Chief of the Defence Staff (Canada)
The chief of the Defence Staff (CDS; French: chef d'état-major de la Défense; CEMD) is the professional head of the Canadian Armed Forces. As the senior military position, the chief of the Defence Staff advises the Cabinet, particularly the minister of national defence and the prime minister.[1] The role is a Crown-in-Council appointment made by the King or the viceroy on the advice of the prime minister.
| Chief of the Defence Staff | |
|---|---|
| Chef d'état-major de la Défense | |
 Badge of the Canadian Forces | |
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| Canadian Armed Forces | |
| Type | Chief of defence |
| Abbreviation | CDS |
| Member of | Armed Forces Council |
| Reports to | Commander-in-Chief via the Minister of National Defence |
| Appointer | King of Canada or the Governor General of Canada on the advice of the Prime Minister of Canada |
| Term length | At His Majesty's Pleasure |
| Constituting instrument | National Defence Act |
| Precursor | Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee |
| Formation | 1964 |
| First holder | Frank Robert Miller |
| Deputy | Vice Chief of the Defence Staff |
| Website | Official website |
History
editUntil 1964, there existed a chief of the Naval Staff, as head of the Royal Canadian Navy; a chief of the General Staff, as head of the Canadian Army; and a chief of the Air Staff, as head of the Royal Canadian Air Force. A position known as the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee existed from 1951 to 1964, which had a loose coordination function, although it lacked the command and control responsibilities of the later position of chief of the Defence Staff (CDS).[2] Only two officers served in the role in its 13-year history:General Charles Foulkes (1951–1960) and Air Chief Marshal Frank Robert Miller (1960–1964).[3]
The position of chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and the positions of the three service chiefs were abolished in 1964 and replaced by the position of CDS. This change was based on a white paper initiated by National Defence Minister Paul Hellyer in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson.[4] Following the tabling of the white paper, the minister introduced legislation that took effect in August 1964. The newly established chief of the Defence Staff was to "head all of Canada's military forces, backed by a defence headquarters that was integrated and restructured to reflect six so-called functional commands, replacing eleven former service commands. Functional described a command that was non-geographic and beyond any particular service or traditional arm."[4] In May 1967, Bill C-243 was passed by parliament and was effective as of 1 February 1968. The law dissolved the three armed services and created the Canadian Armed Forces under the command of the CDS.[5] In 2011, the three functional commands—named Maritime Command, Land Force Command, and Air Command—had their original names reinstated, becoming once again the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force, respectively.[6]
Rank and command
editThe chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) follows in rank only the commander-in-chief of the Canadian Armed Forces, who is the Canadian monarch represented by the governor general. The National Defence Act gives the authority to appoint the CDS to the Governor-in-Council;[7] effectively, the governor general acting on the constitutional advice of his or her ministers of the Crown. The commander-in-chief is the person from whom the CDS receives his or her orders.[8] However, according to the tenets of constitutional monarchy and responsible government, the monarch and viceroy almost always follow ministerial direction, meaning the CDS normally advises the prime minister and the rest of Cabinet directly on military matters.[8]
