Lt.-Gen. Jennie Carignan will be the first woman in our country’s history to lead the Canadian Armed Forces.
Carignan has been named the next chief of the defence staff, the prime minister announced Wednesday.
“Over the course of her career, her exceptional leadership qualities, commitment to excellence, and dedication to service have been a tremendous asset to our Armed Forces,” Justin Trudeau said in a news release.
“I am confident that, as Canada’s new Chief of the Defence Staff, she will help Canada be stronger, more secure, and ready to tackle global security challenges.”
Carignan’s military career spans more than 35 years and includes commanding two Combat Engineer Regiments and the 2nd Canadian Division.
In 2008, she became the first woman in Canadian Armed Forces history to command a combat arms unit.
Carignan deployed to Afghanistan the following year, and also served in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Syria.
She also led NATO Mission Iraq from 2019 to 2020, helping to strengthen Iraqi security institutions and forces.
Carignan was promoted to her current rank in 2021 and, for the past three years, has led efforts to transform the culture of the Armed Forces.
She will replace Gen. Wayne Eyre, who is due to retire from the army this summer.
