Gen. Jennie Carignan has made history by becoming Canada’s top military commander, the first woman to hold this position in the country. The official change of command took place in a ceremony at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised Carignan’s appointment as a significant milestone for women in leadership roles within the military.
Trudeau emphasized the groundbreaking nature of Carignan’s appointment, highlighting that she is the first woman to lead the military of any G20 or G7 country. Carignan expressed her belief that her promotion could serve as a model for women in the armed forces, showcasing what is achievable through hard work and dedication.
Previously holding the rank of general, Carignan’s significant contributions to the Canadian Armed Forces were recognized during the ceremony. Trudeau commended her qualifications for the role and described the occasion as a historic day. Carignan’s appointment as Canada’s first female defense chief marks another step forward in the country’s commitment to diversity and gender equality in leadership positions.
Carignan’s career has been marked by several milestones, including being the first woman to lead a combat unit in the Canadian military. Her experience includes deployments to various countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Syria. In recent years, she has served as the chief of professional conduct and culture, focusing on addressing issues related to misconduct within the military.
As she assumes her new role as the chief of the Canadian Armed Forces, Carignan has highlighted recruitment and retention as her top priorities. The appointment comes at a time when Canada is working towards meeting its NATO commitment to spend 2% of its GDP on defense by 2032, with specific plans yet to be outlined. Carignan expressed readiness for her new responsibilities and gratitude for the opportunity to lead the military.
