Canada Nominates General Jennie Carignan for Top NATO Military Role

The federal government has nominated Jennie Carignan for the position of Chair of the NATO Military Committee, the alliance’s most senior military role.

In a news release issued Wednesday, David McGuinty announced Canada’s support for General Carignan, who currently serves as Chief of the Defence Staff for the Canadian Armed Forces.

The Chair of the NATO Military Committee acts as the principal military advisor to the NATO Secretary General and helps coordinate strategic military cooperation among allied defence chiefs.

The current chair’s term is expected to end in mid-2027, with an election scheduled for September 2026 during the NATO Military Committee Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The federal government said the nomination reflects Canada’s continued commitment to NATO and collective defence amid growing global instability and strategic competition.

General Carignan has served as Chief of the Defence Staff since 2024. During her more than 40-year military career, she has held senior leadership and operational command roles in Canada and internationally.

According to the Department of National Defence, Carignan has played a key role in advancing military modernization, operational readiness, institutional transformation, and multinational cooperation within the Canadian Armed Forces.

The government said Carignan will continue serving as Chief of the Defence Staff while the NATO selection process moves forward.