NDP reacts to the upcoming appointment of the new Chief of the Defence Staff

NDP critic for National Defence Lindsay Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe) issued the following statement:

“Congratulations to Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan for her appointment as the first woman to serve as the Chief of Defence Staff.

Chief of Defence Staff Lt.-Gen. Carignan steps into this new role as the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) faces many challenges that need leadership to fix. These challenges include a housing crisis that is leaving many members of CAF without a home and a broken grievance system that is letting down serving women and men when they’re not being paid for their work.

In her new position, Chief of Defence Staff Lt.-Gen. Carignan will have the important responsibility to lead the CAF through the necessary steps to combat sexual misconduct and for culture change within the army.

Women and men in the CAF need strong leadership more than ever. They need the institution to become a safer environment for women, the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour in the CAF, civilian workers, and for members struggling with mental health.

The Chief of Defence Staff steps into her new role as the CAF deals with a cycle of cover-ups and promotions for perpetrators—this must stop. Action is needed to end the culture of secrecy and provide transparency.

New Democrats are committed to continue supporting the women and men who serve our country, and we wish Chief of Defence Staff Lt.-Gen. Carignan great success in her new role.”