The CDS has been charged with four main priorities, each having multiple sub-priorities: The first is to conduct operations, which includes the successful implementation of domestic and international operations, protection of the forces through a culture of risk management, and ensuring that recruitment is at a level required to sustain the operational forces at full potential to meet their commitments.[9] Secondly, the CDS is expected to expand the regular and reserve forces to meet international and domestic obligations, which means the management of the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group so as to streamline the enlistment process of new forces members.[9] The third task is to implement the national defence strategy as outlined by the King-in-Council, requiring both the acquisition of new equipment and the strengthening of diplomatic relations via the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and North American Aerospace Defence Command."[9] Lastly, the CDS must enhance the forces' programme delivery while optimising the use of resources.[9]
The CDS is also the chair of the Canadian Forces Decorations Advisory Committee, which reviews and recommends to the governor general members of the forces eligible to receive decorations for valour, bravery, and meritorious service, as well as Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendations.[10] This committee mirrors that for the Order of Military Merit, of which the CDS is ex-officio a member and the Principal Commander.[11]
Separately, the CDS presents the Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation (French: Mention élogieuse du Chef d'état-major de la Défense) to recognize activity or service beyond regular expectations.[12][13] It can be presented to members of the Canadian Forces, civilian members of the Defence Team (in an overseas operation), and members of an allied foreign military (whose actions benefited Canada).[13] The insignia for wear has the form of a gold bar bearing three gold maple leaves and the award comes with a scroll bearing the citation.[13] The CDS also awards the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service, which is given by the CDS on behalf of the entire forces.[14]
Distinguishing flag
editThe chief of the Defence Staff is entitled to fly the Canadian Armed Forces ensign, a white flag bearing the Canadian flag in the canton and defaced by the badge of the Canadian Forces, as their distinguishing flag.[15]
Chiefs of the Defence Staff
edit| No. | Portrait | Name | Took office | Left office | Time in office | Home province | Defence branch | Appointed by | Prime minister | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Air Chief Marshal[a] Frank Robert Miller (1908–1997) | 1 August 1964 | 14 July 1966 | 1 year, 347 days | British Columbia | Royal Canadian Air Force | Georges Vanier | Lester B. Pearson | [16] | |
| 2 | General Jean-Victor Allard (1913–1996) | 15 July 1966 | 14 September 1969 | 3 years, 61 days | Quebec | Canadian Army | Georges Vanier | Lester B. Pearson | [17] | |
| 3 | General Frederick Ralph Sharp (1915–1992) | 15 September 1969 | 14 September 1972 | 2 years, 365 days | Saskatchewan | Air Command | Roland Michener | Pierre Trudeau | [18] | |
| 4 | General Jacques Alfred Dextraze (1919–1993) | 15 September 1972 | 31 August 1977 | 4 years, 350 days | Quebec | Mobile Command | Jules Léger | Pierre Trudeau | [19] | |
| 5 | Admiral Robert Hilborn Falls (1924–2009) | 15 September 1977 | 30 May 1980 | 2 years, 258 days | Ontario | Maritime Command | Jules Léger | Pierre Trudeau | [20] | |
| 6 | General Ramsey Muir Withers (1930–2014) | 31 May 1980 | 30 June 1983 | 3 years, 30 days | Ontario | Mobile Command | Edward Schreyer | Pierre Trudeau | [21] | |
| 7 | General Gérard Charles Édouard Thériault (1932–1998) | 1 July 1983 | 2 July 1986 | 3 years, 1 day | Quebec | Air Command | Edward Schreyer | Pierre Trudeau | [22] | |
