HALIFAX – The first female commander of the Canadian Armed Forces will force a new debate over women in combat roles related to President-elect Trump's pick for defense secretary to justify their contributions to national defense and national security. rallied, arguing that it was a distraction.
Canadian Armed Forces Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Jenny Carignan, speaking at the Halifax International Security Forum, responded to comments made the day before by Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), saying that women should serve in combat roles. He said leaving the job “creates uncertainty.” He referred to “special circumstances” and thinking about anything other than that was called “delusion.”
Risch's comments came after President Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, was questioned. She has spoken out against women serving in combat roles in the military, prompting backlash, especially from Democratic senators who were responsible for overseeing her confirmation hearings.
“I don't want people to leave this forum thinking that women are a hindrance to national defense and national security,” Carignan said, introducing her remarks as a direct rebuttal to Risch's comments.
“After a 39-year career as a combat arms officer and risking my life on numerous operations around the world, in 2024 I still want to honor women’s contributions to defense and service to our country. “I can’t believe I have to justify it,” she added.
Karginan continued: “I don't want people to leave this forum thinking that this is some kind of social experiment.”
She assumed command of the Canadian Forces in July, becoming the first woman to hold the post.
Her remarks were a more direct international response to Trump's nomination, which has stuck to a diplomatic line, with foreign officials often emphasizing their countries' unique values in contrast to the debates playing out in the United States. It was a sign of opposition.
