Defence Team Message from the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

November 25, 2021 -  Defence Stories

Today, Prime Minister Trudeau announced the appointment of General Wayne Eyre as Canada’s new Chief of the Defence Staff. I extend my congratulations to General Eyre as he officially assumes command as Chief of the Defence Staff, continuing the work he began in an acting role in February.

This is a critical time for Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces. Canada has always striven to be a force of stability around the globe, and our armed forces have consistently played a key role in this mission. We know that there is currently a crisis of culture, and of confidence, in our Canadian Armed Forces, which has resulted in broken trust. Rebuilding that trust is crucial.

General Eyre will continue to build and oversee cultural change in the Canadian Armed Forces in a positive and enduring way, ensuring that our military better represents the Canadians it serves, while maintaining our commitments to our partners and allies around the world. He and I will continue to work together to build a military where all members feel safe, protected, and respected, wherever they are, whatever they are doing.

General Eyre will also continue to work with me as our government makes significant investments in our Canadian Armed Forces as outlined in our Defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged. This twenty-year roadmap ensures that our military can meet the challenges of our world’s evolving security environment. This plan allows Canada to continue to be a reliable partner in defending the rules-based international order around the globe.

Over the past two years, we have been reminded just how crucial our Defence Team is to the fabric of our nation. Whether by working to save lives in long-term care homes, supporting provinces and territories in responding to national disasters, or defending Canadian interests around the globe, every day our Defence Team puts service before self and represents our country’s highest values.

Again, let me congratulate General Eyre on his appointment. I look forward to working with him as we tackle the important issues facing the Canadian Armed Forces, now and in the future.

The Honourable Anita Anand, PC, MP
Minister of National Defence