OTTAWA, ON, Jan. 15, 2021 /CNW/ - Her Excellency the Right
Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief
of Canada, presided over the
virtual Change of Command of the Canadian Armed Forces ceremony on
January 14, 2020, which saw command
transfer from General Jonathan Vance
to Vice-Admiral Art McDonald.
Transcript:
It is my honour and privilege to be a part of this
time-honoured ceremony, the passing of the command in the Canadian
Armed Forces. I am delighted to share this very special day with
you, and with two remarkable men and their families.
First let me salute the members of the Canadian Forces who are
watching today from locations across Canada and in the world. This year in
particular, you have been asked to go far beyond the call of
duty, to assist and support Canadians in the battle against
the corona virus disease [or COVID]. You have put yourselves at
risk every day in order to serve, all the while hampered by
lockdowns and public health restrictions. Canadians have been
heartened by your role in the fight. We trust you. For good
reasons. Thank you.
The change of command is a key event in Canadian military life.
Everyone in the Forces is aware of it, yet for most Canadians,
there are no obvious outward signs. A leader here today is passing
the torch to another – no break, no interruption. This remarkable
service is simply continuing on to tomorrow, and to every day
thereafter, as solid and dependable as the Canadian Shield. Some
powers are meant to change hands quietly and peacefully, and you
are all witnesses of this important event today.
As Commander-in-Chief, I have the pleasure of meeting members of
the Canadian Forces and honouring their dedication to our country.
I have seen firsthand how hard our servicemen and servicewomen
work, both abroad and at home, to defend the principles of peace,
freedom and democracy.
I am particularly proud of the work that was done in this regard
by the longest serving Chief of the Defence Staff in the history of
our country, General Jonathan
Vance. He is the son of the late Lieutenant General
Jack Vance, and a proud soldier of
the Royals, the Royal Canadian Regiment whose battle honours date
back to the war of 1812.
General Vance's service as CDS was distinguished by his profound
understanding of the global security risks and threats facing
Canada and its allies. He had a
clear view how to translate tactical needs into strategic goals,
and he made sure that a versatile, flexible force was ready to
respond to the government's needs – in whichever situation, in
whichever place.
With poise and humility, General Vance provided judicious
advice, tackled tough issues – including needed changes within the
military to move past beyond unacceptable attitudes – and led the
Canadian Forces to face the new demands of today's warfare
environment, a world in which invisible enemies, whether domestic,
foreign or planetary, whether human, biological or binary, must be
taken seriously.
General Vance, like so many others, accomplished all of his
duties while balancing military and family life. He was blessed
with the support of his wife, Ms. Kerry
Vance, and their children Olivia, Nora, Max, Julia and
Mara.
Kerry: while you were taking care of a professional career,
young adults and a soldier, you also shared your deep concerns and
compassion for our military veterans and families at every
assignment ... at every occasion. Military life can be incredibly
hard on people, but you are a living example of how it can be done
efficiently, with grace and flair. Thank you, Madam.
Just so you know, General Vance has not yet shared with me where
he will be moving next – I hope he does, as I hope we stay in touch
– but I am absolutely convinced that any institution or body he
will associate with will be immeasurably fortunate to count him
in.
General Vance, a grateful nation wishes you the best wherever
your next endeavours take you. All the best to you and to your
family.
---------------------------
And so now, the torch is being passed onto the 20th Chief of the
Defence Staff, Admiral Art
McDonald.
Before I sing your praises, Sir, I would like to point
out that you are not the first extraordinary son of Nova Scotia called Art
McDonald. There is in fact another Bluenoser called
Art McDonald, who won the 2015 Nobel
Prize in Physics for solving the solar neutrino mass question.
Perhaps Art McDonald is a common
name where you come from, but there is nothing common in the world
of achievements.
We have two extraordinary individuals leading two extraordinary
teams. And both come from Canada's
Ocean Playground. One of my personal pride is that I can claim that
I know you both.
Admiral: as Chief of the Defence Staff, you will be called upon
to lead one of the most agile armed forces in the world. You will
also become the principal defender of Canadian values everywhere
our troops are stationed, and you will be one of the most public
voices advocating for peace and security. You will embody our deep
commitment to the public good, from coast to coast, as well as in
all corners of the world.
We have had the chance to meet on a few occasions already,
especially since you assumed command of the Royal Canada Navy in
June 2019. I also know many people
who know you, and I would like to share some information that I
have heard.
The perception in the Navy is that you are an ultimate
leader and team player, Admiral. I am told that you can
engage in official speak, efficiently and appropriately, while
letting people under your command know precisely what is expected
of them. Facts matter. You don't hide them. I couldn't agree
more.
Speaking of facts, here are just a few more facts I have
gathered.
I know, for a fact, that you have worked especially
hard to improve the Navy's recruitment process.
For example, you've helped open positions within the reserve –
positions such as the "CyberWarriors" – to bring in young people
who have special skills. Besides mere enrollment, it serves two
important purposes: (1) it addresses today's complex and
ever-changing needs for expertise in cybersecurity; and, (2) it
gives young people who possess these special skills a chance to
become part-time sailors and reserve Naval officers, while
remaining at the forefront of their professional trade in the
civilian world. That's a brilliant idea.
I also know for a fact that you have been a most supportive
force behind several diversity initiatives. I think in particular
of the RAVEN program in BC reaching out to aboriginal youths and of
the remarkable recruiting successes at Toronto's HMCS York Reserve, to name but a
few.
This forward thinking – when applied to the entire Armed Forces
you are now in charge of – will make our military more inclusive
and representative, a force that resembles the very diverse society
it protects. That's my wish, that is, forces always more inclusive
and representative of the Canadian society.
And I extend my very best wishes and thanks to your wife,
Sabine, for this demanding role she accepted by your side.
As you know I wear the uniform and I could not be more proud to
belong to the great military family. I proudly wear the wings of my
trade and cherish being part of the military family. What matters
to it, matters to me.
By virtue of your position, you probably know by now, Admiral
McDonald, that the CDS also serves as aide-de-camp to the Governor
General. And this does not solely mean wearing the Gold Aiguillette
and meeting with the GG on a regular basis. It means serving our
military. I look forward to working with you, visiting our troops
here and abroad, witnessing them in action, and recognizing the
excellence within our ranks and at all levels.
As the command passes on this special day, I cannot think of a
better person than you, Admiral Art
McDonald, to succeed to the functions of General
Jonathan Vance, to lead our Forces
forward and to accomplish Canada's
mission at home and around the world.
I put my trust in you and I know you will do an outstanding
job.
Fair winds and following seas.
And, if you allow me some RCAF parlance – Godspeed, Sir!
Julie Payette
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SOURCE Governor General of Canada