Prime Minister Mark Carney's government is nominating Canada's top soldier for the senior military post at NATO. Defence Minister David McGuinty announced Wednesday that General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, is Ottawa's candidate for Chair of the NATO Military Committee.
Timeline and process
The current chair, Admiral Rob Bauer of the Netherlands, is expected to conclude his term in mid-2027. An election for his successor is planned for September 2026 during the NATO Military Committee Conference in Copenhagen.
The Chair of the NATO Military Committee serves as the principal military adviser to the NATO Secretary General and leads the alliance's 32 member nations in military matters.
Carignan's experience
General Carignan has served as Canada's Chief of the Defence Staff since 2024. She has held senior leadership roles across the Canadian Armed Forces during her more than 40 years in uniform. The Canadian government confirmed she will remain in her current role while the NATO selection process unfolds.
Historical context
Only three Canadians have previously served as Chair of the NATO Military Committee: General Charles Foulkes (1952-1953), Admiral Robert Falls (1980-1983), and General Raymond Henault (2005-2008).
"General Carignan is an exceptional military leader whose experience, judgment, and deep commitment to allied collaboration make her an outstanding candidate to serve as the next Chair of the NATO Military Committee," Mr. McGuinty said in a statement.
