In a landmark moment for Canada’s military, General Jennie Carignan has been appointed as the nation’s first female Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
Her historic appointment, effective as of Thursday, marks a significant milestone in Canada’s armed forces and reflects a broader commitment to diversity and leadership within the military.
General Carignan, a distinguished military engineer, brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
Over her impressive 35-year career with the Canadian Army, she has served in various high-stakes environments, including Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, and Syria.
Her extensive background in military operations and engineering positions her uniquely to address the complex challenges facing Canada’s defense sector today.
Addressing her new role at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, General Carignan expressed her readiness and determination to meet the multifaceted challenges ahead. “I feel ready, poised, and supported to take on this manifold challenge,” she stated, highlighting her commitment to her new position.
General Carignan outlined several pressing issues confronting the Canadian Armed Forces, including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, escalating global tensions, climate change, and the increasing demands on military personnel both domestically and internationally.
She also emphasized the need to safeguard democratic values and institutions amid these evolving threats.
“Conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, heightened tensions elsewhere around the world, climate change, increased demands on our personnel at home and abroad, and threats to our democratic values and institutions are but a few of the complex challenges we need to adapt to and counter,” Carignan noted.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time as Canada undertakes significant efforts to enhance its defense capabilities and modernize its armed forces.
General Carignan succeeds General Wayne Eyre, who has held the position since 2021.
Under her leadership, Canada aims to meet NATO’s defense spending target of 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2032, as announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Currently, Canada’s defense spending is projected to be 1.39% of GDP for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
The Canadian Armed Forces are currently grappling with challenges such as recruitment shortfalls and the slow replacement of outdated equipment.
Last November, the head of the navy highlighted the critical state of the service, warning that it might struggle to fulfill its basic duties in the near future.
General Carignan acknowledged these internal challenges, stating, “We’re facing many internal challenges such as recruitment and retention. We know the challenges we face and what we need to do to address them.”
Prime Minister Trudeau, who has championed gender equality since taking office in 2015, praised General Carignan as “a role model for all Canadians and for the world.
” His administration has previously made strides in gender equality, including the appointment of Brenda Lucki as the first female head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 2018.
Additionally, the last two governors-general, representing the British monarchy in Canada, have been women, both appointed by Trudeau.
While General Carignan’s achievement is historic for Canada, it is worth noting that Slovenia has already seen a female general lead its army since 2018.
Nonetheless, General Carignan’s appointment signifies a monumental step forward for Canada’s military and reflects a growing global trend towards gender inclusivity in top military roles.
