HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) — The first woman to command Canada's military, responded to comments made by a U.S. senator questioning the role of women in combat. Gen. Jennie Carignan addressed remarks by Idaho Republican Sen. Jim Risch during a panel session at the Halifax International Security Forum.
Risch had stated that he believes men and women should not serve together in combat units, sparking a debate on the topic. Carignan, as the first woman to lead the armed forces of any Group of 20 or Group of Seven country, expressed her disagreement with Risch's views.
Carignan emphasized the significant contributions of women in combat roles, highlighting her own 39-year career as a combat arms officer. She stressed that women have been participating in combat for centuries and deserve recognition for their service and sacrifices.
Carignan's remarks received a standing ovation at the forum, which brings together defense and security officials from Western democracies. The debate surrounding women in combat was reignited by President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, who has expressed reservations about women serving in combat units.
Hegseth's stance has drawn both praise and criticism, with concerns raised about potentially reversing the Pentagon's policy of allowing women in all combat roles. Carignan's promotion to the rank of general earlier this year marked another milestone in her career, as she became Canada’s first female defense chief.
Carignan's extensive military experience includes commanding combat units and deployments to conflict zones such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Syria. She has also played a key role in addressing issues of professional conduct and culture within the Canadian military.
Canada's military spending has been a point of contention, with criticism from NATO allies for not meeting the 2% GDP defense spending target. The Canadian government has committed to reaching this goal by 2032, amid calls for increased investment in defense capabilities.
Risch's comments on Canada's military spending plans were met with skepticism, as he suggested that President Trump would find them inadequate and urged Canada to enhance its defense commitments.
