Canadian Army welcomes new Commander

News release

July 12, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, Lieutenant-General Michael Wright assumed his new position as Commander Canadian Army from Lieutenant-General Jocelyn (Joe) Paul. The ceremony, presided over by General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff, was held at the Salaberry Armoury in Gatineau, Quebec.

Before his appointment as Commander Canadian Army, Lieutenant-General Wright served as the Commander of the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command and Chief of Defence Intelligence in Ottawa. Lieutenant-General Paul will be preparing for his retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces, after 36 years of service. 

Along with assuming the position of Commander Canadian Army, Lieutenant-General Wright will become the new Defence Team Co-Champion for Indigenous Peoples. This position has been held by Commander Canadian Army for over ten years.

Quotes

“Lieutenant-General Wright’s distinguished career and unwavering commitment to the Canadian Armed Forces make him an exceptional choice to lead the Canadian Army. His extensive operational and institutional experience, particularly in intelligence and command roles, will undoubtedly serve him well in this new position. I extend my deepest gratitude to Lieutenant-General Paul for his exemplary leadership, integrity, and dedication over the past 36 years. His profound understanding of the Army’s history and mission has had a lasting impact. We wish him all the best in his retirement and future endeavours.”

General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff

“I am honoured to return to the Canadian Army as its 8th Commander. The Canadian Army faces many challenges: continuing its culture evolution, force generating for operations in Canada and abroad, and modernizing to ensure that it remains ready, resilient, and relevant for whatever missions the Government of Canada may assign. I look forward to leading this vital national institution and the Army Team. My sincere thanks to Lieutenant-General Paul for his 36 years of service, and particularly his last two years commanding the Canadian Army.”

Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander Canadian Army

“It has been the greatest honour and privilege to serve as the Commander of the Canadian Army. It was a tremendous honour to work with such dedicated personnel, wearing the uniform proudly, defending, and protecting our nation and its Allies. My sincerest gratitude goes to our personnel for their selfless service and dedication as I extend my most genuine congratulations to Lieutenant-General Wright as he takes on his new role.”

Lieutenant-General Jocelyn (Joe) Paul 

Quick facts

  • The Canadian Army is the largest of the three command elements within the Canadian Armed Forces, and is comprised of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Canadian Divisions in Quebec, Western Canada, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada, respectively. The Canadian Army produces soldiers who are well-trained, well-led, and ready to support a wide range of operations at home, and abroad.

  • The mission of the Canadian Army is to posture for concurrent operations by generating combat effective, multi-purpose land forces to meet Canada’s defence objectives.

  • A testament to its official motto, “Vigilamus pro te” (English: we stand on guard for thee), the Canadian Army plays a vital role in protecting the interests of all Canadians. This includes supporting a wide range of domestic and international operations ranging from disaster response, Arctic sovereignty patrols, humanitarian aid, and support to combat operations.

Associated links

Contacts

Captain Stacie Nelles
Directorate Army Public Affairs
Phone: 343-541-7058
Email: Stacie.Nelles@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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