First Woman Leads Canadian Armed Forces

Gen. Jennie Carignan has made history by becoming the first woman to lead the Canadian Armed Forces as the Chief of Defence Staff, replacing Gen. Wayne Eyre. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised her appointment as a significant milestone for gender equality, noting she is the first woman to hold such a position in any G7 or G20 country. Carignan, who was also promoted to the rank of general, has a distinguished career including deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Syria, and previously served as chief of professional conduct and culture. She emphasized her readiness to lead and highlighted priorities such as recruitment and retention within the military, warning that Canada has about five years to prepare for emerging security threats. The change-of-command ceremony took place at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, with high-profile dignitaries in attendance. Trudeau's government continues to promote gender equality within the administration, following similar historic appointments in other branches.