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Status of Women Canada

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Women's History Month 2011

Biography of Susan L. Wigg, C.D., B.Eng., M.P.M., P.M.P.

Photo of Susan L. Wigg, C.D., B.Eng., M.P.M., P.M.P.
Photo credit: Brad Lowe, CFB Kingston.

Name: Susan L. Wigg, C.D., B.Eng., M.P.M., P.M.P.
Role: Engineering and Management
Canadian Military Contribution: Among the first women students at Royal Military College (RMC) and RMC's first woman Director for Cadets

Susan Wigg's military career is a history-maker from start to finish – and it's not over yet! In 1980, she was one of the first women to attend the Royal Military College. In 2010, she returned to become its first woman Director for Cadets, responsible for commanding 70 staff and developing officership and fitness of more than 900 officer cadets.

Between these landmark dates, Susan served the Canadian Forces with distinction. She took on a four-year assignment, from 2006 to 2010, at the Supreme Allied Headquarters Europe in Belgium, as a Senior Staff Officer for Strategic Operational Planning. Responsible for the Balkans Joint Operations Area, with a focus on NATO operations in Kosovo, she planned NATO actions during Kosovo's declaration of independence. She also provided advice on strategic planning for NATO Headquarters Sarajevo.

As the first Military Chair, Susan was a founding member of the Defence Women's Advisory Organization. This voluntary group provides members' perspectives to Canadian Forces leadership regarding efforts to address diversity issues and to create a more inclusive environment.

For her service with the International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan, Susan received the General Campaign Star South-West Asia medal in 2009. Serving today in the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, Susan Wigg is a true inspiration and role model for all.

Susan lives in Kingston, Ontario.

Women's History Month - Women and Canada's Military: A Proud Legacy

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Date Modified:
2011-10-03