Canada's Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen. Jennie Carignan, will compete on Saturday for the chairmanship of NATO's Military Committee, the alliance's most senior military position.

The secret ballot among the defence chiefs of NATO's 32 member nations takes place during a conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. Carignan faces competition from Germany's Gen. Carsten Breuer. The winner would succeed Italy's Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, whose term ends in mid-2027.

Defence Minister David J. McGuinty announced Canada's nomination of Carignan in May. Officials described her as an exceptional leader with more than 40 years of service, including command roles in Canada and abroad, and experience leading the NATO Mission Iraq advisory effort.

Carignan has served as Canada's top military officer since 2024. A victory would make her the first woman to hold the post and mark the first Canadian in the role since Gen. Raymond Henault served from 2005 to 2008. Earlier Canadian chairs include Gen. Charles Foulkes and Adm. Robert Falls.

The Military Committee chair acts as the principal military adviser to the NATO secretary general and facilitates strategic collaboration among allied chiefs of defence. The position is elected by the chiefs themselves.

The vote occurs amid discussions on alliance strengthening, emerging technologies, and support for Ukraine. Canada's nomination underscores its ongoing commitment to NATO as a founding member since 1949.

Reports have noted potential challenges from strained Canada-U.S. relations, which could influence voting dynamics in the closed session. Carignan would continue in her current role during the selection process if successful.