• Respondents living in rural areas (58%) compared to suburban (46%) and urban (45%) areas.

• Men compared to women (55% vs. 39%).

• White respondents (52%) compared to Chinese (31%), Black (25%), and Asian (20%) respondents.

Four statements pertaining to the CAF’s equipment were presented to respondents. More than one third agree that the CAF’s military equipment purchases benefit local economies, and that the CAF has the equipment it needs to do its job (35% for each). Overall, the perception that the CAF has the equipment it needs has declined from 50% since 2016.

The perception that the CAF is good at planning its future equipment needs has steadily decreased since 2016 (from 58% to 34%). Despite the overall decline since 2016, agreement with each statement increased compared to the 2021 survey. Most notably, agreement that purchases of military equipment tend to be well managed rose to 32%, up from one quarter of respondents (25%) in 2021.

Roughly one quarter of respondents did not know whether the CAF is good at planning its future equipment needs (26%), whether purchases of military equipment tend to be well managed (25%) or whether equipment purchases benefit local economies (24%). However, fewer than one in five (15%) were unsure if the CAF has the equipment it needs.

Key segments

Respondents living in Atlantic Canada were more likely than those in the rest of the country to agree that CAF military purchases tend to benefit local economies (49% in Atlantic Canada vs. 35% outside of Atlantic Canada).

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

• CAF military equipment purchases tend to benefit local economies (40% of men vs. 30% of women).

• The CAF is good at planning its future equipment needs (39% of men vs. 29% of women).

• Purchases of military equipment by the CAF tend to be well managed (35% of men vs. 28% of women).

Respondents aged 18 to 34 years old were more likely to agree with the following statements compared to those 35 years or older:

• The CAF has the equipment it needs to do its job (52% of those aged 18 to 34 vs. 29% of those aged 35 or older).

• Purchases of military equipment by the CAF tend to be well managed (41% of those aged 18 to 34 vs. 28% of those aged 35 years or older).

Respondents with a family member in the CAF were more likely to agree that CAF military equipment purchases tend to benefit local economies compared to those who do not have a family member who serves (42% vs. 34% respectively).

Respondents with a high-school education were more likely to agree with each statement compared to those with a college or university education:

• The CAF is good at planning its future equipment needs (47% high school vs. 30% college and 30% university).

• The CAF has the equipment it needs to do its job (46% high school vs. 31% college and 31% university).

• Purchases of military equipment by the CAF tend to be well managed (43% high school vs. 28% college and 29% university).

• CAF military equipment purchases tend to benefit local economies (42% high school vs. 35% college and 33% university).

Key segments

Respondents living in Quebec were more likely to agree that the CAF should participate in disaster relief and humanitarian aid (87%), compared to those living in Ontario (81%), Alberta (78%), Manitoba or Saskatchewan (77%) and British Columbia (76%).

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 urban areas:

• Surveillance and defence in the North (81% in rural areas vs. 73% in urban areas).

• Using satellites in space for monitoring purposes (76% in rural areas vs. 67% in urban areas).

• Missions that target illegal trafficking activities (72% in rural areas vs. 62% in urban areas).

• Training militaries or police of other countries (65% in rural areas vs. 58% 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 (80% of men vs. 70% of women).

• Using satellites in space for monitoring purposes (76% of men vs. 65% of women).

• Combat support missions for the UN and NATO (71% of men vs. 66% of women).

• Training militaries or police of other countries (65% of men vs. 55% of women).

Respondents aged 65 years or older were more likely to agree that the CAF should participate in each role, compared to those 54 years or younger:

• Disaster relief / humanitarian aid (89% of those 65 or older vs. 79% of those 54 or younger).

• Peace support operations (89% of those 65 or older vs. 78% of those 54 or younger).

• Non-combat support operations (89% of those 65 or older vs. 75% of those 54 or younger).

• Surveillance and defence in the North (88% of those 65 or older vs. 72% of those 54 or younger) Using satellites in space for monitoring purposes (82% of those 65 or older vs. 67% of those 54 or younger).

• Combat support missions for the UN and NATO (79% of those 65 or older vs. 65% of those 54 or younger).

• Training militaries or police of other countries (76% of those 65 or older vs. 55% of those 54 or younger).

• Missions that target illegal trafficking activities (75% of those 65 or older vs. 64% of those 54 or younger).

