Ottawa: Gen. Jennie Carignan has made history as the first woman to command the Canadian Armed Forces, taking on the role of chief of the defence staff. During a ceremony in Ottawa, she was also promoted to the rank of general, succeeding Gen. Wayne Eyre, who is retiring after 40 years.
Sandra Perron, Canada’s first female infantry officer, highlighted the significance of Carignan’s promotion, saying it inspires young women to pursue their dreams.
Carignan, a trailblazer in the military, was the first Canadian woman to command a combat arms unit in 2008. Throughout her 30-year career, she has led significant missions, including the NATO training mission in Iraq, the Task Force Kandahar Engineer Regiment in Afghanistan, and clearing explosives in Bosnia.
Recently, Carignan focused on transforming the military’s culture to address a sexual misconduct crisis.
Her appointment coincides with the 35th anniversary of women being allowed to serve in most military roles in Canada.