First female Chief of Defence Staff | Justin Trudeau places Jennie Carignan at the helm of the Armed Forces

(Ottawa) The Prime Minister announced Wednesday the appointment of Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan as Chief of the Defence Staff, the first time a woman has held the role.

“Throughout her career, her exceptional leadership qualities, her commitment to excellence and the dedication with which she served our country have been a considerable asset to our Armed Forces,” Justin Trudeau said in a press release.

“I am confident that as the new Chief of the Defence Staff, she will help make Canada stronger, more secure and better prepared to meet global security challenges,” he also said.

National Defence Minister Bill Blair welcomed the designation of the soldier “who served Canada with great distinction both at home and abroad” and who “demonstrated excellence in challenging operations” throughout her more than 35-year career.

“Her extensive experience makes her the ideal person to lead the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in meeting new security challenges, and I am confident in the future of this important institution under her leadership,” he added in the same press release.

During her career, Jennie Carignan commanded two combat engineer regiments, the Royal Military College of Saint-Jean, and the 2^e Canadian Division. It was deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Golan Heights and Afghanistan.

She also commanded the NATO mission in Iraq for a year, from November 2019 to November 2020. About five months later, she took command of the unit responsible for culture change within the CAF.

The selection was also applauded by Governor General of Canada Mary Simon, who is officially the Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces.

“Although a great challenge awaits her, I know that she will maintain the high standards to which we have become accustomed in the CAF, and that she will do so with dignity, honour, respect and a great sense of duty,” declared the King’s representative in Canada in a press release.

Under this appointment, Jennie Carignan will be promoted to the rank of general. She will replace General Wayne Eyre, the current Chief of the Defence Staff, who is retiring from the CAF after approximately 40 years of service.

General Eyre, who has led the CAF since 2021, will continue in his role until the appointment of the new Chief of the Defence Staff takes effect at a change of command ceremony on July 18, 2024.