February 4, 2005 OTTAWA -- General Rick Hillier is officially the new Chief of the Defence Staff for the Canadian Forces. General Hillier was given the top command in a ceremony presided over by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada. Prime Minister Paul Martin attended the ceremony. “The role of Chief of the Defence Staff--which General Hillier assumes today--requires leadership, vision and exceptional dedication,” said the Governor General. “He is responsible for the well-being of the men and women of the Canadian Forces as they undertake numerous tasks, both in Canada and around the world. General Hillier embodies both the experience and passion for such a role. As Commander-in-Chief, I know that Canadians count on the professionalism of our men and women in uniform. I wish General Hillier every success as he undertakes his mandate.” “Our armed forces are tangible expressions of our nation's belief and extend our values and ideals worldwide. Wherever they go, they are remarkable ambassadors and promoters of Canadian values,” said Minister of National Defence Bill Graham. “As such, they deserve the best leadership possible. For four years, General Henault offered them just that. And with General Hillier and the amazing wealth of knowledge and experience he brings to the position, the Canadian Forces remain in very good hands as they move forward.” General Hillier has served throughout Canada, twice in both Europe and the United States, and with the United Nations and NATO forces in the former Yugoslavia and in Afghanistan. In Afghanistan he commanded some 6,000 troops from 35 nations as the commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from February to August of 2004. This was the largest multinational mission commanded by a Canadian since the Suez crisis in 1956. The command proved to be critically important as the mission established the stable security situation within Afghanistan that allowed for the nation's first democratic elections to take place in October 2004. General Hillier joined the military in 1973. After graduating from Memorial University, Newfoundland, in 1975, he joined the armoured corps serving with both 8 th Canadian Hussars and the Royal Canadian Dragoons. General Hillier takes over as Chief of the Defence Staff from General Ray Henault who was elected Chairman of the NATO Military Committee and will assume that position this spring. -30- DND/CF Public Affairs Contacts
