Canada is facing increasing challenges as political pressures from the United States grow and internal divisions deepen. Experts suggest that a voluntary national service program could help unite the country and build resilience for the future.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has made it clear that Canada is not for sale. However, former U.S. President Donald Trump has implied that the long, undefended border between Canada and the U.S. could be easily removed. A recent Ipsos poll shows that more than 40 percent of Canadians aged 18 to 34 might vote to become part of the United States under certain conditions. These developments raise concerns about the stability of Canadian democracy and its national identity.
Political observers warn that waning superpowers like the United States can create risks for their neighbors. Trump’s attacks on democratic institutions and government expertise have led to doubts about the strength of American democracy. This uncertainty also affects Canada, its closest neighbor.
Canada is governed by a minority government and faces internal challenges from ethnonational conflicts, foreign interference, and secessionist movements. If the government cannot provide all citizens, especially younger Canadians, with a strong and cohesive identity, the nation’s unity may weaken.
In response, some experts propose a voluntary national service program. This program would not involve conscription, which could be unpopular and difficult to manage. Instead, it would encourage young Canadians to develop skills and build networks of public trust, helping to strengthen the country.
Several Northern European countries have created systems that involve the whole society in national defense and resilience. Canada could follow this model by focusing on youth development, community protection, civil defense, and security services.
Youth programs like cadets and scouts currently involve about 100,000 young Canadians. Expanding these efforts could reach half a million youth, offering opportunities to travel, learn new skills, and engage with diverse communities. New programs could include fire, police, and ambulance cadets, along with training in technology fields like drones and 3D printing. Partnerships with tech companies and unions could provide additional support. Training would also cover entrepreneurship, food security, environmental protection, and circular economy concepts to prepare youth for future jobs.
Community protection efforts would involve volunteers from multiple generations supporting emergency responders and helping communities prepare for natural disasters such as fires, floods, and ice storms. Volunteers would also be trained for nonviolent resistance in case of occupation. These efforts would build connections across social groups and strengthen local resilience.
A national civil defense corps made up of trained volunteers would be ready to deploy anywhere in Canada during emergencies. They would learn first aid, traffic control, shelter management, utility repair, communication, and coordination skills. Flexible training options like online classes and evening sessions would accommodate volunteers’ schedules.
To address longer-term security needs, a paid national service program would attract Canadians to serve for 12 months or more in uniformed or specialist civilian roles. Joint training across the Armed Forces, RCMP, Border Services, and Coast Guard would foster cooperation. Scholarships and other benefits would encourage sustained participation.
While costly, such a program could help protect Canada’s way of life and build a shared sense of purpose among citizens. National service would develop skills, promote unity, and strengthen democratic institutions, helping Canada face future challenges with greater resilience.
Canada stands at a crucial point in its history. Political uncertainty and internal divisions require bold actions. Voluntary national service offers a way to engage young Canadians, build trust, and safeguard national sovereignty.
