History as Canada appoints first female Chief of the Defence Staff

In a historic move, Canada has appointed Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan as the first female Chief of the Defence Staff.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced her appointment on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone for gender equality in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Lieutenant-General Carignan, who currently serves as the Chief of Professional Conduct and Culture, will succeed General Wayne Eyre, who is set to retire this summer. Carignan brings an impressive 35 years of military experience to her new role, having commanded troops in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iraq, and Syria. Her leadership and dedication have been widely recognized throughout her career.

Prime Minister Trudeau, a strong advocate for gender equality, previously appointed Brenda Lucki as the first female head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 2018. Carignan’s appointment reflects Trudeau’s continued commitment to advancing women’s roles in high-ranking positions within Canada’s institutions.

As Carignan steps into her new position, she will be tasked with addressing several critical challenges facing the military, including increasing defense spending and tackling ongoing issues of sexism and misconduct within the ranks. Her leadership is expected to drive significant efforts in these areas.

Born in Asbestos, Quebec, Carignan was raised by a police officer father and a teacher mother. She joined the military in 1986, a time when women were not yet allowed in combat roles. Training as a combat engineer, she specialized in clearing bombs and constructing military structures, steadily rising through the ranks and proving her capabilities in various combat situations.

Currently, women make up 16% of the Canadian military. Lieutenant-General Carignan’s groundbreaking appointment is anticipated to inspire and potentially increase the number of women serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, fostering a more inclusive and diverse military environment.

(DailyTrust)