Jennie Carignan has already commanded Canadian troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. In the future, she will be at the head of the army – as the first woman in Canadian history.
For the first time, a woman will lead Canada's armed forces. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan on Wednesday (local time).
“I am confident that as Canada's new Chief of the Defence Staff, she will help make Canada stronger, safer and ready to face global security challenges,” he said.
Carignan commanded troops in Afghanistan and Syria
Carignan will succeed retiring General Wayne Eyre as Chief of the Defence Staff at a ceremony on July 18.
In recent years, the Canadian military has been rocked by numerous allegations of sexual misconduct. Carignan was tasked with creating a more respectful climate. During her 35 years in the army, Carignan also commanded troops in Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq and Syria.
Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau
Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted Carignan's special qualities in a statement. “Throughout her career, her exceptional leadership, commitment to excellence and devotion to service have been a tremendous asset to our armed forces,” Trudeau said.
Since taking office in 2015, Trudeau has pursued policies aimed at promoting equality. In 2018, he appointed Brenda Lucki as the first female chief of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada's national police force.
Proportion of women in Canada’s army only 16 percent
Carignan takes over leadership of the armed forces at a time when Canada is under pressure from its allies to increase its defence spending. The armed forces are struggling to meet their recruitment targets and the renewal of outdated equipment is progressing slowly.
According to government figures, the proportion of women in the Canadian Army was 16 percent in May 2023. This proportion is expected to increase to 25 percent by 2026.
