Canada made history this week as Lieutenant-General Frances Allen became the first woman to be appointed as the country’s top military commander. This significant milestone marks a major step towards gender equality in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Lt.-Gen. Allen, who has served in the military for over 35 years, will take over as the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff on August 20. She will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Canadian Armed Forces and will report directly to Chief of the Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre.
Her appointment comes at a crucial time for the military, as it continues to grapple with issues of sexual misconduct and harassment within its ranks. In her new role, Lt.-Gen. Allen has stated that she is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
In addition to this historic appointment, there were several other top stories that made headlines this week in Canada.
The country’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts continued to ramp up, with over 70% of eligible Canadians now fully vaccinated. This milestone has allowed for the easing of many pandemic restrictions, including the reopening of the Canada-U.S. border for non-essential travel.
In other news, the federal government announced a new plan to address the ongoing opioid crisis in Canada. The plan includes increasing access to safe supply programs and expanding harm reduction services, as well as investing in treatment and recovery programs.
Meanwhile, the country’s housing market continued to make headlines as housing prices reached record highs in many cities. The government has promised to take action to address the issue of housing affordability, with plans to build more affordable housing units and implement a tax on foreign homebuyers.
Finally, the Tokyo Olympics came to a close this week, with Canada finishing in 11th place overall with 24 medals. The country’s athletes made history, with the women’s soccer team winning gold and the women’s soccer team winning bronze.
As Canada continues to navigate through these challenging times, the appointment of Lt.-Gen. Frances Allen serves as a reminder of the progress being made towards a more inclusive and equal society.
