It was an honour to deliver remarks at Esprit de Corps’s annual “Breaking Down the Barricades: Top Women in Defence” Awards Ceremony in Ottawa and celebrate the outstanding women who continue to shape Canada’s defence and security sectors through leadership, service, and excellence. 

The event was an important opportunity to recognize the 2026 Top 20 Women in Defence and highlight the incredible contributions women are making across the Canadian Armed Forces, public service, aviation, security, and related industries. Their work continues to break carriers, inspire future generations, and strengthen Canada's institutions and communities. 

Initiatives like these are important not only for recognizing achievement, but also for increasing visibility and creating more inclusive spaces where women feel empowered to lead and succeed. Supporting gender equality means ensuring that women across every sector have the opportunity to thrive, be heard, and have their contributions valued. 

Thank you to Espirit de Corps, the organizers, and all those who made this year’s ceremony such a meaningful celebration of leadership, resilience, and service.