Canada Appoints Women As Chief Of Defense Staff For The First Time

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau/PHOTO via Instagram @justinpjtrudeau

JAKARTA - Canada appointed a woman as the country's highest soldier for the first time.

This appointment continues the push of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to appoint women to the most senior positions.

Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan, who is responsible for efforts to eradicate ingrained sexism and bad behavior in the armed forces, will take over the post of chief of defense staff on July 18.

Carignan, initially a military engineer, has led troops in Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, and Syria for 35 years in the military.

Throughout his career, his extraordinary leadership qualities, commitments to excellence, and dedication to service have been an extraordinary asset for our Armed Forces, Trudeau said in a statement reported by Reuters on Wednesday, July 3.

Carignan took over at a time when Canada was under pressure from its allies to increase its defense spending. The armed forces are struggling to meet recruitment goals and are slow in replacing outdated equipment.

Last November 2023, the Navy Commander said his navy was in critical condition and might not be able to carry out its basic duties by 2024.

Trudeau, a person recognized as feminist, took office at the end of 2015 and has implemented a policy designed to improve gender equality.

In 2018, Trudeau appointed Brenda Lucki as the first female head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The last two governor generals, who were the official representatives of the British monarchy, were women.