Canada’s First Female Army Chief: General Jennie Carignan has made history as the first female Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Canada.
She is the second woman in the world to hold the position of army chief, following a female general, Alenka Ermenc, in Slovenia, who was appointed as the head of the country’s military.
On Thursday, she officially assumed the role during a ceremony held at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, attended by the Prime Minister, the Governor General, and the Defense Minister.
Jennie Carignan, Canada’s First Female Army Chief
General Jennie Carignan began her career as a military engineer and has led troops in various locations, including Afghanistan, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Iraq, and Syria, over her 35-year military career.
Minister Bill Blair emphasized that her appointment was based on her qualifications and achievements rather than her gender, reflecting a commitment to merit-based selection.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced plans to increase military spending to meet NATO’s target of 2% of GDP by 2032.
This potential boost in funding could provide opportunities for the Canadian Armed Forces to undergo significant transformation and enhance its operational capabilities.
Tony Batista, a retired Canadian Armed Forces Colonel and senior associate with the Sandstone Group, commended General Jennie Carignan for her articulate and focused approach, highlighting her role as a trailblazer in addressing crucial issues of recruitment and retention.
Batista emphasized that the Chief of Defense Staff’s primary duties include providing military advice to the government and commanding the Canadian Armed Forces.
He also underscored the importance of effective communication with Canadians regarding military investments and readiness, noting that General Jennie Carignan leadership has the potential to inspire greater trust and support for the military.
During her investiture ceremony, outgoing Chief Wayne remarked on the difficult nature of the role, humorously referring to it as a “turd sandwich” without the “bread.”
General Jennie Carignan has expressed strong commitment to her position. She admires the dedication of her team and is focused on addressing major challenges, including a dysfunctional procurement system, equipment shortages, and a shortage of personnel.
General Jennie Carignan aims to prepare Canada for potential conflicts within the next five years, prioritizing recruitment and the attraction of diverse Canadian talent to address current shortages in personnel and equipment.
Eugene Lang, a veteran in defense leadership, highlights the need for new perspectives and innovative strategies in recruitment and retention, noting that the Canadian Forces are at some of their lowest personnel levels in decades, possibly since World War II.
Marie Annabelle Jennie Carignan, professionally known as Jennie Carignan, was born in 1968. She grew up in Asbestos, Quebec, in a French-speaking household.
From a young age, she was passionate about dancing, having learned ballet, lyrical, and jazz dancing since she was eight years old. The only other career she considered aside from the military was dancing.
In 1986, Jennie Carignan joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and pursued a degree in fuels and materials engineering from the Royal Military College Saint-Jean. She received her commission in 1990 and served at Canadian Forces bases in Chilliwack and Valcartier.
In the same year, Jennie Carignan married Eric Lefrançois, whom she met while they were in the same platoon at a military college.
Lefrançois later retired from the army to care for their four children. Two of their children, a son and a daughter, are also serving in the CAF.
Jennie Carignan, Canada’s First Female Army Chief, dedication to both her family and her military career has been a defining aspect of her life, balancing the demands of being a trailblazing military leader with her role as a mother and wife.
FAQs
What is Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan’s date of birth?
1968
How old is Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan?
56 years old
Where was Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan born?
Asbestos, Quebec, Canada
Where does Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan currently reside?
Ontario, Canada
Which country is Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan from?
Canada
What is Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan’s educational background?
She graduated in Fuels and Materials Engineering from the Royal Military College Saint-Jean, holds an MBA from Laval University, and has degrees from the United States Army Command and General Staff College.
Who is Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan’s father?
A policeman
Who is Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan’s mother?
A teacher
What is Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan’s nationality?
Canadian
What is Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan’s religion?
Christianity
Who is Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan’s spouse?
Eric Lefrançois
What is Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan’s weight?
56 kg
What is Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan’s height?
5 feet, 4 inches
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