Algonquin College honours General Jennie Carignan with honorary degree

Posted on Wednesday, June 24th, 2026

OTTAWA, ON (June 24, 2026) — Today, Algonquin College conferred an honorary degree upon General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces, during its 2026 Convocation ceremony.

The honorary degree recognizes General Carignan’s distinguished career of service and leadership, as well as her longstanding commitment to lifelong learning. Addressing graduates, she reflected on lessons drawn from a career spent leading through complexity and change, encouraging members of the Class of 2026 to remain curious, persevere through challenges, and embrace opportunities for growth throughout their lives.

“Success is always incremental. It’s steps forward and steps backward. Bit by bit. It’s learning, growing, and adapting,” said General Carignan in her address. “It’s pushing your limits, raising your bar, and seeing what you’re made of. So don’t be afraid to try. Don’t be afraid to try again. And don’t be afraid to fail. Sometimes the best bridges are the non-standard ones.”

Throughout her career, General Carignan has demonstrated the importance of adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning. Her leadership in Canada and internationally serves as an example of how education, curiosity, and a commitment to personal and professional growth can prepare individuals to navigate uncertainty, overcome obstacles, and make meaningful contributions to society.

“General Carignan exemplifies the values of integrity, leadership and service that we seek to inspire in our graduates,” said Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé. “We are proud to honour her remarkable contributions to Canada and to the communities she serves.”

Algonquin College’s Convocation ceremonies take place June 23–26, 2026, at the Canadian Tire Centre, celebrating more than 12,000 eligible graduates from the Ottawa, Perth, Pembroke, and AC Online campuses.

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