The decision on how to address a contentious social media post involving a Canadian cadet and her instructor, highlighted by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, rests with the individuals involved, according to Canada’s highest military leader.
General Jennie Carignan, speaking from a gathering of defence chiefs in Victoria, B.C., mentioned that both individuals are receiving assistance from the Canadian military in light of the provocative post and hinted that they will have the autonomy to respond if they choose to.
“We have personnel impacted by different incidents. We are in discussions with them on how they wish to proceed,” she stated.
The controversial post shared by Hegseth on Monday featured an image from the Cadet Training Centre in Vernon, B.C., showing two young women in uniform with the caption “this is real” alongside a Canadian flag.
While the online reaction to Hegseth’s post included derogatory comments about the individuals’ appearance in the photo, it also sparked significant backlash from Canadians.
Carignan Emphasizes Support for Affected Members
Notably, top U.S. military officials, including the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, are attending the conference, but Carignan mentioned that she has not directly addressed the issue with her counterparts or sought an apology.
“Our primary focus is on supporting the individuals affected, and I have immense pride in the actions and values of our Canadian Armed Forces,” Carignan expressed in an interview with CBC News.
“We have skilled and professional personnel. Furthermore, my U.S. counterparts fully appreciate the extent of our contributions.”
She indicated that the controversy is something to be dealt with at a later time.
Some observers criticized Hegseth for targeting the youth program as a means to denigrate the Canadian Armed Forces and for body-shaming female cadets.
A screenshot of the post from U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s X account. CBC News has blurred the faces in the image because cadets in Canada are 12 to 18 years old and are minors in British Columbia, where the age of majority is 19. (Pete Hegseth/X)
In response to the backlash, Pentagon deputy press secretary Jacob Bliss stated, “the X post speaks for itself.”
Cadet League Condemns Harassment
The Army Cadet League of Canada denounced the online harassment and ridicule directed at cadets and their accomplishments.
“Making derogatory remarks towards youths actively striving for self-improvement and community service is unacceptable,” the league asserted in a statement regarding Hegseth’s comments.
The league expressed full support for cadets, adult staff, volunteers, and officers dedicated to nurturing future Canadian leaders and fostering stronger communities.
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