Policy

General Jennie Carignan Assumes Command of Canadian Armed Forces

Mishall Rehman July 19, 2024

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Above images: courtesy of the CAF.

The Canadian military ushered in a new era with its first female assuming command of the Canadian Armed Forces.

In a historic change of command ceremony held at the Canadian War Museum, Gen. Wayne Eyre passed along the baton to Gen. Jennie Carignan, now the first female Chief of Defence Staff in Canadian history.

General Jennie Carignan (Left), Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon the Governer General and Commander in Chief (Middle) and General Wayne Eyre (Right) during the signing of the certifcates for the Chief of the Defence Staff Change of Command Ceremony at the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Ontario, on July 18 2024. Photo by: Corporal Denny Dubs Canadian Forces Support Group (Ottawa-Gatineau). Image courtesy of the CAF.

“I am deeply honoured to assume the role of Chief of the Defence Staff and to lead the dedicated members of the Canadian Armed Forces. I am committed to continuing our mission of defending Canada and contributing to global peace and security. I extend my heartfelt thanks to General Eyre for his exceptional leadership and service,” said Carignan.

The ceremony on Thursday was presided over by the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada. Dignitaries, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, NATO’s Chair of the Military Committee Rob Baue, former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General David Johnston, Minister of National Defence Bill Blair, ambassadors from various countries and many more attended.

Chief of the Defence Staff Change of Command Ceremony for General Wayne Eyre to General Jennie Carignan at the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Ontario on July 18 2024. Photo by: Corporal Denny Dubs. Canadian Forces Support Group (Ottawa-Gatineau). Image courtesy of the CAF.

Shattering glass ceilings

Throughout her career, Carignan has been known to shatter glass ceilings for women. After commissioning into the Canadian Military Engineers in 1990, she spent the course of her career trailblazing into leadership roles. She commanded two Combat Engineer Regiments, Royal Military College Saint-Jean and the 2nd Canadian Division.

According to her official Department of National Defence biography, she participated in multiple international and domestic deployments, led NATO Mission Iraq, and most recently held the position of Chief of Professional Conduct and Culture.

From a ceremony held in 2016 at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto to promote Brigadier-General Jennie Carignan as the first female combat arms general officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. Present at the ceremony are (L to R) Chief Warrant Officer Robert McCann, Major-General Eric Tremblay, BGen Carignan, daughter Camille, husband Eric Lefrançois, son Ian and daughter Amelie.Photo by Sgt Colin Kelley. Image courtesy of the CAF.

She is also the recipient of Commander of the Order of Military Merit and an honorary doctorate.

As the Chief of the Defence Staff, Carignan will be responsible for advising the government, providing strategic leadership to the CAF, and ensuring military readiness and effectiveness for missions abroad and at home.

“To be called upon to serve as Chief of Defence Staff within this great Canadian institution is an honour and privilege that comes, also, with an enormous responsibility which humbles me. Your excellency, our Commander in Chief, I intend to carry out these duties with fortitude and unwavering commitment but also flexibility and the curiosity to continue learning and listening from those who have committed their service to the defence of Canadians and those outside our organization who share our commitment to a strong and secure Canada,” commented Carignan.

General Eyre being presented his pennant by his drivers. The flag was flown on his vehicle while he was the Chief of the Defence Staff. Photo by: Corporal Denny Dubs Canadian Forces Support Group (Ottawa-Gatineau). Image courtesy of the CAF.

More than four decades of service

After forty years of service, Canada bid farewell to former CDS Gen. Wayne Eyre. Eyre is set to retire after his decades of distinguished service.

Gen. Eyre joined the Army Cadets at the age of 12 and went on to spend the greater part of his role taking on various roles of leadership within the military. He has deployed to Cyprus, Croatia, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Korea.

During his speech at the change of command ceremony, Eyre thanked Trudeau and previous ministers of National Defence. He also thanked his command team, military members, and his family.

From 2012-2013, then Deputy Commanding General, Operations for XVIII Airborne Corps in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Brigadier-General Wayne Eyre accompanies members of the 82nd Airborne Division onboard a Royal Canadian Air Force CC-177 Globemaster III aircraft. The American troops and Canadian Armed Forces General will be parachuting from the Canadian aircraft as part of the Joint Operational Access Exercise (JOAX) being held at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Addressing CAF personnel, he said, “Whenever I see you in action, I am inspired. We have an institution filled with great people who have a greater purpose, which is to serve. You are something bigger than yourselves. You are the greatest foreign policy instrument of this country,” said Eyre.

Eyre gave a nod to his successor, acknowledging that Carignan is prepared for the challenging nature of the job.

He also touched on his “surreal” experiences while in office, such as Iran and Israel’s recent exchange or the balloon flying over Canada.

“Thank you for the opportunity to experience history at this level,” said Eyre.

Eyre has served as CDS since Feb. 2021.

Watch ceremony below.