General Jennie Carignan: A Historic Leader for Canada
General Jennie Carignan created history. She is the first woman to lead Canada's Armed Forces. The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa hosted this special event on the 18th of July 2024.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated her accomplishment. He highlighted that Carignan is the first woman to lead a military in any G7 or G20 countries. He referred to her as a role model for both Canadians and people throughout the world.
Carignan has been with the Canadian Army for 38 years. She was trained as a military engineer. Her experience includes deployments to Afghanistan, Bosnia Herzegovina, Iraq and Syria. She has held numerous leadership positions. The chief of professional conduct and culture is a special position that she held. This position was created after complaints of sexual misconduct in the military.
Carignan she is now focused on military recruiting and retention. The Canadian Armed Forces are now short of 16,000 personnel. She also wants to make the military more inclusive.
Carignan's appointment coincides with significant changes in the Canadian military. Canada plans to increase defence spending and modernize its forces. Carignan showed the ability to face complex challenges that would come throughout this process. She highlighted her devotion to excellence and service.