Canada’s membership in international organizations such as NATO and NORAD continues to receive a high level of support, as more than four in five respondents at least somewhat agreed that membership is important for Canadian security (81%). This represents an increase when compared to results in the previous year: notably, “strongly agree” totals increased from 43% to 57%.

A bar chart represents the importance of membership

A horizontal stacked bar chart represents the importance of membership in international organizations. The bars represent the years 2018 to 2022. The responses for each year is as follows. 2018: (strongly agree, 63 percent); (somewhat agree, 25 percent); (neither, 3 percent); (somewhat disagree, 3 percent); (strongly disagree, 3 percent); (don't know or no response, 3 percent). 2020: (strongly agree, 49 percent); (somewhat agree, 34 percent); (neither, 5 percent); (somewhat disagree, 3 percent); (strongly disagree, 2 percent); (don't know or no response, 7 percent). 2021: (strongly agree, 43 percent); (somewhat agree, 34 percent); (neither, 8 percent); (somewhat disagree, 3 percent); (strongly disagree, 2 percent); (don't know or no response, 5 percent). 2022: (strongly agree, 57 percent); (somewhat agree, 24 percent); (neither, 6 percent); (somewhat disagree, 4 percent); (strongly disagree, 3 percent); (don't know or no response, 6 percent). The top-2 box provides the following data: (2018, 88 percent); (2020, 83 percent); (2021, 77 percent); (2022, 81 percent).

Q24. I believe that Canada’s membership in international organizations, such as NATO and NORAD, is important for Canadian security. [Telephone: READ, ACCEPT “NEITHER” IF VOLUNTEERED.] Is that strongly agree/disagree or somewhat agree/disagree? [ONLINE: SHOW ALL CATEGORIES.] Base: All respondents, 2022, n=2,001.

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 (92% vs. 77%).

• Those with a family member actively serving in the CAF compared to those who do not have a family member who serves (87% vs. 80%).

• Those living in rural areas compared to those living in urban ones (84% vs. 79%).

• Men compared to women (83% vs. 78%).

Key segments

Respondents living in Atlantic Canada more commonly cited the importance of various youth programs (69%) compared to those living in Quebec (59%), Ontario (58%), Alberta (55%) and British Columbia (55%).

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

• Providing protection against terrorist threats (88% in rural areas vs. 80% in urban areas).

• Search and rescue (87% in rural areas vs. 80% in urban areas).

• Youth programs (66% in rural areas vs. 53% in urban areas).

Men were more likely to place importance on patrolling the Arctic compared to women (76% to 60%).

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.

Those with a high-school education tended to place greater importance on the following roles compared to those with a university education:

• Providing protection against cyber-security threats (79% of high school–educated respondents vs. 71% of those who were university-educated).

• Helping prevent illegal activity (77% of high school–educated respondents vs. 67% of those who were university-educated).

• Youth programs (66% of high school–educated respondents vs. 53% of those who were university-educated).

When asked to provide their level of agreement that the CAF is doing a good job of performing its duties in Canada, 78% at least somewhat agreed. More specifically, 33% strongly agreed with this statement. Conversely, 62% at least somewhat agreed that the CAF plays a valuable role in supporting Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results remain nearly identical to those observed in 2021, with minor variations observed in the percentage of respondents who did not provide an opinion.

Two bar charts represent the agreement with domestic value of the C 'A' F

A pair of horizontal stacked bar charts represents the agreement with domestic value of the C 'A' F. The first chart represents the statement, overall, the Canadian Armed forces is doing a good job performing its duties here in Canada. The responses is as follows. 2021: (strongly agree, 34 percent); (somewhat agree, 44 percent); (neither, 9 percent); (somewhat disagree, 2 percent); (strongly disagree, 1 percent); (don't know or no response, 9 percent). 2022: (strongly agree, 33 percent); (somewhat agree, 45 percent); (neither, 9 percent); (somewhat disagree, 4 percent); (strongly disagree, 2 percent); (don't know or no response, 7 percent). The top-2 box provides the following data: (2021, 79 percent); (2022, 78 percent). The second chart represents the statement, the Canadian Armed forces plays a valuable role supporting Canada's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The responses is as follows. 2021: (strongly agree, 26 percent); (somewhat agree, 36 percent); (neither, 15 percent); (somewhat disagree, 6 percent); (strongly disagree, 2 percent); (don't know or no response, 16 percent). 2022: (strongly agree, 26 percent); (somewhat agree, 36 percent); (neither, 12 percent); (somewhat disagree, 9 percent); (strongly disagree, 5 percent); (don't know or no response, 12 percent). The top-2 box provides the following data: (2021, 61 percent); (2022, 62 percent).

