Canada nominates General Jenny Carinian for the chairmanship of the NATO Military Committee

Ottawa —
The Liberal government announced the nomination of Canadian Chief of Defence Staff General Jenny Carignan to head the Military Committee of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization “NATO” when the position becomes vacant next year.

Defense Minister David McGuinty said Carignan will continue to perform her current duties as head of the Canadian Armed Forces until the election for the position in September.

The position is currently held by Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragoni of the Italian Navy, and his term is expected to end in the summer of next year.

The chairmanship of the NATO Military Committee is one of the most important military positions within the alliance, as its holder serves as the senior military advisor to Secretary General Mark Rutte, and also conveys military advice issued by the Chiefs of Defence of the 32 member states.

If elected, Carignan will be in a pivotal position within the alliance’s leadership, at a time when NATO faces increasing challenges including the war in Ukraine, Arctic security, and increased defense spending among member states.

The nomination comes as Canada seeks to strengthen its presence within the alliance, coinciding with plans to raise defense spending and expand its contributions to deterrence and collective defense.