Canada on Wednesday appointed a woman as the nation’s top soldier for the first time. Lieutenant general Jennie Carignan, leading efforts to eradicate sexism and misconduct in the armed forces, will assume the role of chief of the defense staff on July 18, Reuters reported.
“Over the course of her career, her exceptional leadership qualities, commitment to excellence, and dedication to service have been a tremendous asset to our Armed Forces,” Canada PM Justin Trudeau said in a statement.
Carignan assumes leadership at a critical juncture as Canada faces international pressure to increase defense spending. The armed forces are grappling with recruitment challenges and delays in modernizing outdated equipment.
In 2018, Trudeau appointed Brenda Lucki as the first female head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The last two governors general, who serve as the official representatives of the British monarchy, have also been women, both named by Canadian PM.
“Over the course of her career, her exceptional leadership qualities, commitment to excellence, and dedication to service have been a tremendous asset to our Armed Forces,” Canada PM Justin Trudeau said in a statement.
Carignan assumes leadership at a critical juncture as Canada faces international pressure to increase defense spending. The armed forces are grappling with recruitment challenges and delays in modernizing outdated equipment.
In 2018, Trudeau appointed Brenda Lucki as the first female head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The last two governors general, who serve as the official representatives of the British monarchy, have also been women, both named by Canadian PM.