Q26. Please rate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. [TELEPHONE: ACCEPT “NEITHER” IF VOLUNTEERED] Is that strongly agree/disagree or somewhat agree/disagree? [ONLINE: SHOW ALL ANSWER CATEGORIES.] Base: All respondents, 2022, n=2,001.

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 45 years or younger (86% vs. 73%).

• Those who had a family member actively serving in the CAF compared to those who did not (84% vs. 77%).

• Respondents who were at least somewhat familiar with the CAF compared to those who were not familiar with it (83% vs. 74%).

• Respondents living in Quebec compared to those living in Ontario (83% vs. 76%).

The following segments were more likely to at least somewhat agree that the CAF plays a valuable role supporting Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Respondents 65 or older compared to those 55 or younger (77% vs. 57%).

• Respondents living in Quebec (71%) compared to those living in Ontario (62%), Manitoba or Saskatchewan (59%), Alberta (56%) and British Columbia (51%).

• Respondents who had recently seen, read or heard of topics related to the CAF compared to those who had not (70% vs. 57%).

• Respondents who were at least somewhat familiar with the CAF compared to those who were not familiar with it (68% vs. 57%).

• Those who had a family member actively serving in the CAF compared to those who did not (68% vs. 61%).

Online respondents were subsequently asked to indicate the extent to which they recalled hearing anything about the CAF playing a role in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic since its outbreak. More than two thirds at least vaguely recalled the role (68%), with 33% clearly recalling having heard of the role. Nearly one in ten were unsure (9%), while 23% did not recall hearing anything.

A bar chart represents the role of the C 'A' F during the pandemic

A horizontal stacked bar chart represents the C 'A' F's role during the pandemic. The responses is as follows: (clearly recall, 33 percent); (vaguely recall, 35 percent); (do not recall, 23 percent); (don't know or no response, 9 percent). The top-2 box accounts to 68 percent.

Q27. [ONLINE ONLY] Would you say you clearly recall, vaguely recall or do not recall hearing anything about the Canadian Armed Forces playing a role in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic since its outbreak? Base: Online respondents, 2022, n=1,001.

Key segments

The following segments were more likely to “clearly recall” hearing about the role of the CAF in response to the COVID-19 pandemic compared to their respective counterparts:

• Respondents aged 55 years or older compared to those 54 years or younger (51% vs. 24%).

• Those living in Quebec compared to those living in the rest of the country (46% vs 30%).

• Those who had a family member in the CAF compared to those who did not (46% vs. 31%).

• Those who have a college (37%) or university (35%) education compared to those with a high-school education (25%).

Key segments

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

• Those 55 years or older compared to respondents 54 years or younger (69% vs. 36%).

• Respondents who had a family member serving in the CAF compared to those who did not (68% vs. 45%).

• Respondents living in Quebec (60%) compared to those living in Atlantic Canada (46%), British Columbia (46%), Ontario (44%) and Manitoba or Saskatchewan (40%).

• Men compared to women (54% vs. 43%).

Respondents were then asked to rate the extent to which they were confident that the CAF would deal with misconduct allegations appropriately (on a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 means not at all confident and 10 means extremely confident).

More than one quarter of respondents (27%) were confident (scores of 8 to 10) that the CAF would handle the allegations appropriately, while more than two in five (44%) were neutral (scores of 4 to 7). Conversely, 22% were not confident (scores of 1 to 3). Confidence that the CAF would appropriately address misconduct allegations was higher than in 2021, rising from 21% to 27%.

A bar chart illustrates the confidence on the C 'A' F for taking action on sexual misconduct

A horizontal stacked bar chart represents the level of confidence on the C 'A' F. The responses is as follows. 2021: (confident (8 to 10), 21 percent); (neutral (4 to 7), 37 percent); (not confident (1 to 3), 38 percent); (don't know or no response, 4 percent). 2022: (confident (8 to 10), 27 percent); (neutral (4 to 7), 44 percent); (not confident (1 to 3), 22 percent); (don't know or no response, 6 percent).

Q29. How confident are you that the Canadian Armed Forces will deal with misconduct allegations appropriately? Please rate your answer on a scale from 1 to 10, where “1” means you are not at all confident and “10” means you are extremely confident. Base: Online respondents, 2022, n=934.

