Jennifer Bennett


Jennifer J. Bennett, is a senior Canadian Forces Naval Reserve officer. In 2011, she served as Chief of Reserves and Cadets. As such, she was the highest ranking reservist in the Canadian Armed Forces and the most senior woman in the Royal Canadian Navy. She served as commanding officer of HMCS Malahat from 1995 to 1998, and as Commander of the Naval Reserve from 2007 to 2011. She was named as one of Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women in 2011.

Honours

In 2004, Bennett was appointed an Officer of the Order of Military Merit in recognition of "outstanding meritorious service in duties of responsibility". In 2012, she promoted to Commander of the Order of Military Merit in recognition of "outstanding meritorious service and demonstrated leadership in duties of great responsibility".
In June 2015, Bennett was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of Alberta.

Awards and Decorations

Bennett's personal awards and decorations include the following:


RibbonDescriptionNotes
Order of Military Merit
125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal
  • Decoration awarded in 1992
    • Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
  • Decoration awarded in 2002
  • Canadian version
    • Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
  • Decoration awarded in 2012
  • Canadian version
    • Canadian Forces Decoration
  • with two Clasp for 32 years of services