Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Appoints Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan as Chief of the Defence Staff
Ottawa, Ontario – In a historic announcement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed the upcoming appointment of Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan as the new Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), marking a significant milestone as she becomes the first woman to lead the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). She will succeed General Wayne Eyre, who is set to retire after 40 years of distinguished military service.
Lieutenant-General Carignan, currently serving as Chief, Professional Conduct and Culture, National Defence, will be promoted to the rank of General. Her illustrious military career spans over 35 years and includes commanding two Combat Engineer Regiments and the 2nd Canadian Division, where she led over 10,000 soldiers and spearheaded crisis operations during flood relief efforts in Quebec.
Today, Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau announced the appointment of Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan as the new Chief of the Defence Staff.
Lieutenant-General Carignan has served Canada with great distinction, and the @CanadianForces will be well-served by her leadership. pic.twitter.com/KTIqXhQ6AN
— Bill Blair (@BillBlair) July 3, 2024
In 2008, she broke new ground as the first woman in CAF history to command a combat arms unit. Her deployment to Afghanistan the following year further demonstrated her leadership capabilities. She also served in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Syria and led NATO Mission Iraq from 2019 to 2020, where she played a crucial role in strengthening Iraqi security institutions and forces.
Promoted to her current rank in 2021, Lieutenant-General Carignan has dedicated the past three years to transforming the culture of the CAF. Her exceptional service has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Cross.
Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized the importance of the CAF in addressing new and evolving security threats, both domestically and internationally. He expressed confidence in Lieutenant-General Carignan’s ability to oversee the CAF’s operations and advance efforts to build a respectful and inclusive environment within the Armed Forces.
“I congratulate Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan on her upcoming appointment. 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. 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,” said Prime Minister Trudeau.
Minister of National Defence Bill Blair also praised Lieutenant-General Carignan’s distinguished service and extensive experience, expressing confidence in her ability to lead the CAF through emerging security challenges.
“Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan has served Canada with great distinction both at home and abroad. Throughout her career, she has had a proven track record of excellence on difficult operations. Her extensive experience makes her the right person to lead the Canadian Armed Forces through emerging security challenges – and I am confident in the future of this crucial institution under her leadership. I extend my sincere congratulations to Lieutenant-General Carignan on her appointment as Chief of the Defence Staff and look forward to our continued work together,” said Minister Blair.
General Eyre will continue to serve in his role until the appointment of the new CDS takes effect at a Change of Command ceremony scheduled for July 18, 2024.
This historic appointment reflects Canada’s commitment to diversity and inclusion within its Armed Forces and underscores the critical role of women in leadership positions.
For further updates and detailed coverage of this historic announcement, stay tuned to GTA Today.