| 8 | General Paul David Manson (1934–2023) | 11 July 1986 | 8 September 1989 | 3 years, 59 days | British Columbia | Air Command | Jeanne Sauvé | Brian Mulroney | [23] | |
| 9 | General John de Chastelain (born 1937) | 8 September 1989 | 29 January 1993 | 3 years, 143 days | Alberta | Mobile Command | Jeanne Sauvé | Brian Mulroney | [24] | |
| 10 | Admiral John Rogers Anderson (born 1941) | 29 January 1993 | 31 December 1993 | 336 days | British Columbia | Maritime Command | Ray Hnatyshyn | Jean Chrétien | [25] | |
| 9 | General John de Chastelain (born 1937) | 1 January 1994 | 31 December 1995 | 1 year, 364 days | Alberta | Land Force Command | Ray Hnatyshyn | Jean Chrétien | [24] | |
| 11 | General Joseph Édouard Jean Boyle (born 1947) | 1 January 1996 | 8 October 1996 | 281 days | Ontario | Air Command | Roméo LeBlanc | Jean Chrétien | [26] | |
| – | Vice-Admiral Larry Murray (born 1947) Acting | 8 October 1996 | 17 September 1997 | 344 days | Ontario | Maritime Command | Roméo LeBlanc | Jean Chrétien | [27] | |
| 12 | General Maurice Baril (born 1943) | 17 September 1997 | 28 June 2001 | 3 years, 284 days | Quebec | Land Force Command | Roméo LeBlanc | Jean Chrétien | [28] | |
| 13 | General Raymond Henault (born 1949) | 28 June 2001 | 17 June 2005 | 3 years, 354 days | Manitoba | Air Command | Adrienne Clarkson | Jean Chrétien | [29] | |
| 14 | General Rick Hillier (born 1955) | 17 June 2005 | 1 July 2008 | 3 years, 14 days | Newfoundland and Labrador | Land Force Command | Adrienne Clarkson | Paul Martin Stephen Harper | [30] | |
| 15 | General Walter Natynczyk (born 1957) | 1 July 2008 | 29 October 2012 | 4 years, 120 days | Manitoba | Canadian Army[b] | Michaëlle Jean | Stephen Harper | [31] | |
| 16 | General Thomas J. Lawson (born 1957) | 29 October 2012 | 17 July 2015 | 2 years, 261 days | Ontario | Royal Canadian Air Force | David Johnston | Stephen Harper | [32] | |
| 17 | General Jonathan Vance (born 1964) | 17 July 2015 | 14 January 2021 | 5 years, 181 days | Ontario | Canadian Army | David Johnston | Stephen Harper Justin Trudeau | [33] | |
| 18 | Admiral Art McDonald (born 1967) | 14 January 2021 | 24 February 2021 | 41 days | Nova Scotia | Royal Canadian Navy | Julie Payette | Justin Trudeau | [34] | |
| 19 | General Wayne Eyre (born 1966 or 1967) | 25 February 2021[c] | 18 July 2024 | 3 years, 144 days | Saskatchewan | Canadian Army | Mary Simon[d] | Justin Trudeau | [35] | |
| 20 | General Jennie Carignan (born 1968) | 18 July 2024 | Incumbent | 120 days | Quebec | Canadian Army | Mary Simon | Justin Trudeau | [36] |
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See also
editNotes
edit- ^ This rank was used during the 20th century existence of the Royal Canadian Air Force and replaced with the rank of general in 1968 with the unification of the Canadian Forces. See Category:Canadian Forces Air Command generals for such officers. Miller was one of only two Canadian Air Chief Marshals, the other being Lloyd Samuel Breadner
- ^ Known as Land Force Command until 2011
- ^ Acting from 25 February 2021 until 25 November 2021
- ^ Appointed in acting capacity by Administrator of Canada Richard Wagner
References
edit- ^ Gosselin, Daniel. "Listening to the Chief of the Defence Staff: The 'Blurred' Boundaries of Military and Defence Advice". Canadian Military Journal. 20: 4–19.
- ^ Canadian Army (1949–1964), "Fonds of the Chief of the General Staff", in Department of National Defence (ed.), Histories > DHH Historical Research Centre > Research > DHH Archive Database > Reports > Miscellaneous Reports/Documents > DHH Archival Database Extract (PDF), Ottawa: Queen's Printer for Canada, p. 40, 97/10, retrieved 22 September 2009
- ^ Stouffer, Ray (2008). "Air Chief Marshal Frank Miller – A Civilian and Military Leader". Canadian Military Journal. 10 (2). Archived from the original on 26 September 2010.
