Report Shows Decrease in Job Satisfaction Among Canadian Soldiers
Recent departmental year-end report shows a decline in work satisfaction among Canadian soldiers.
In 2024, only 30.4 percent of military personnel feel that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) provides a reasonable quality of life for service members and their families, compared to 43.2 percent in 2023 and 34.4 percent in 2022 (with a target of at least 85 percent).
The report did not provide an explanation for the decline but mentioned that it is based on subjective survey responses. Among regular forces, 29.2 percent felt the CAF provided a reasonable quality of life, while in the primary reserves, it was 33.2 percent.
Job satisfaction rates have also dropped, with 57.7 percent feeling positive about their job in 2024, compared to 60.9 percent in the previous year and 62.5 percent in 2022. Regular force members had a rate of 53.5 percent, while primary reservists had a rate of 68.3 percent.
Regarding overall family support from the CAF, 57.7 percent were satisfied in 2024, down from 64.3 percent in 2023 and 58.5 percent in 2022.
The report also highlighted diversity metrics, with 16.5 percent of the CAF self-identifying as women and 12.2 percent as visible minorities in 2024.
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In 2024, 16 percent of CAF members reported being victims of discrimination, with a decline in personnel numbers.
While the CAF aspires to achieve 101,500 personnel, the latest figures show a decrease. Regular force staff filled positions dropped to 89.1 percent in 2024, while reserve positions filled increased to 77.5 percent.
Occupations in the CAF continue to face critical shortfalls, with 72.9 percent experiencing shortages in 2024. Recruitment policies have been adjusted to address these challenges, resulting in positive personnel numbers in 2024.
