Chief of the Defence Staff (Canada)

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Chief of the Defence Staff
Chef d'état-major de la Défense
Badge of the Canadian Forces
Incumbent
General Wayne Eyre
since 25 November 2021[a]
Canadian Armed Forces
TypeChief of defence
AbbreviationCDS
Member ofArmed Forces Council
Reports toCommander-in-Chief via the Minister of National Defence
AppointerKing of Canada or the Governor General of Canada on the advice of the Prime Minister of Canada
Term lengthAt His Majesty's Pleasure
Constituting instrumentNational Defence Act
PrecursorChairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee
Formation1964
First holderFrank Robert Miller
DeputyVice Chief of the Defence Staff
WebsiteOfficial website

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 viceroy on the advice of the prime minister.

Lieutenant-General Wayne D. Eyre was designated as the acting chief of the Defence Staff on 24 February 2021, following Admiral Art McDonald taking a voluntary paid leave pending an investigation by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service.[2][3][4] On 13 August 2021, Eyre was promoted to general[5] and was appointed to the position on a permanent basis on 25 November 2021.[6]

History[edit]

Until 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).[7] 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).

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.[8] 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."[8] 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.[9] 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.[10]

Rank and command[edit]

The 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;[11] 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.[12] 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.[12]

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.[13] 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.[13] 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."[13] Lastly, the CDS must enhance the forces' programme delivery while optimising the use of resources.[13]

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.[14] This committee mirrors that for the Order of Military Merit, of which the CDS is ex-officio a member and the Principal Commander.[15]

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.[16][17] 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).[17] 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.[17] The CDS also awards the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service, which is given by the CDS on behalf of the entire forces.[18]

Distinguishing flag[edit]

The 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.[19]

