Today, the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Bill Blair, welcomed the appointment of the new National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsperson, Mario Baril, for a term of five years.

“I am pleased to recognize the appointment of Mario Baril as National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsperson. Mr. Baril will provide key leadership in support of the responsibilities of the Office of the Ombudsperson. I am confident in his experience and ability to ensure that serving and former CAF members, DND employees, cadets, family members, and other constituents are treated fairly by DND and the CAF.”

- The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National 

• The Office of Ombudsperson is independent of the military chain of command and civilian management, and reports to the Minister of National Defence.

• The new National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsperson was selected through an open, transparent, and merit-based appointment process.

• The Government is committed to open and transparent processes for selecting Governor in Council appointees to encourage continued trust in Canada’s democracy and uphold the integrity of its public institutions.

Associated links

• DND/CAF Ombudsperson Office
• Governor in Council appointments

Office of the DND/CAF Ombudsperson
Phone: 1-888-828-3626
Email: ombudsman-communications@forces.gc.ca

Laurent de Casanove
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: laurent.decasanove@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations 
Department of National Defence 
Phone: 613-904-3333 
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca