OTTAWA,
ON, July 3, 2024 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister,
Justin Trudeau, today announced the upcoming appointment of
Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan,
currently Chief, Professional Conduct and Culture, National
Defence, as Chief of the Defence Staff. She will be promoted to the
rank of General and will replace the current Chief of the Defence
Staff, General Wayne Eyre, who is
retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
Lieutenant-General Carignan will be the first woman in our
country's history to lead the CAF. Her military career in
service of Canada and Canadians
spans over 35 years and includes commanding two Combat Engineer
Regiments and the 2nd Canadian Division, where she led more than
10,000 soldiers and spearheaded crisis operations during flood
relief efforts in Quebec.
In 2008, Lieutenant-General Carignan became the first woman in
CAF history to command a combat arms unit. She deployed to
Afghanistan the following year,
and also served in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Syria. From 2019 to 2020, she led NATO Mission
Iraq, helping to strengthen Iraqi security institutions and forces
to fight terrorism and stabilize the country. She was promoted to
her current rank in 2021 and has served for the past three years as
Chief, Professional Conduct and Culture, National Defence, leading
efforts to transform the culture of the CAF. Lieutenant-General
Carignan has received numerous accolades in recognition of her
dedicated and exceptional service, including the Meritorious
Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Cross.
In the face of new and evolving security threats, the CAF are
more important than ever, from defending our continent – including
in the Arctic – and providing life-saving assistance to Canadians
affected by natural disasters to strengthening NATO's collective
defence and providing military support to Ukraine. In her new role as Chief of the
Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Carignan will oversee the CAF's
ongoing operations, at home and around the world, in support of
these important goals, while continuing to advance our efforts to
build a respectful and inclusive environment for members of our
Armed Forces.
The Prime Minister reiterated his thanks to General Eyre for his
leadership as Chief of the Defence Staff since 2021, and
congratulated him on his retirement, following 40 years of
distinguished military service. General Eyre will continue to serve
in his role until the appointment of the new Chief of the Defence
Staff takes effect at a Change of Command ceremony to be held on
July 18, 2024.
Quotes
"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."
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau,
Prime Minister of Canada
"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."
— The Hon. Bill Blair, Minister
of National Defence
Quick Facts
- The Chief of the Defence Staff is charged with the control and
administration of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and is also
responsible for military strategy, plans, and requirements.
- The Chief of the Defence Staff is appointed by the Governor
General, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. As
commander-in-chief of Canada, the
Governor General plays a major role in recognizing the importance
of Canada's military at home and
abroad.
- Earlier this year, the Prime Minister and the Minister of
National Defence, Bill Blair,
unveiled Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for
Canada's Defence, with an
investment of $8.1 billion over
five years and $73 billion over 20 years to help the CAF
protect Canadians, advance our interests and values, and keep up
with emerging threats today and in the years ahead.
Biographical Note
- Lieutenant-General Jennie
Carignan, CMM, MSC, MSM, CD
Associated Links
- Prime Minister thanks Chief of the Defence Staff for his
service to Canadians
- Chief of the Defence Staff
- Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for
Canada's Defence
This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca
SOURCE Prime Minister's Office