NR - 00.067 - June 24, 2010
OTTAWA - Rear-Admiral Andrew Smith assumed the role of the Canadian Forces (CF) Chief of Military Personnel today from Lieutenant-General Walter Semianiw. Having served as Assistant Chief of Military Personnel for the past two years, Rear-Admiral Smith brings significant experience in military personnel issues to his new role.
“I am proud of the new and strengthened initiatives that have been developed for military personnel and their families under our watch,” said Lieutenant-General Semianiw. “I am confident that Rear-Admiral Smith’s intelligence, enthusiasm, and commitment will continue to contribute meaningfully to the lives of military personnel and their loved ones.”
As Chief of Military Personnel, Rear-Admiral Smith will include among his priorities the care and support for ill and injured personnel, including acknowledging the central role played by military families; the increased awareness and treatment of mental health issues; and the recruitment of talented Canadians.
“I am proud to have this opportunity to build on what has been accomplished in the Canadian Forces over the past few years,” said Rear-Admiral Smith. “In my previous capacity as Assistant Chief of Military Personnel, I gained a solid perspective of the issues facing military personnel, and I look forward to leading my team in finding new and better ways to address the needs of our men and women in uniform.”
The Chief of Military Personnel has functional authority for the management of CF personnel and is responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs to ensure the availability of the right person, with the right qualifications, in the right time at the right place, to accomplish CF missions at home and abroad.
- 30 -
Note to Editors / News Directors:
For Rear-Admiral Smith’s Military Personnel Commander’s Message, please visit: http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/wn-qn/index-eng.asp
