Kamloops Legion disappointed by Hegseth’s controversial post about Canadian cadet program

Young said Hegseth’s comment appeared to mock a program that offers leadership and skills training to youth aged 12 to 18.

“It’s an important program that’s been around for a lot of years,” Young said. “I was involved as a cadet leader for a number of years here in Kamloops and so I know first-hand what the program does. It’s a youth program and his comments to this youth program, I think, was totally unqualified.”

Asked about the backlash Tuesday, Pentagon deputy press secretary Jacob Bliss said, “The X post speaks for itself.”

Hegseth’s comment has been criticized by several Canadian politicians and organizations, with many saying it’s the latest attempt by members of the U.S. administration to appease President Donald Trump, who continues to belittle one of America’s closest allies.

“[It’s] like his comments a few months ago about Canadians in Afghanistan that we were in the back and weren’t really in the front, which was totally not true,” Young added. “Again, it’s just sort of coming to the forefront again with these comments but this time it’s Hegseth, not Trump.”

The post also comes at a time of heightened tensions between Canada and the United States after trade talks broke down last month.

The Trump administration hit Canada with 50 per cent tariffs on an array of goods in August and both countries have accused each other of adding last-minute changes during negotiations.

Canada is set to implement its retaliatory duties next week.

Young said Hegseth’s comment can also be seen as a distraction tactic following the departure of several high-profile U.S. military leaders and questions about the ongoing war with Iran.

“You start gutting your top military leadership because they don’t believe in what you are doing or they’re not being loyal to you,” Young said. “It just shows that they really don’t have a firm grasp or a firm handle on their military down there right now.”

by Victor Kaisar

Kamloops Legion disappointed by Hegseth’s controversial post about Canadian cadet program

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