Michael Gendron works in policy and communications for the Canadian Police Association and contributes commentary to Policy Options. His writing on Canada's Cadet Program draws on his experience as the parent of three participants. He also is a curling club president.
DI has documented statements by Michael Gendron on Body Image, Military and Defense, and Sexism, among other topics. Read the quotations, original sources and related cases below.
Role at the time: Policy Options contributor and parent of cadet-program participants, writing in his own capacity
Condemned
Response to this claim
Hegseth’s post mocked or invited mockery of the appearance and achievements of people shown in the Canadian cadet-program image.
“an obvious invitation to mock the women’s appearance.”
Open source (opens in a new tab)Michael Gendron condemns Hegseth's cadet post and calls for stronger Canadian supportOpening five paragraphs, including the description of the Vernon photograph and the response to Carney's and McGuinty's criticism
Why we used this label
The commentary directly condemns Hegseth's post. Its criticism of Canadian policy does not soften that condemnation or amount to a defense of Hegseth.
Pete Hegseth reposted a photo of a Canadian cadet receiving an award, adding a Canadian flag and the words "this is real." Canadian officials, a cadet group, a Republican lawmaker and George Clooney called it mocking; the Pentagon stood by the post.
