Chief of defence staff Jonathan Vance announces impending retirement
Posted July 23, 2020 12:09 pm.
Last Updated July 23, 2020 2:01 pm.
OTTAWA _ Gen. Jonathan Vance, Canada’s top soldier, says he’s retiring.
He says he’ll relinquish his post as chief of the defence staff “in the months to come” after the government has found a successor.
In a letter posted today, he tells the members of the Canada Armed Forces that they remain an inspiration to him and says he has given them his all.
“You, the members of the #CAF, have been the inspiration for my life and I have given you my all. Until I relinquish command I will continue to serve you and Canadians with the same energy and effort I always have. Pro Patria” JV pic.twitter.com/Uf1lh9TENu
— General / Général Wayne Eyre (@CDS_Canada_CEMD) July 23, 2020
Until he steps down, Vance says he’ll serve the military and Canadians with the “same energy and effort I always have.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is thanking Vance for his service, saying in a statement that he has launched the process to find a successor.
Statement from Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau on the retirement of Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Jonathan Vance @CDS_Canada_CEMD #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/iwXyVyDn9c
— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) July 23, 2020
Vance was appointed to the position six years ago, capping a career that began in 1986 when he was commissioned into the Royal Canadian Regiment.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2020.
