Canada Nominates General Jennie Carignan for NATO Military Committee Chair

The Liberal government of Canada has nominated Jennie Carignan, the country’s top military officer, for the position of the next chair of North Atlantic Treaty Organization Military Committee. The post is scheduled to become vacant next year, with elections for the position set to take place in September 2026. Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty announced the nomination and said that General Carignan will continue serving in her current role until next year. At present, the chair of the NATO Military Committee is Giuseppe Cavo Dragone of the Italian Navy, whose term is due to end next summer. The chair of the NATO Military Committee serves as the senior-most military adviser to the NATO Secretary General and conveys the military advice provided by the chiefs of defence from the alliance’s 32 member nations. General Carignan has been serving as Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff since July 2024. The position had previously been held by retired Canadian General Ray Henault during the early 2000s. Defence Minister McGuinty said Canada’s nomination reflects the country’s strong commitment to NATO. According to him, General Carignan’s experience, leadership abilities and capacity to work closely with allied nations make her a strong candidate for the role.