Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan has been appointed as the Chief of the Defense Staff in Canada, marking a historic first for the country. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced her appointment on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, with her tenure set to begin on July 18, 2024.
This appointment aligns with Trudeau’s ongoing efforts to place women in senior positions within the government, in a nation where the Governor General, Mary Simon, is also a woman. Commenting on the appointment, Trudeau highlighted Carignan’s “exceptional leadership qualities, commitment to excellence, and dedication to service” as vital assets to the Canadian Armed Forces.
Lieutenant-General Carignan brings extensive experience to the role, having commanded troops in Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, and Syria over her 35-year military career. She currently oversees the military’s reform efforts as the head of conduct and culture change and will succeed General Wayne Eyre as the head of Canada’s military.
A married mother of four, with two children serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, Carignan has a distinguished background, including leading the NATO Mission Iraq from November 2019 to November 2020. She has also participated in operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Golan Heights, and Afghanistan.
Carignan holds two Master’s degrees: one in Business Administration from Université Laval and another from the United States Army Command and General Staff College.
Canada, a North American nation with a population of about 39 million, has a military composed of the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the Royal Canadian Navy.
