Canada has taken a historic step by appointing a woman to lead its Armed Forces for the first time. Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan will succeed retired General Wayne Eyre at a ceremony scheduled for July 18. Promoted to her current rank in 2021, Carignan also becomes the first woman to command a military of the G7 powers.
“I congratulate Lieutenant-General on her upcoming appointment. Throughout her career, her exceptional leadership qualities, commitment to excellence and dedication to service have been of great value to our Armed Forces,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
For the past three years, Carignan has led the Department of Conduct and Professional Culture for National Defence, which was created after a crisis of inappropriate sexual conduct. That scandal led to an external report by former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour, which recommended significant cultural reforms within the Armed Forces, efforts that Carignan has spearheaded.
Carignan’s appointment is seen as a major step forward for gender equality in the military and a strengthening of the integrity of the Canadian Armed Forces. With her leadership, Canada hopes to improve the internal culture of the Forces and strengthen its position on the world stage in security and defence.
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