Key segments

The following segments tended to have more confidence in the CAF compared to their respective counterparts:

• Respondents who were at least somewhat familiar with the CAF compared to those who were not familiar (37% vs. 21% respectively).

• Those who reported paying at least some attention to the allegations compared to those paying little or no attention (34% vs. 21% respectively).

• Respondents with a college education compared to those with a university education (33% vs. 24% respectively).

• Men compared to women (32% vs. 23% respectively).

Using the same confidence scale, respondents were asked to rate their confidence in the ability of the CAF to make positive changes in the future. Nearly one third of respondents (31%) were confident (scores of 8 to 10) that the CAF would move toward a more positive culture, while 47% were neutral (scores of 4 to 7) and 15% were not confident (scores of 1 to 3). Confidence in the ability to make positive changes was higher than in 2021, increasing from 25% to 31%.

A bar chart illustrates the confidence on the C 'A' F for making positive changes

A horizontal stacked bar chart represents the level of confidence on the C 'A' F for making positive changes. The responses is as follows. 2021: (confident (8 to 10), 25 percent); (neutral (4 to 7), 46 percent); (not confident (1 to 3), 25 percent); (don't know or no response, 4 percent). 2022: (confident (8 to 10), 31 percent); (neutral (4 to 7), 47 percent); (not confident (1 to 3), 15 percent); (don't know or no response, 6 percent).

Q30. How confident do you feel that the Canadian Armed Forces culture will make positive changes in the future? Please rate your answer on a scale of 1 to 10, where “1” means you are not at all confident that positive change will happen and “10” means you are extremely confident that positive change will happen. Base: Online respondents, 2022, n=934.

Key segments

The following segments tended to have more confidence in the CAF compared to their respective counterparts:

• Respondents 65 or older (44%) compared to those 18 to 34 and those 45 to 64 (27% for both).

• Those living in Alberta compared to those living in British Columbia (40% vs. 22%).

• Respondents who were at least somewhat familiar with the CAF compared to those who were not familiar (40% vs. 26%).

• Respondents with a college education compared to those with a university education (39% vs. 27%).

• Those who reported paying at least some attention to the allegations compared to those who had paid little or no attention (36% vs. 28%).

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

   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

3. 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

4. Please confirm that you live within 100 km of one of the following cities:

   Moncton, NB	1	Groups: 1, 2
   Montreal, QC	2	Groups: 5, 6
   Toronto, ON	3	Groups: 3, 4
   Winnipeg, MB	4	Groups: 7, 8
   Vancouver, BC	5	Groups: 9, 10
   None of the above	9	THANK AND TERMINATE

5. Have you lived in or within 100 km of this city for at least the last 2 years?

   Yes	1
   No	2	THANK AND TERMINATE

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

   An Indigenous person (First Nations, Inuit or Métis)	1
   A member of an ethnocultural or a visible minority group other than an Indigenous person	2
   None of the above	3

   RECRUIT MEMBERS OF VISIBLE MINORITIES IN EACH GROUP

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

   ENSURE GOOD MIX

   RECORD ETHNICITY: _____________

8. 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

9. 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]

   ENSURE GOOD MIX

   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

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

    ENSURE GOOD MIX

    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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

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

    Fewer than 5	1
    Five or more	2	THANK & TERMINATE

15. 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

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

    Yes	1
    No	2	THANK & TERMINATE

17. 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

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

    Yes	1	ASK Q20
    No	2	THANK AND TERMINATE
    DK/NR	9	THANK AND TERMINATE

19. 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

20. 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 $100 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!

Telephone survey introduction

During Hello/Bonjour. My name is _______ and I am calling from Quorus Consulting Group, a public opinion research company. We are conducting a survey for the Government of Canada on current issues of interest to Canadians. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and is voluntary and completely confidential.

Would you prefer that I continue in English or French? Préférez-vous continuer en français ou anglais?

Your participation in this survey is voluntary. Please be assured that your responses are confidential and will not be reported individually nor attributed to you personally. The information provided will be managed according to the requirements of the Privacy Act, the Access to Information Act, and any other pertinent legislation.

The survey is registered with the Canadian Research Insights Council through their Research Verification Service. May I continue?

And, just to confirm, have I reached you on a landline phone or a cellphone?

For your safety, are you currently driving?

Online landing page

[INTERVIEWER NOTE: IF ASKED WHICH GOVERNMENT OF CANADA DEPARTMENT THE SURVEY IS FOR, PLEASE SAY THAT YOU CAN REVEAL THAT TO THEM AT A LATER POINT IN THE SURVEY.]

