A long-standing member of the Canadian Armed Forces has been appointed as Canada’s new Chief of Defence.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the announcement Monday morning that the current Commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command, Lieutenant-General Jonathan Vance, will be the new Chief of the Defence Staff.
Vance will replace the current Chief, General Tom Lawson, who has served in the position since October 2012.
“Lieutenant-General Jonathan Vance has had a distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces with significant experience defending Canadian sovereignty at home and around the globe. He has previously served as Deputy Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples in Italy. He also served as Director of Staff, Strategic Joint Staff, National Defence Headquarters as well as Chief of Staff Land Strategy, Canadian Army,” said PM Harper.
Vance is expected to provide strong leadership for the Canadian Armed Forces.
“His years working with key allied forces and partners, his combat experience, his strategic leadership, and his experience in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism warfare will help position the Canadian Armed Forces for continued success,” said Harper.
The change of command ceremony and Lieutenant-General Vance’s promotion will take place in the coming weeks.
Prime Minister Harper thanked General Lawson for his 40 years of service to Canada. Lawson spearheaded a number of operations as the Chief of Defence including search and rescue efforts in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan and deployed much needed resources to Sierra Leon to help address the spread of the Ebola virus.
“Through all of these demanding assignments, I could always count on clear and thoughtful advice from General Lawson, stemming from his experience, sound judgement, professionalism and unwavering dedication to both Canadian Armed Forces personnel and to keeping Canadians safe at home and abroad. His legacy at the Department of National Defence will live on in these accomplishments and in the reforms and initiatives he championed to ensure our Forces remain the best in the world,” said Harper.
Photo credit: The Royal Canadian Regiment.
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