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
Frank Robert Miller
Miller, Frank RobertAir Chief Marshal[b]
Frank Robert Miller
(1908–1997)		1 August 196414 July 19661 year, 347 daysBritish ColumbiaRoyal Canadian Air ForceVanier, GeorgesGeorges VanierLester B. Pearson[20]
2
Jean-Victor Allard
Allard, Jean VictorGeneral
Jean-Victor Allard
(1913–1996)		15 July 196614 September 19693 years, 61 daysQuebecCanadian ArmyVanier, GeorgesGeorges VanierLester B. Pearson[21]
3
Frederick Ralph Sharp
Sharp, Frederick RalphGeneral
Frederick Ralph Sharp
(1915–1992)		15 September 196914 September 19722 years, 365 daysSaskatchewanAir CommandMichener, RolandRoland MichenerPierre Trudeau[22]
4
Jacques Alfred Dextraze
Dextraze, Jacques AlfredGeneral
Jacques Alfred Dextraze
(1919–1993)		15 September 197231 August 19774 years, 350 daysQuebecMobile CommandLéger, JulesJules LégerPierre Trudeau[23]
5
Robert Hilborn Falls
Falls, Robert HilbornAdmiral
Robert Hilborn Falls
(1924–2009)		15 September 197730 May 19802 years, 258 daysOntarioMaritime CommandLéger, JulesJules LégerPierre Trudeau[24]
6
Ramsey Muir Withers
Withers, Ramsey MuirGeneral
Ramsey Muir Withers
(1930–2014)		31 May 198030 June 19833 years, 30 daysOntarioMobile CommandSchreyer, EdwardEdward SchreyerPierre Trudeau[25]
7
Gérard Charles Édouard Thériault
Thériault, Gérard Charles ÉdouardGeneral
Gérard Charles Édouard Thériault
(1932–1998)		1 July 19832 July 19863 years, 1 dayQuebecAir CommandSchreyer, EdwardEdward SchreyerPierre Trudeau[26]
8
Paul David Manson
Manson, Paul DavidGeneral
Paul David Manson
(1934–2023)		11 July 19868 September 19893 years, 59 daysBritish ColumbiaAir CommandSauvé, JeanneJeanne SauvéBrian Mulroney[27]
9
John de Chastelain
de Chastelain, JohnGeneral
John de Chastelain
(born 1937)		8 September 198929 January 19933 years, 143 daysAlbertaMobile CommandSauvé, JeanneJeanne SauvéBrian Mulroney[28]
10
John Rogers Anderson
Anderson, JohnAdmiral
John Rogers Anderson
(born 1941)		29 January 199331 December 1993336 daysBritish ColumbiaMaritime CommandHnatyshyn, RayRay HnatyshynJean Chrétien[29]
9
John de Chastelain
de Chastelain, JohnGeneral
John de Chastelain
(born 1937)		1 January 199431 December 19951 year, 364 daysAlbertaLand Force CommandHnatyshyn, RayRay HnatyshynJean Chrétien[28]
11
Joseph Édouard Jean Boyle
Boyle, Joseph Édouard JeanGeneral
Joseph Édouard Jean Boyle
(born 1947)		1 January 19968 October 1996281 daysOntarioAir CommandLeBlanc, RoméoRoméo LeBlancJean Chrétien[30]
–
Larry Murray
Murray, LarryVice-Admiral
Larry Murray
(born 1947)
Acting		8 October 199617 September 1997344 daysOntarioMaritime CommandLeBlanc, RoméoRoméo LeBlancJean Chrétien[31]
12
Maurice Baril
Baril, MauriceGeneral
Maurice Baril
(born 1943)		17 September 199728 June 20013 years, 284 daysQuebecLand Force CommandLeBlanc, RoméoRoméo LeBlancJean Chrétien[32]
13
Raymond Henault
Henault, RaymondGeneral
Raymond Henault
(born 1949)		28 June 200117 June 20053 years, 354 daysManitobaAir CommandClarkson, AdrienneAdrienne ClarksonJean Chrétien[33]
14
Rick Hillier
Hillier, RickGeneral
Rick Hillier
(born 1955)		17 June 20051 July 20083 years, 14 daysNewfoundland and LabradorLand Force CommandClarkson, AdrienneAdrienne ClarksonPaul Martin
Stephen Harper		[34]
15
Walter Natynczyk
Natynczyk, WalterGeneral
Walter Natynczyk
(born 1957)		1 July 200829 October 20124 years, 120 daysManitobaCanadian Army[c]Jean, MichaëlleMichaëlle JeanStephen Harper[35]
16
Thomas J. Lawson
Lawson, Thomas J.General
Thomas J. Lawson
(born 1957)		29 October 201217 July 20152 years, 261 daysOntarioRoyal Canadian Air ForceJohnston, DavidDavid JohnstonStephen Harper[36]
17
Jonathan Vance
Vance, JonathanGeneral
Jonathan Vance
(born 1964)		17 July 201514 January 20215 years, 181 daysOntarioCanadian ArmyJohnston, DavidDavid JohnstonStephen Harper
Justin Trudeau		[37]
18
Art McDonald
McDonald, ArtAdmiral
Art McDonald
(born 1967)		14 January 202124 February 202141 daysNova ScotiaRoyal Canadian NavyPayette, JulieJulie PayetteJustin Trudeau[38]
19
Wayne Eyre
Eyre, WayneGeneral
Wayne Eyre		25 February 2021[d]Incumbent3 years, 50 daysSaskatchewanCanadian Army"Mary Simon[e]Justin Trudeau[6]

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Eyre assumed the role of CDS on an acting basis on 24 February 2021. He was appointed to the full position on 25 November 2021.
  2. ^ 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
  3. ^ Known as Land Force Command until 2011
  4. ^ Acting from 25 February 2021 until 25 November 2021
  5. ^ Appointed in acting capacity by Administrator of Canada Richard Wagner

References[edit]

