LGen Carignan continues her mission

Three years to the day after the creation of her organization and her appointment as Chief – Professional Conduct and Culture, Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan visited CFB Bagotville on April 29 and 30 to continue the discussion started with the members three years ago.

“After three years, our objective is to take the pulse of the members, to ensure that the actions undertaken meet their objectives. We continue to consult, to exchange with members, it’s part of the way we operate,” explained LGen Carignan, in an interview with the Vortex during her visit to Bagotville.

Since her appointment and the creation of this new function in spring 2021, LGen Carignan and her team have met with more than 17,000 people within the Canadian Armed Forces organization.

Officers responsible for Professional Conduct and culture have been appointed within all major units of the FAC and we can already sense a wind of change within the organization, according to LGen Carignan.

“People tell me they see changes. There is an awareness of what inclusion and misconduct mean across the Canadian Armed Forces. We are gradually changing our approach and leadership style. We have also worked a lot to improve conflict management,” explains the

Head – Professional Conduct and Culture.

While being visibly very proud of the work accomplished by her young organization, LGen Carignan frankly admits that everything is not resolved. “Change is always difficult. We have always changed within the Canadian Forces, generally we do not feel resistance, but it is normal for people to defend what is close to their hearts. With standards applicable to all, we instead look at what we have to gain by showing flexibility and openness,” adds the lieutenant general. With reference to the new standards linked in particular to appearance, Ms. Carignan admits that even if the rule is simple, since in general it essentially aims to eliminate the distinctions that were made between members because of their gender or their beliefs, the pill is harder to swallow for some.

“This is a profound change for both the ranks and the leadership. I know that military personnel are committed to their professional and personal identity. When everyone is the same, no one stands up and says something is wrong. In the constantly changing world we now know, leaders must adapt quickly and take advantage of this diversity,” says LGen Carignan.

“We have always had soldiers with long hair, it’s just that we allowed this characteristic to a gender. With standards that apply to everyone, we are working to establish true fairness. We have a lot of interesting people in our organization and it’s important to talk with them. If I am still here after 38 years in the Forces, it is because I still believe in what we do,” concludes LGen Carignan.

Local Professional Conduct and Culture officers regularly offer workshops and activities to promote diversity and inclusion within the CAF. They are also able to provide conflict resolution and leadership support to command teams. In Bagotville, the professional conduct and culture officer is Major Mélanie Jodoin.