General Jennie Carignan assumes command as Chief of the Defence Staff
News release
July 18, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, General Jennie Carignan assumed leadership of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from outgoing Chief of the Defence Staff, General Wayne Eyre.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presided over this morning’s ceremony, which took place at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.
The Chief of the Defence Staff, Canada’s highest-ranking military officer is responsible for advising the government, providing strategic leadership to the CAF, and ensuring military readiness and effectiveness to defend Canada’s interests at home and abroad.
General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, has had a distinguished career since commissioning into the Canadian Military Engineers in 1990. She commanded two Combat Engineer Regiments, Royal Military College Saint-Jean, and the 2nd Canadian Division. 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. General Carignan holds two master's degrees and has received several honours, including the Commander of the Order of Military Merit and an honorary doctorate. She was promoted to her current rank in July 2024.
Following today’s ceremony, General Wayne Eyre will begin his transition to retirement following a career of more than 40 years of dedicated service to Canada. General Eyre joined the Army Cadets at age 12 and has had a prominent military career, including command roles at all levels and deployments in Cyprus, Croatia, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Korea. Educated at Royal Roads Military College and the Royal Military College of Canada, he holds a Bachelor of Science and three master's degrees. General Eyre has been the Chief of the Defence Staff since February 24, 2021, and has received numerous national and international decorations for his service.
Quotes
“Today, I join Canadians in welcoming General Jennie Carignan as Chief of the Defence Staff. General Carignan has served Canada with great distinction both at home and abroad over the past 35 years – and I am confident that the Canadian Armed Forces will be well-served by her leadership. On behalf of Canadians, I also express my thanks to General Wayne Eyre for his leadership and 40 years of distinguished service to Canada.”
- The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence
“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.”
- General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff
“It has been my distinct honour to serve as the Chief of the Defence Staff and to work alongside the incredible members of the Canadian Armed Forces. I have full confidence in General Carignan’s ability to lead and inspire the Forces to face the challenges ahead. This is an institution with great people with no higher purpose and I am proud of what they do in the service of our country every day. They have my most profound thanks.”
- General Wayne Eyre, Outgoing Chief of the Defence Staff
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Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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