Canada’s top general defends women in combat, confronts US senator

“After 39 years as a combat arms officer and risking my life in operations worldwide, I can’t believe that in 2024, we still have to justify women’s contributions to their defence and service to their country,” Carignan said during her panel address. “Women in combat are not a distraction—questioning their role is.”

Carignan emphasised the long history of women participating in combat, often without formal recognition, and highlighted the bravery of women in uniform. Her comments received a standing ovation at the forum, which was attended by defence officials from Western democracies.

The debate over women in combat has resurfaced due to comments from Pete Hegseth, a nominee for US defence secretary, who has publicly opposed integrating men and women in combat units. If confirmed, Hegseth may push to roll back the Pentagon’s policy of allowing women in all combat roles.

Carignan, who has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Syria, became Canada’s first female defence chief earlier this year. She previously led efforts to reform the Canadian Armed Forces’ culture following a 2021 sexual misconduct scandal.

Her remarks come as Canada faces criticism for not meeting NATO’s defence spending target of 2% of GDP. While the government has committed to reaching this goal by 2032, Risch claimed the current plan would be met with derision by former US President Donald Trump.

(With inputs from AP)