The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) witnessed a significant leadership change in Ottawa on July 18, 2024 as General Jennie Carignan officially assumed her new role as Chief of the Defence Staff, succeeding General Wayne Eyre.
The transition ceremony, held at the Canadian War Museum, was overseen by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada. This event marked the beginning of a new era for the CAF, under the guidance of its highest-ranking military officer.
“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,” said the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence.
The Chief of the Defence Staff plays a crucial role in advising the government, providing strategic direction to the military, and ensuring the forces are prepared and effective in protecting Canada’s national interests both domestically and internationally.
General Carignan brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career to her new position. Commissioned into the Canadian Military Engineers in 1990, she has commanded two Combat Engineer Regiments, the Royal Military College Saint-Jean, and the 2nd Canadian Division. Her extensive service record includes various international and domestic deployments, leadership of NATO Mission Iraq, and her most recent role as Chief of Professional Conduct and Culture. She holds two master’s degrees and has been honored with several accolades, including the Commander of the Order of Military Merit and an honorary doctorate. Her promotion to the rank of General came earlier this month.
“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,” expressed General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff
General Wayne Eyre, after a remarkable career spanning over four decades, will now transition into retirement. Starting his military journey at age 12 with the Army Cadets, General Eyre’s career has been marked by command roles at every level and deployments to Cyprus, Croatia, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Korea. He is an alumnus of Royal Roads Military College and the Royal Military College of Canada, with a Bachelor of Science and three master’s degrees. General Eyre has served as the Chief of the Defence Staff since February 2021, earning numerous national and international honors throughout his service.
“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,” conveyed General Wayne Eyre, Outgoing Chief of the Defence Staff.
As General Carignan steps into her new role, the CAF stands poised for continued excellence under her strategic leadership.