MP Cheryl Gallant Welcomes Canada’s New Top Soldier

July 02, 2008

Ottawa, Ontario - Cheryl Gallant, MP Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke joined Prime Minister Stephen Harper in the official Canadian Forces Change of Command Ceremony today as the position of Chief of the Defence Staff passed from General Rick Hillier to General Walter Natynczyk.

“On behalf of the women and men at CFB Petawawa, I say thank-you to General Rick Hillier for your dedication and service in the time you served as Chief of the Defence Staff. Under your leadership, Canadians can be proud of the role are soldiers are playing in making the world a safer place,” remarked Cheryl Gallant, MP. “I know that you will be missed. To you General Natynczyk, congratulations on your promotion.”

“The office of the Chief of the Defence Staff embodies the skill, dedication, and professionalism that have been the hallmarks of the Canadian Forces throughout its glorious history,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Today’s ceremony is about ensuring the continuity of one of our most essential national institutions, the ultimate guardian of Canada’s sovereignty, security, and place in the world.”

To that end, the Government of Canada has created the Canada First Defence Strategy, a comprehensive plan to modernize the Canadian Forces. “Today the task of implementing this Strategy passes from one outstanding Canadian soldier to another,” the Prime Minister said. “I thank General Hillier for his strong leadership and congratulate him on his success in transforming the Canadian Forces and restoring our military to pride of place in Canadian life.”

“It is my goal that I will enjoy the same working relationship I had with General Hillier, with the new Chief of the Defence Staff, General Natynczyk, said MP Gallant. “ As a Member of the Government and a Member of the Standing Committee on National Defence, I offer my full support to continue to give you the tools necessary to get the job done. With Base Petawawa in preparation for the next Afghanistan rotation, I see my role as a supporter of the troops take on a new sense of urgency.

“Finally, on behalf of all Canadians, I thank every man and woman who has chosen to wear the uniform of the Canadian Forces,” the Prime Minister concluded. “It is you who stand on guard for our True North strong and free.”