Canada's top general loses election to become head of key NATO Military Committee | CBC News

Gen. Jennie Carignan's German counterpart named chair of influential advisory body

Despite a push from the federal government, Canada's chief of the defence staff has lost a vote to be the next chair of the NATO Military Committee, the alliance's top military authority and a key advisory body for its political leaders.

Gen. Jennie Carignan and her German counterpart, Gen. Carsten Breuer, were vying for the position. Top military commanders from NATO's 32 members ultimately decided on Saturday to go with Breuer in a secret ballot election.

The news was announced on social media by the current chair, Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, who congratulated Breuer on his election.

"Your operational judgement, your deep familiarity with this alliance and your leadership of the German Armed Forces will serve NATO well," Dragone said.

A Canadian has not held this position in almost two decades — the last being retired general Ray Henault between 2005 and 2008. Had she won, Carignan would have been the first woman to lead the Military Committee in the 77-year history of the alliance.

Statement on the election of a new chair of the NATO Military Committee: <a href="https://t.co/8lMUTVhDQ5">pic.twitter.com/8lMUTVhDQ5</a>

In a statement posted to social media, Carignan congratulated Breuer and said, "it was an honour to stand as a candidate and to engage with my fellow Allied Chiefs of Defence throughout this process."

"There is important work ahead for our Alliance, and I know General Breuer will bring strong leadership to his new role. I deeply value the close relationship we have built and look forward to continuing to work together on our NATO initiatives," Carignan added.

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Defence Minister David McGuinty also congratulated Breuer and said on social media that Canada was proud to nominate Carignan, "whose strong candidacy reflected her exceptional leadership, experience and deep commitment to Allied collaboration."

"We remain firmly committed to NATO and our collective defence, and look forward to continuing to work closely with Gen. Breuer and all of our Allies."