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?

   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 [DO NOT READ. 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 [DO NOT READ. THANK & TERMINATE.]	99

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

   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 [DO NOT READ. THANK & TERMINATE.]	9

INTERVIEWER NOTE: “Family” in this instance refers to immediate family members only, such as father, mother and children, if not living in same household (not uncles, aunts, etc.). Extended family members who actually live in the household should also be flagged.

*THOSE WHO ARE NOT ELIGIBLE: Thank you for your willingness to take part in this survey, but you do not meet the eligibility requirements of this study.

ALL WHO ARE ELIGIBLE: Thank you, let’s begin the survey.

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
   [DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer [SKIP TO Q7.]	9

6. [ONLINE ONLY] About what topic or topics regarding the Canadian Armed Forces have you recently seen, read or heard?

   [DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer

   99

7. What is your overall impression of the Canadian Armed Forces? Would you say it is positive or negative? Would that be strongly or somewhat [positive/negative]? [TELEPHONE: ACCEPT NEITHER/NEUTRAL IF VOLUNTEERED.] [ONLINE: SHOW ALL ANSWER CATEGORIES.]

   Strongly positive	5
   Somewhat positive	4
   [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Neither/Neutral	3
   Somewhat negative	2
   Strongly negative	1
   [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer	9

8. [ONLINE ONLY] What would you say are the biggest issues or challenges facing the Canadian Armed Forces these days? [OPEN-END. RECORD FIRST MENTION. ACCEPT UP TO 3.]

   [DO NOT READ] 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? Would you say it is positive or negative? Would that be strongly or somewhat [positive/negative]? [TELEPHONE: ACCEPT NEITHER/NEUTRAL IF VOLUNTEERED.] [ONLINE: SHOW ALL ANSWER CATEGORIES.]

   Strongly positive	5
   Somewhat positive	4
   [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Neither/Neutral	3
   Somewhat negative	2
   Strongly negative	1
   [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	9

10. Overall, how familiar would you say you are with the Canadian Armed Forces? [TELEPHONE ONLY] Would you say…? [READ/SHOW LIST.]

    Very familiar	4
    Somewhat familiar	3
    Not very familiar	2
    Not at all familiar	1
    [DO NOT READ] 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? [REPEAT LIST ONLY IF NEEDED / SHOW LIST.]

    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
    [DO NOT READ] 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? [TELEPHONE ONLY] Would you say…? [RANDOMIZE. REPEAT LIST ONLY IF NEEDED /SHOW 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
    [DO NOT READ] 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? Would your reaction be very favourable, somewhat favourable, neutral, somewhat unfavourable or very unfavourable?

    Very favourable	5
    Somewhat favourable	4
    Neutral	3
    Somewhat unfavourable	2
    Very unfavourable	1
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] 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
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer	9

15. To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? [ONLINE: RANDOMIZE & SHOW LIST.] [TELEPHONE: SPLIT SAMPLE – a,b,c,d,e / f,g,h,i,j & READ 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 LGBTQ2+ 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
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] 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
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] 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
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer	9

19. [ONLINE ONLY] What do you think is the biggest threat to the security and/or sovereignty of Canadians and Canada at this time? [DO NOT READ LIST. ACCEPT UP TO 3.] [ONLINE: PROGRAM AS OPEN-END W/ TEXT BOX.]

    Terrorism	1
    Natural disasters / climate change	2
    Arctic sovereignty	3
    Refugees	4
    United States / Canada’s proximity to the U.S*	5
    Cyber-security	6
    The COVID-19 pandemic / Global pandemics	7
    Other [SPECIFY]	77
    Don’t know / Prefer not to answer	99

    *INTERVIEWER NOTE: USE THIS CODE FOR ANY COMMENTS ABOUT HOW THE ACTIONS OF THE UNITED STATES COULD AFFECT CANADA BECAUSE WE SHARE A BORDER; OR, IF U.S. POLICIES MAKE THE U.S. A TARGET FOR VIOLENCE/TERRORISM, CANADA COULD BE AT RISK TOO.

20. 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?

    Complete trust	10
    	9
    	8
    	7
    	6
    	5
    	4
    	3
    	2
    No trust at all	1
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer	99

Section 3: Funding and equipment

21. 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
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer	9

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

    [TELEPHONE] Would you say you agree or disagree? [ACCEPT “NEITHER” IF VOLUNTEERED] Is that strongly or somewhat [AGREE/DISAGREE]? [ONLINE: SHOW ALL ANSWER CATEGORIES.]