- ^ a b Government of Canada. "Canadian Military History Gateway > Volume 3 (1872–2000) > CHAPTER 7: From Cold War to Present Day > Unification > Hellyer's Integration of the Three Services". Queen's Printer for Canada. Archived from the original on 4 July 2012. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
- ^ Government of Canada. "Canadian Military History Gateway > Volume 3 (1872–2000) > CHAPTER 7: From Cold War to Present Day > Unification > Implementing Unification". Queen's Printer for Canada. Archived from the original on 4 July 2012. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
- ^ Fitzpatrick, Meagan (16 August 2011). "Peter MacKay hails 'royal' renaming of military". CBC. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
- ^ Elizabeth II (1985), National Defence Act (PDF), Ottawa: Queen's Printer for Canada, 18(1), retrieved 25 July 2022
- ^ a b Department of National Defence. "CDS Home > Responsibilities > CDS – Responsibilities". Queen's Printer for Canada. Archived from the original on 13 October 2009. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
- ^ a b c d "Chief of the Defence Staff > Priorities > About the CDS – Defence Priorities for 2009–2010". Queen's Printer for Canada. Archived from the original on 15 April 2009. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
- ^ Department of National Defence (2007), Honours & Recognition for the Men and Women of the Canadian Forces (PDF), Ottawa: Queen's Printer for Canada, p. 105, archived from the original (PDF) on 26 March 2009, retrieved 22 September 2009
- ^ Office of the Governor General of Canada. "Honours > National Orders > Order of Military Merit". Queen's Printer for Canada. Archived from the original on 3 August 2009. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
- ^ Government of Canada (2013), Honours and Recognition for the Men and Women of the Canadian Armed Forces (PDF), Ottawa: Queen's Printer for Canada, p. 17, retrieved 16 November 2015
- ^ a b c Department of National Defence. "Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation". Queen's Printer for Canada. Archived from the original on 19 November 2015. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
- ^ Department of National Defence 2007, p. 80
- ^ Defence, National (12 October 2018). "Heritage Structure | Chapter 14 – Distinguishing standards, flags, pennants and plates". aem. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ Legault, Albert (1992). A Diplomacy of Hope: Canada and Disarmament. McGill-Queen's Press. ISBN 0-7735-0955-0.
- ^ "General Jean-Victor Allard". Virtual Museum of Canada. Archived from the original on 26 February 2010. Retrieved 21 March 2009.
- ^ Preston, Richard (1991). To Serve Canada. University of Ottawa Press. ISBN 0-7766-0327-2.
- ^ Horn, Bernd (2007). Loyal service: Perspectives on French-Canadian Military Leaders. Dundurn Press Ltd. ISBN 1-55002-693-3.
- ^ Martell, Paul (1974). World Military Leaders. Bowker. ISBN 0-8352-0785-4.
- ^ "General Ramsey M. Withers". Conference of Defence Associations. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 21 March 2009.
- ^ Marsh, James (2006). The Canadian Encyclopedia. Hurtig Publishers. ISBN 0-88830-330-0.
- ^ "Gen. Paul D. MANSON". Canadian Who's Who 1997. Retrieved 21 March 2009.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b Bernd, Horn (2001). Warrior Chiefs: Perspectives on Senior Canadian Military Leaders. Dundurn Press Ltd. ISBN 1-55002-351-9.
- ^ "Admiral John R. ANDERSON". Canadian Who's Who 1997. Retrieved 21 March 2009.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "General Joseph Édouard Jean BOYLE". Canadian Who's Who 1997. Retrieved 21 March 2009.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Vice-Admiral Larry MURRAY". Canadian Who's Who 1997. Retrieved 21 March 2009.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Assumption of Command of Lieutenant-General J.M.G. Baril". Governor General of Canada. Archived from the original on 26 August 2003. Retrieved 21 March 2009.
- ^ "NATO Biographies: Chairman of the Military Committee, General Raymond Henault". North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Retrieved 21 March 2009.
- ^ "CBC News in Depth: Gen. Rick Hillier". CBC. 15 April 2008. Retrieved 21 March 2009.
- ^ "Deputy Minister General (retired) Walt Natynczyk". Veterans Affairs Canada. 15 April 2015. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
- ^ "General Thomas J. Lawson named Canada's New Chief of Defence Staff". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
- ^ "New defence chief pledges to stamp out sexual misconduct". Global News. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
- ^ Berthiaume, Lee (14 January 2021). "Military gets new commander in virtual, low-key ceremony due to COVID-19". CTVNews. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ Kirkup, Kristy (25 November 2021). "General Wayne Eyre becomes permanent Chief of Defence Staff, Prime Minister's Office announces". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
- ^ Burke, Ashley; Major, Darren (18 July 2024). "Gen. Jennie Carignan makes history as Canada's newest chief of the defence staff". CBC News. Archived from the original on 18 July 2024. Retrieved 18 July 2024.