The Canadian Military was doing that? Or are you describing an experience from a Canadian fellow that went to school in the U.S. because I know that U.S. military were throwing insane amounts of money to people with the right technical expertise to attract those types of people. But as far as the Canadian military I don't think they had such program for Canadian recruits because Canadian military wasn't and isn't really that well funded.
Personal experience. I was a former reservist, so recruiter had talked to me when doing some paperwork.
In demand technical grads could get 5 figure signing bonus (I can't remember all the levels now, but I think it was from $20K to $50K). Half paid up front, the other half paid at the end of the contract.
MDs were being offered 6 figures all payable up front.
Basic bonus of five figures is not "insane" money, maybe just 25% over regular civilian job, but it's still good money. Plus that's not including those sweeteners for overseas duty.
The Canadian military funding is not great, but its not awful. It's kind of a myth that the military is terribly underfunded. Some of the issue (my opinion) stems from a very long drawn out procurement process that emphasizes (rightly or wrongly depending on your opinion) Made in Canada options.
For regular troops, actually the pay is quite good. I believe #3 in NATO.
Even regular green private with high school diploma gets CA$35,000/year now, I think an American private is only about US$20,000 (currency conversion is pointless because Americans are not converting that money).
I have the privilege to decline such mercenary work, but if my financial/family situation was less fortunate, it would be hard to pass up.