    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
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Neither	3
    Somewhat disagree	2
    Strongly disagree	1
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer	9

Section 4: International roles

23. Shifting focus now to Canadian Armed Forces activities abroad, there are a number of roles the Canadian Armed Forces could play internationally. Please tell me 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 …? [TELEPHONE: SPLIT SAMPLE – a,b,c,d / e,f,g,h – ACCEPT “NEITHER” IF VOLUNTEERED] [ONLINE: RANDOMIZE LIST, SHOW ALL ANSWER CATEGORIES.]

    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

    Strongly agree	5
    Somewhat agree	4
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Neither	3
    Somewhat disagree	2
    Strongly disagree	1
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer	9

    *INTERVIEWER NOTE: If asked, 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. If asked, the United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that promotes international cooperation.

24. 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. [TELEPHONE: READ, ACCEPT “NEITHER” IF VOLUNTEERED.] Is that strongly agree/disagree or somewhat agree/disagree?

    [ONLINE: SHOW ALL ANSWER CATEGORIES.]

    Strongly agree	5
    Somewhat agree	4
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Neither	3
    Somewhat disagree	2
    Strongly disagree	1
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer	9

    *INTERVIEWER NOTE: If asked, 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.

Section 5: Domestic roles

25. 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 tell me 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…? [TELEPHONE: SPLIT SAMPLE – a,b,c,d / e,f,g,h] [ONLINE : RANDOMIZE, SHOW LIST & ANSWER CATEGORIES.]

    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

    8. Providing communities with support in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic

    Very important	5
    4	4
    3	3
    2	2
    Not important at all	1
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer	9

26. Please rate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. [TELEPHONE: ACCEPT “NEITHER” IF VOLUNTEERED.] Is that strongly agree/disagree or somewhat agree/disagree? [ONLINE: SHOW ALL ANSWER CATEGORIES.]

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

    2. The Canadian Armed Forces played a valuable role supporting Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic

    Strongly agree	5
    Somewhat agree	4
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Neither	3
    Somewhat disagree	2
    Strongly disagree	1
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer	9

27. [ONLINE ONLY] Would you say you clearly recall, vaguely recall or do not recall hearing anything about the Canadian Armed Forces playing a role in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic since its outbreak?

    Do not recall	1
    Vaguely recall	2
    Clearly recall	3
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer	9

[ONLINE ONLY] 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? [TELEPHONE: READ ANSWER CATEGORIES.]

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

29. How confident are you that the Canadian Armed Forces will deal with misconduct allegations appropriately? Please rate your answer on a scale from 1 to 10, where “1” means you are not at all confident and “10” means you are extremely confident.

    Extremely confident	10
    	9
    	8
    	7
    	6
    	5
    	4
    	3
    	2
    Not at all confident	1
    [DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer	99

30. How confident do you feel that the Canadian Armed Forces culture will make positive changes in the future? Please rate your answer on a scale of 1 to 10, where “1” means you are not at all confident that positive change will happen and “10” means you are extremely confident that positive change will happen.

    Extremely confident that positive change will happen	10
    	9
    	8
    	7
    	6
    	5
    	4
    	3
    	2
    Not at all confident that positive change will happen	1
    [DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer	99

Section 7: Demographics

The last few questions are for classification purposes only.

31. What is the highest level of formal education that you have completed? [READ/SHOW LIST]

    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
    [DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer	99

32. 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
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to say	9

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

    Yes [SKIP TO Q35]	1
    No	2
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer	9

34. [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
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer	99

35. 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 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
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to answer	9

36. [ASK CELL SAMPLE] In addition to your cellphone, does your household currently have a traditional telephone or landline?

    Yes [CODE AS DUAL.]	1
    No [CODE AS CPO.]	2

37. [ASK LANDLINE SAMPLE] In addition to your residential landline telephone, do you or does someone else in your household also use one or more cellphone numbers?

    Yes [CODE AS DUAL.]	1
    No [CODE AS LLO.]	2

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

    Urban	1
    Suburban	2
    Rural	3
    Remote	4
    [TELEPHONE: DO NOT READ] Don’t know / Prefer not to say	9

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

    [RECORD]

    Don’t know / Prefer not to say

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

40. (DO NOT ASK – RECORD LANGUAGE OF INTERVIEW)

    English	1
    French	2

[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!