On July 18th, Lieutenant-General (LGen) Jean-Marc Lanthier assumed the role as the new Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, replacing LGen Paul Wynnyk who announced his retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) after 38 years.

Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) General (Gen) Jonathan Vance presided over the ceremony.

“I welcome Lieutenant-General Jean-Marc Lanthier with confidence as my new second in command, knowing his extensive experience will reinforce the stability we need to prevail against the strategic challenges that Canada’s armed forces face every day,” said Gen Vance.

LGen Lanthier came into this role as an experienced leader, from the tactical level to the strategic, both at home and abroad. “In many ways, [he] was purposefully bred for this role,” said Gen Vance about LGen Lanthier’s experience.

In 2006 and 2007, LGen Lanthier commanded the first Canadian Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team in Kandahar, helping to improve the resources that members can access for training and experience on an operational level. Following the 2010 earthquake, LGen Lanthier served as the Canadian Deputy Commander Joint Task Force in Haiti during the country’s time of crisis, and helped to provide support to military members and civilians. After returning home, LGen Lanthier was trusted, at the staff level, as the Chief of Programme, and most recently served as the Commander of the Army until he was appointed as the VCDS. “I have the utmost confidence in his leadership and I look forward to our ongoing work to implement Strong,

Secure, Engaged,” said Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan. The CAF welcomes LGen Lanthier into his new appointment as VCDS.

LGen Paul Wynnyk’s years of service has left a mark on the CAF. While overseas, LGen Wynnyk has been decorated by the Governments of Afghanistan, Brazil, Colombia and the United States for his leadership in promoting international security and cooperation. Highlights of his time at home include positions such as: Canadian Forces Intelligence Command, Senior Defence Advisor and Director of Operations for the Foreign and Defence Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister. He also played a key role in Operation HONOUR. “This last year has been very busy, and has given me yet another perspective on the role that the office of the VCDS plays in ensuring a strong link between the CAF and Department of National Defence. As the VCDS I had the remarkable privilege of actively and simultaneously working as a part of two of these great pillars.” noted LGen Wynnyk during his address at the ceremony. Deputy Minister Jody Thomas described Paul Wynnyk as a man of “honour and integrity” and that his “professionalism has left a mark.” The CAF would like to thank Paul Wynnyk for his years of service to his country and wishes him the best upon retirement.