NR-08.028 - April 16, 2008
OTTAWA - The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, issued the following statement today on the retirement of the Chief of the Defence Staff:
I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank General Hillier for his exceptional service to this country and for his unwavering commitment to the men and women in uniform who serve it everyday. I would also like to thank his wife, Joyce, his two sons, Chris and Steven, his daughter-in-law, Caroline, and specially his grandson, Jack, who lent us his grandfather for the last three years.
As Chief of the Defence Staff he made enormous contributions to the rebuilding of the Canadian Forces. We now see the Canadian Forces moving in a direction that will allow us to recruit more, contribute more and project Canadian values around the world. Working hand in hand with this Government, the CF once again has the capability of playing important, constructive roles both at home and anywhere they are asked to do so around the world.
As minister of National Defence I personally valued his advice and input on decisions affecting the department, the men and the women of the Canadian Forces and their families. His thoughtfulness and focus on mission success are qualities we can all admire.
As Chief of the Defence Staff and member of the Canadian Forces he's given us many winning seasons, and should he ever end up in the front office of his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs, I'm convinced they would significantly increase their chances at winning a Stanley Cup.
Best of luck in your future endeavours and once again, thank you.
- 30 -
