On the evening of Thursday, September 12, we welcomed an esteemed panel of guests to the Diefenbunker to discuss their experiences as trailblazing servicewomen in Canada’s military.
The Cold War was a tumultuous time globally, and similarly marked a period of significant challenges for women within Canada’s military forces. Few positions were made available to women during the Cold War, and the integration of women has been gradual in the years since then. In 2023, women made up only 16.5% of Canada’s military. Still, women have continued to serve the country, and many, including our panelists, have attained important roles or positions of leadership within the military. Further, n 2024, Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan was appointed Canada’s new Chief of Defence Staff, making her the first woman to hold this position as the top commander of the Canadian military.
The dedication and persistence of women in the military is paving the way for continued progress. Drawing on a combined total of 98 years of military service, each of our speakers brought their own perspectives and experiences to shed light on the struggles and triumphs of women in the military, and to discuss what the future might hold.
>> Moderator: MPP Karen McCrimmon, Lieutenant-Colonel (retired) OMM CD
>> Panelist: Deanna (Dee) Brasseur, Major (retired) CM CD
>> Panelist: Senator Rebecca Patterson, Rear-Admiral (retired) OMM MSM CD
In the discussion, themes emerged around the lack of opportunities available to women joining the military. In the early 1970s, Brasseur began her military career as a typist, after being offered options of working in finance, administration, or supply. Patterson had been in Sea Cadets and was hoping for a position in the Navy, but instead was told she could be a nurse — the position she took when she joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1989.
Nevertheless, both were very ambitious and stepped up to fill positions of need, paving the way for other women. Patterson spoke about the chances to redefine leadership, thanks to humble mentors and, in some cases, a lack of expectations, as no women had been in these positions before. Among other firsts, Brasseur went on to graduate as one of the first three women pilots, and Patterson was the first person with a military nursing background to be a Flag (General) Officer.
As they navigated their journeys, the panelists found a strong sense of pride and camaraderie in the military. They expressed the privilege they felt in being part of something bigger than themselves, fighting for peace for our communities and for the country.
While progress has been made in the contributions of women in Canada’s military since the Cold War, there is more to be done to achieve equality and to work towards preserving peace and democracy within and beyond our borders. The speakers emphasized the need for diplomacy and mutual respect, and the importance of learning from past conflicts, modelling positive values, working together, and continually doing our part to help build a safe and prosperous country.
Our sincere thanks to MPP Karen McCrimmon, Dee Brasseur, and Senator Rebecca Patterson for participating in an engaging discussion on the evolving role of women in Canada’s military. It was an honour to learn from your experiences and to hear your perspectives on a topic that remains relevant today.
You can watch a recording of the full panel discussion here:
>> Karen McCrimmon is currently MPP for Kanata—Carleton, and previously served as MP for Kanata—Carleton. As MP, she also served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence, among other appointments. Prior to this, McCrimmon had a 31-year military career. She joined the Regular Force in 1980 and became the first female air navigator. In 1998, McCrimmon became the first woman to command a Canadian Forces air force squadron. She was responsible for NATO Airlift Coordination on a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2004, and McCrimmon retired from the Forces in 2006 as a Lieutenant Colonel.
>> Deanna (Dee) Brasseur enrolled in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1972 as an Administrative Clerk, and in 1973 began the Officer Candidate Training Program as an Air Weapons controller. When a program to employ women as pilots was introduced in 1979, Brasseur volunteered, and she graduated as one of the first three women to earn their wings in 1981. She was the first woman jet pilot instructor, from 1981 to 1985, and the first woman pilot to be awarded a Flight Commander position, from 1986 to 1988. In 1998, Brasseur became one of the first two women pilots selected to train as jet fighter pilots, progressing to fly the CF-18 Hornet. She was later assigned as the first woman Military Aircraft Accident Investigator, and then became the Senior Staff Officer at the Department of National Defence Headquarters. In 2007, Brasseur was inducted into the Women in Aviation Pioneer Hall of Fame.
>> Rebecca Patterson worked in military healthcare delivery, education, training, and operational and strategic planning. On promotion to Flag (General) Officer, she was the first person with a military nursing background to ever lead at that rank. Patterson served as the Defence Champion for Women, addressing sexual misconduct and leading culture change efforts in the Forces. She also commanded the Canadian Forces Health Service at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patterson was the first woman military veteran appointed to the Senate of Canada, where she is a Member of the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Veterans Affairs. She provides a voice for those who serve and have served in the Canadian Armed Forces and is an active supporter of Canada’s role in NATO.
We invite you to join us for an upcoming event in our 2024 Speaker Series:
- October 17, 2024: Canada and the US in the early Cold War, with Dr. Asa McKercher
- November 14, 2024: Canada and NATO during the Cold War, with Dr. Susan Colbourn
