Canadian military quietly funded study branding patriotic merchandise 'extremist'
A 21-month access-to-information fight reveals the military funded research asking troops about Make Canada Great Again hats.
Article by Rebel News staff
Newly released government documents show the Department of National Defence (DND) funded, edited and coordinated a controversial survey asking Canadian soldiers whether they had liked extremist content online, donated to extremist causes, or purchased 'extremist' items such as a Make Canada Great Again hat.
The records, obtained by Rebel News after a 21-month access-to-information request, contradict DND's earlier public claim that it had no involvement in the project. Internal emails show the department signed a $49,995 funding agreement with Ontario Tech University in 2020 — just under the $50,000 threshold requiring public disclosure — and later contributed a further $250,000 to the same research network.
Documents reveal the survey was initiated in 2019 by then-chief of defence staff Jonathan Vance, who later resigned amid his own conduct scandal. DND staff reviewed and revised the survey questions, distributed invitations down the military chain of command, and required soldiers to sign consent forms warning that "incriminating" answers could be reported to military police.
The Royal Canadian Navy initially declined to take part, citing severe staff shortages, while the Air Force asked what would happen to soldiers flagged by the survey's results.
When the story first broke in December 2024, internal communications show DND officials graded media coverage of the story, monitored outlets including True North, and privately acknowledged the funding — while publicly telling reporters the department had no role in the research.
The documents also reference a separate incident involving an alleged incendiary-device attack on a Christian worship service, linked to an individual connected to the department.
Rebel News will continue reviewing the nearly 2,700 pages of records.
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Ezra Levant
Rebel Commander
Ezra Levant is the founder and owner of Rebel News and the host of The Ezra Levant Show. He is the author of multiple best-selling books, including Ethical Oil, The Libranos, China Virus, and most recently, Trudeau's Secret Plan.
COMMENTS
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Bernhard Jatzeck commented 2026-09-03 17:16:15 -0400Yet one more reason why our military can’t afford proper weapons and equipment. The money that should go towards such acquisitions is spent on this nonsense.
