Admiral Art McDonald was appointed Canada’s new Chief of the Defence Staff during a change of command ceremony held virtually today in Ottawa.

“I want to thank General Vance for his decades of service and dedication to Canada. His work over the past five years as Chief of the Defence Staff has been critical for protecting the safety and health of Canadians, and we all owe him and his family a debt of gratitude.

Admiral McDonald takes over as Chief of the Defence Staff at a critical time for Canada. His work will be vital in supporting our efforts to help Canadians through the current pandemic while maintaining our commitments to our partners and allies around the world. He will continue the important work and transformation of the Canadian Armed Forces, ensuring that it better represents the Canadians it serves.” 

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

"For 39 years, the extraordinary members of the Canadian Armed Forces have inspired my life’s work. And for 39 years, I have been proud to be counted among their ranks. Thank you! It has been an honour to serve Canadians as your 19^th Chief of the Defence Staff. I offer my sincere congratulations to Admiral McDonald. As he takes command, I know he will continue to care for our people and keep the force strong, now and into the future.”  

General Jonathan Vance, Outgoing Chief of the Defence Staff

“On behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), I salute and thank General Vance for his distinguished service, leadership and mentorship as he prepares to retire. I am humbled and honoured to assume the Watch as the twentieth Chief of the Defence Staff. As I do, my focus is quite naturally you, the members of the CAF, who have dedicated yourself to the service of Canada, and your families, who make routine sacrifices to enable you. There is no greater privilege or responsibility than to be charged with advocating for, empowering and leading you. I look forward to navigating through these challenging times with you and our invaluable Defence Team teammates – together ensuring that the CAF remains the go-to, no-fail Force that Canadians know.” 

Admiral Art McDonald, Incoming Chief of the Defence Staff

“A strong, collaborative partnership between the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces is critical for an effective Defence Team. On behalf of National Defence, I thank General Vance for his lifetime of service, and I welcome Admiral McDonald to his role as Chief of the Defence Staff. The Admiral and I are already working together to ensure Canada is strong, secure and engaged, now and for years to come.”

Jody Thomas, Deputy Minister 

• General Jonathan Vance is retiring after 39 years of distinguished service in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). He joined the CAF in 1982 and, in 1986, upon graduation from Royal Roads Military College, was commissioned as an infantry officer into The Royal Canadian Regiment. He commanded at all levels within the field force as well as 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group in Edmonton before deploying as Commander of Joint Task Forces Afghanistan and Kandahar in 2009, and again in 2010. General Vance also completed a tour as Deputy Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, in July 2014, before assuming the position as Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command later that year. General Vance was appointed Chief of the Defence Staff on July 17, 2015, making him the longest serving defence chief in the history of the CAF.

• A Bluenoser born in New Waterford, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, in 1967, Admiral (Adm) Art McDonald is a 1990 graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada and was appointed to serve as Canada’s 20th Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS). Prior to his appointment as CDS, Adm McDonald commanded the Royal Canadian Navy from 2019 to 2021. He had also previously commanded at the ship (HMCS Halifax 2007-2009), Operations Group / Fleet (Maritime Operations Group Five 2010-2011), and Formation (Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific 2016-2018) levels.

• As defined in the National Defence Act, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) has direct responsibility for the control and administration of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and is appointed by the Governor-in-Council, by recommendation of the Prime Minister. The CDS is accountable to the Minister of National Defence for the conduct of all CAF activities, as well as for the readiness and the ability to fulfill military commitments and obligations undertaken by the government.

• The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) implements government decisions that involve the CAF, by issuing orders and instructions. Whenever required, the CDS also advises the Prime Minister and Cabinet directly on major military developments and issues. The CDS is the senior serving military advisor to the Government of Canada.

• This change of command comes at a time when the Canadian Armed Forces are part of a whole-of-government approach to national COVID-19 response efforts. 

Associated links

• General Jonathan Vance biography
• Admiral Art McDonald biography

Floriane Bonneville
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: Floriane.bonneville@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Email:  mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca