October 28, 2025

Check against delivery

It is an honour to gather with you on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation.

Before I begin, I want to extend my deepest condolences to all who knew Dr. Tim Cook—a remarkable historian, writer, colleague and friend to many here at the Canadian War Museum.

As a Member of the Order of Canada and a recipient of the Governor General’s History Award, he made invaluable contributions that will continue to shape our understanding of Canadian history for generations to come.

I’m grateful to all of you for being here to reflect on the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and how we might come together to face the security challenges of the present and the future.

Over the past 25 years, we’ve made meaningful progress in integrating women’s perspectives into defence and in addressing gender inequality as a root cause of conflict.

While some around the world are reversing progress and excluding women, Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces continue to move forward—championing diversity and inclusion through targeted recruitment and meaningful support initiatives.

I witnessed this commitment first-hand at the Rainbow Veterans of Canada event in April 2024. The unveiling of the heraldic badge was a historic moment of visibility and respect for 2SLGBTQI+ veterans, and a powerful reminder of the values we uphold as a country.

But the reality remains troubling.

Women still face threats every day—especially those in leadership roles, and people of diverse backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities.

These threats happen in their personal lives, in the workplace and online.

I’ve experienced this myself.

When I was first installed as governor general, I witnessed a disturbing surge of abusive language on social media.

Some of it was directed at me personally—as a woman, and as an Indigenous woman.

The threats escalated to violent messages. They had a deep impact on my mental well-being and on my family.

These words hurt Indigenous peoples. They damage the progress we’ve made together toward reconciliation.

They also reflect the harm faced by all women and girls in Canada who engage in public life but suffer as a result.

But I was fortunate to reach a place where I could choose not to be silenced.

I refused to just brush off or ignore these comments. I refused to give a platform to the stereotypes and hate speech I’ve spent a lifetime opposing.

That’s why our office took the step of turning off comments on our social media accounts.

And I began speaking out publicly against online abuse.

We support women by naming what holds us back.

That’s part of what you’re doing today at this conference.

We must continue to speak about the consequences of harmful discourse. We must push back against those who try to diminish women’s contributions.

Around the world, online harassment and other types of gender-based violence have far-reaching impacts—from lost jobs and missed opportunities to withdrawal from public life.

When women feel that leadership comes at the cost of their mental health, when they don’t feel safe, they step back.

Their voices are silenced.

And everyone loses.

Women leaders bring essential strengths to the table.

Women leaders raise practical issues that affect their communities. They help drive better decisions and more concrete outcomes.

They are critical to solving the world’s most pressing challenges—including peacebuilding.

In conflict zones, women help our Forces and partners better anticipate threats like sexual violence, human trafficking and the recruitment of child soldiers.

Women and members of marginalized communities also play a key role in strengthening defence systems—especially in regions like Canada’s North.

Indigenous women, youth and Elders bring invaluable knowledge of the Arctic, along with cultural insights that foster collaboration.

This is crucial to securing Canada’s future in the North.

Canada is a country where we embrace and support women’s rights, but also the rights of all individuals across the spectrum of gender diversity.

We owe so much to women in all areas of defence:  from Sandra Perron, the first woman to serve as a Canadian infantry officer, to General Carignan, the first woman in the role of Canada’s chief of the defence staff.

And the many other trailblazers in this room, from Canada and around the world, equally deserve our praise and support.

I draw inspiration from courageous women who refuse to withdraw.

The Women, Peace and Security Agenda is rooted in dignity, equality and inclusion.

It is one of Canada’s most important contributions to international peace and security.

Let us continue to uphold our vision of a world where the perspectives of all genders help build a stronger defence—and a more secure future for all.

Once again, thank you for being here today.

I wish you bold and fruitful discussions.