A Nanos Research survey for The Globe and Mail found that nearly half of Canadians (49%) support or somewhat support increasing the national debt to finance increased military spending, while 46% oppose or somewhat oppose it. In contrast, three in five Canadians (60%) oppose or somewhat oppose increasing personal income taxes for the same purpose. The poll comes as Canada plans its largest military spending increase in over 70 years, aiming to spend up to $150-billion annually within a decade, up from $63-billion. Older Canadians (55+) are more likely to support debt financing and tax increases for defense.
Canadians prefer more debt over higher taxes to finance increased military spending, poll finds
Politics
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A Nanos Research survey for The Globe and Mail found that nearly half of Canadians (49%) support or somewhat support increasing the national debt to finance increased military spending, while 46% oppose or somewhat oppose it. In contrast, three in five Canadians (60%) oppose or somewhat oppose increasing personal income taxes for the same purpose. The poll comes as Canada plans its largest military spending increase in over 70 years, aiming to spend up to $150-billion annually within a decade, up from $63-billion. Older Canadians (55+) are more likely to support debt financing and tax increases for defense.
Trending- 1 Over 70 years ago: Last time Canada launched such a large increase in military spending.
- 2 This fiscal year (2025): Projected defence spending is about $63-billion.
- 3 July 2-6 (2025): Nanos Research survey conducted.
- 4 Within a decade (by 2035): Plan to spend up to $150-billion on defence annually.
- 5 This fall (2025): Federal budget expected to provide clarity on military financing.
- Potential increase in national debt
- Political challenges for the government and opposition in communicating funding plans
- Increased defence spending for Canada
What: A poll indicates Canadians prefer increasing national debt over raising personal income taxes to fund the federal government's planned increase in military spending.
When: Poll conducted between July 2 and 6 (2025); article published July 15, 2025.
Where: Canada.
Why: Canada is increasing military spending under pressure from the U.S. and facing challenges from Russia and other countries. The poll explores public preference for financing this increase.
How: Nanos Research conducted a telephone and online survey of 1,047 respondents aged 18 and over. Respondents were asked about their support for increasing national debt or personal income taxes to fund military capacity.