In a historic ceremony at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, General Jennie Carignan assumed command as Canada’s Chief of the Defense Staff on Thursday, becoming the first woman to lead the country’s armed forces. With a distinguished career spanning 35 years in the Canadian Army, Carignan, a trained military engineer, brings a wealth of experience from commanding troops in Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, and Syria.
“I feel ready, poised, and supported to take on this manifold challenge,” Carignan stated during the ceremony. She highlighted the myriad of global and domestic issues facing the military, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, climate change, increased demands on personnel, and threats to democratic values and institutions.
Carignan succeeds General Wayne Eyre, who has been at the helm since 2021. Her leadership comes at a critical time for the Canadian Armed Forces, which are grappling with recruitment challenges and the need to modernise outdated equipment. Last November, the head of the navy described the service as being in “a critical state” and warned that it might struggle to fulfill its basic duties in 2024.
Addressing these internal challenges, Carignan acknowledged the difficulties ahead. “We’re facing many internal challenges such as recruitment and retention,” she said. “We know the challenges we face and what we need to do to address them.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has been an advocate for gender equality since taking office in 2015, praised Carignan as “a role model for all Canadians and for the world.” His administration has made significant strides in promoting women to key positions, including the appointment of Brenda Lucki as the first female head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 2018, and the selection of the last two governors general, both of whom were women.
As Canada looks to bolster its defense capabilities, Trudeau recently announced plans to meet NATO’s defense-spending target of 2% of GDP by 2032. Currently, Canada’s defense spending is projected to be 1.39% of GDP for the 2024-25 fiscal year. This increase in funding is part of a broader effort to enhance the country’s military readiness and capabilities.
Carignan’s appointment marks a significant milestone for the Canadian Armed Forces, reflecting broader societal changes and the ongoing commitment to gender equality. As she steps into her new role, Carignan is poised to navigate the complex landscape of modern military challenges, both at home and abroad, with a focus on adaptation and resilience.
Melissa Enoch
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