New Commander for the Canadian Army
News Release
July 14, 2016 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today on Parliament Hill, Lieutenant-General Paul Wynnyk assumed command of the Canadian Army from Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse. The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jonathan Vance, presided over the event.
Lieutenant-General Wynnyk is transitioning from leadership of the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command and Lieutenant-General Hainse will be moving on to become Canada’s senior military representative to NATO in Brussels, Belgium.
The Canadian Army maintains a high state of training and readiness to provide land surveillance and combat-ready forces to protect Canadians and Canadian interests at home and abroad.
Quotes
“I commend Lieutenant-General Hainse for his leadership and dedication during his tenure and welcome Lieutenant-General Paul Wynnyk as the new Commander of the Canadian Army. Both leaders are highly accomplished and exemplary soldiers.”
Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister
“I would like to thank Lieutenant-General Hainse for his steadfast leadership, operational focus and for his strong voice and actions in our mission to eliminate inappropriate behaviour and sexual misconduct. A leader who leads from the front, after the terrible events of October 22, 2014, he offered to take the first shift on our national cenotaph. As we expand our footprint on NATO operations, he is the right choice to be the Canadian Armed Forces’ military representative in NATO. To his successor, Lieutenant-General Wynnyk, I offer congratulations as he takes command of Canada’s Army. I am confident he will skillfully lead the Army in its primary role of defending Canada, at home and abroad.
General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence
My sincere gratitude goes out to Lieutenant-General Hainse for his remarkable work. Our exceptional Canadian soldiers were in very good hands under his command. Their expertise and professionalism are recognized the world over. I intend to keep the bar set high.”
Lieutenant-General Paul Wynnyk, Commander Canadian Army
“During my time as their commander, our Canadian soldiers have made me extremely proud. It was a tremendous privilege to serve with them and I thank each and every one of them for their dedication, selfless service, and commitment to Canada.”
Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, outgoing Commander Canadian Army
Quick Facts
- Lieutenant-General Wynnyk has held a variety of operational and staff assignments both nationally and abroad, including postings to Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia. He was appointed Deputy Commander of the Canadian Army from 2012 to 2014 and since July 2014, he has served as Chief of Defence Intelligence, overseeing the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command.
- Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse has served in several international and domestic operations, with leadership positions in Europe, Haiti and Afghanistan. He served in several key National Defence Headquarters roles in Ottawa, including Chief of Staff of Canada Command and as Deputy Commander Allied Joint Force Command in Naples, Italy. He assumed command of the Canadian Army in 2013.
- The Change-of-Command ceremony took place at Parliament Hill and was attended by a 100-soldier marching and band contingent comprised of members of the Ceremonial Guard. Displays of military equipment were showcased during the event.
- The Canadian Army is the largest element of the Canadian Armed Forces:
- 23,000 members serve as full-time soldiers in the Regular Force;
- 17,300 are part-time, volunteer soldiers in the Reserve Force;
- including 5,000 Rangers who serve in sparsely settled northern, coastal and isolated areas of Canada; and
- 4,100 civilian employees who support the Army.
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Photo: Cpl Andrew Wesley, Directorate Army Public Affairs
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Contacts
Jordan Owens
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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Hon. Harjit Singh Sajjan National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces Military
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