Commander of Canada Command and Stand-up Date Announced
June 28, 2005
OTTAWA -- Defence Minister Bill Graham, and General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff, announced that Vice-Admiral J.Y. Forcier is promoted to that rank and appointed the first Commander of Canada Command - the CF organization from which all domestic operations will be commanded, and to which eventually six regional commands will report.
" The creation of Canada Command is a demonstration of the government's commitment to enhance the security of Canada and Canadians as outlined in the Defence Policy Statement," said Defence Minister Bill Graham. "This is a major step that will see the Canadian Forces transform to become more relevant, responsive and effective."
Vice-Admiral Forcier is charged with standing-up the new Command in a phased approach starting July 1. In the first phase, Vice-Admiral Forcier will lead an initial joint planning staff of approximately 60 to develop the final operating concept and master implementation plan for Canada Command with a view of commanding Canadian Forces routine and contingency operations in Canada as early as Spring 06.
"We are moving through this transformation process at a phased, but aggressive pace," said General Hillier. "This is the right time with the leadership, vision and funding in place to kick-start the process. The effect we are after is irreversible momentum, and we have that."
The creation of CANADA COMMAND means that for the first time, a unified and integrated chain of command at the national and regional levels will have the immediate authority to deploy maritime, land and air assets in support of domestic operations.
Vice-Admiral Forcier commanded Maritime Forces Pacific since 2003. During the past several months he led the Chief of Defence Action Team responsible for generating options for the CF's transformed command and control structure.
"It is indeed my pleasure and great honour to have been designated as the first Commander of Canada Command," said Vice-Admiral Forcier. "During my 33 plus years in uniform, I have had the privilege of serving at home and overseas to defend Canadians and their interests. This new emphasis on affording Canada more attention is not just a great opportunity for me, it is a recognition that Canadians deserve at home the same quality of planning and response to protect them and their interests, as we deliver overseas."
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For further information :
Canada Command
Backgrounder - June 28, 2005