  1. ^ Gosselin, Daniel. "Listening to the Chief of the Defence Staff: The 'Blurred' Boundaries of Military and Defence Advice". Canadian Military Journal. 20: 4–19.
  2. ^ "National Chief of Defence Staff steps aside amid investigation - CityNews Toronto". toronto.citynews.ca. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  3. ^ "Canada's chief of defence staff to step aside amid CFNIS investigation: defence minister". Global News. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  4. ^ "Admiral Art McDonald steps aside as Defence Chief as military police launch investigation". ottawacitizen. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  5. ^ Berthiaume, Lee (13 August 2021). "Liberals signal plan to keep acting defence chief as Eyre gets promotion". CTVNews. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
  6. ^ a b 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.
  7. ^ 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
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ Fitzpatrick, Meagan (16 August 2011). "Peter MacKay hails 'royal' renaming of military". CBC. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  11. ^ Elizabeth II (1985), National Defence Act (PDF), Ottawa: Queen's Printer for Canada, 18(1), retrieved 25 July 2022
  12. ^ 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.
  13. ^ 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.
  14. ^ 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
  15. ^ 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.
  16. ^ 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
  17. ^ 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.
  18. ^ Department of National Defence 2007, p. 80
  19. ^ Defence, National (12 October 2018). "Heritage Structure | Chapter 14 – Distinguishing standards, flags, pennants and plates". aem. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
  20. ^ Legault, Albert (1992). A Diplomacy of Hope: Canada and Disarmament. McGill-Queen's Press. ISBN 0-7735-0955-0.
  21. ^ "General Jean-Victor Allard". Virtual Museum of Canada. Archived from the original on 26 February 2010. Retrieved 21 March 2009.
  22. ^ Preston, Richard (1991). To Serve Canada. University of Ottawa Press. ISBN 0-7766-0327-2.
  23. ^ Horn, Bernd (2007). Loyal service: Perspectives on French-Canadian Military Leaders. Dundurn Press Ltd. ISBN 1-55002-693-3.
  24. ^ Martell, Paul (1974). World Military Leaders. Bowker. ISBN 0-8352-0785-4.
  25. ^ "General Ramsey M. Withers". Conference of Defence Associations. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 21 March 2009.
  26. ^ Marsh, James (2006). The Canadian Encyclopedia. Hurtig Publishers. ISBN 0-88830-330-0.
  27. ^ "Gen. Paul D. MANSON". Canadian Who's Who 1997. Retrieved 21 March 2009.[permanent dead link]
  28. ^ a b Bernd, Horn (2001). Warrior Chiefs: Perspectives on Senior Canadian Military Leaders. Dundurn Press Ltd. ISBN 1-55002-351-9.
  29. ^ "Admiral John R. ANDERSON". Canadian Who's Who 1997. Retrieved 21 March 2009.[permanent dead link]
  30. ^ "General Joseph Édouard Jean BOYLE". Canadian Who's Who 1997. Retrieved 21 March 2009.[permanent dead link]
  31. ^ "Vice-Admiral Larry MURRAY". Canadian Who's Who 1997. Retrieved 21 March 2009.[permanent dead link]
  32. ^ "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.
  33. ^ "NATO Biographies: Chairman of the Military Committee, General Raymond Henault". North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Retrieved 21 March 2009.
  34. ^ "CBC News in Depth: Gen. Rick Hillier". CBC. 15 April 2008. Retrieved 21 March 2009.
  35. ^ "Deputy Minister General (retired) Walt Natynczyk". Veterans Affairs Canada. 15 April 2015. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
  36. ^ "General Thomas J. Lawson named Canada's New Chief of Defence Staff". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
  37. ^ "New defence chief pledges to stamp out sexual misconduct". Global News. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  38. ^ Berthiaume, Lee (14 January 2021). "Military gets new commander in virtual, low-key ceremony due to COVID-19". CTVNews. Retrieved 15 January 2021.

External links[edit]

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