Canada’s army, air force and navy are getting new commanders in a major shakeup of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) leadership.
Lt.-Gen. Jocelyn Paul will be appointed commander of the Canadian Army, the Department of National Defense (DND) said in a media release.
Paul, who served previously as deputy commander of NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command in Naples, Italy, will be replaced in that role by Maj.-Gen. SR Kelsey, who is being promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general.
Paul is from the community of Wendake, Que. and is a member of the Huron-Wendat First Nation, a NATO biography says.
He started his career as a reserve infantry officer in 1988 before joining the regular force in 1991. He’s held a number of notable positions in the army, including commander of the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force and chief of staff in Canadian Forces Intelligence Command .
“A dedicated hunter and fisherman, he likes to roam in the Canadian wilderness. He also enjoys playing hockey and golf occasionally, even though he has absolutely no talent for either sport,” the biography says.
Maj.-Gen. EJ Kenny will be the new commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force and will be promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general.
Rear Admiral AI Topshee will lead the Royal Canadian Navy and will also receive a promotion, to the rank of vice-admiral.
“The CAF’s requirement for general and flag officers is driven by the need to lead defense priorities at the institutional level, create and sustain a diverse and inclusive culture, and project leadership abroad,” DND said in the media release.