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(Image Credit: Scott Anderson/Facebook)
By Liam Verster
fiery exchange

Local MP fires back at US criticism of cadets

Sep 2, 2026 | 4:29 PM

The local Member of Parliament had some strong words in response to the social media post from the U.S.’s Secretary of War.

On Monday, Pete Hegseth reposted an image from the Vernon Cadets, implying they were unfit for service. In his own social media post, Scott Anderson had some fiery words of his own for Hegseth.

READ MORE: Vernon Cadets targeted in U.S. Secretary of Defence post

“You, sir, are the Secretary of [Defence] for the strongest nation on earth, and with that title comes a level of responsibility and decorum,” the MP for Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee, and retired Canadian Armed Forces Reservist Captain, wrote.

“You have chosen to set both aside and insult two female Canadian non-combatants, and to intentionally shame them before millions. You should be ashamed.”

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Anderson stated Canadians and Americans shouldn’t have an issue with each other, but he did have a problem with Hegseth, writing “you took a cheap shot at women and children in my riding. Next time you want to take a crack at a Canadian, I’m right here!” 

The local MP also clarified that Cadet Instructor Cadre Officers “don’t fight, they don’t command troops, and they don’t deploy or go near wars. They teach kids. Because they don’t fight, their physical condition is not relevant.”

by Liam Verster
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