OTTAWA: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday announced the appointment of Lt. Gen. Jenny Carignan as the first woman to lead the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
Currently serving as chief of professional conduct and culture, Carignan will be promoted to the rank of general and will replace retiring Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Van Eyre, according to Trudeau’s news release.
Carignan’s distinguished military career spanned 35 years. She has commanded two combat engineer regiments and the 2nd Canadian Division, overseeing more than 10,000 troops.
In 2008, Carignan made history as the first woman in the CAF 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, he led the NATO mission in Iraq.
Promoted to her current position in 2021, Carignan spent the past three years as chief of professional conduct and culture, leading efforts to transform military culture.
Her appointment will take place at a ceremony on July 18.