The Canadian military expects a new commander-in-chief on July 18, 2024.
Who that will be is still completely open at this point – and even the current Chief of General Staff says he has no idea who will replace him.
In an interview with CBC News on Wednesday, Gen. Wayne Eyre said the date for the change of command had been set, but the federal government had not yet announced who would take command.
“We know that the change of command will take place on July 18,” said Eyre, who – according to several sources in the Ministry of Defence – had called for a gap of at least two months between the appointment of his successor and his departure.
“We know (now) that any handover phase will be significantly shortened, increasing the risk to the institution,” Eyre said.
As for briefing his successor, he said he will pass on as much information as possible, “and I will be available even in retirement to pass on what I have learned in this position.”
Eyre had indicated in January that he planned to retire this summer after 40 years in uniform. At the time, the Prime Minister’s Office congratulated him in a media statement and thanked him for his service.
Asked when a successor would be named, a spokesman for the prime minister said it could be some time yet, but did not give any further details. On Wednesday, the same spokesman confirmed the announcement could be made before the NATO summit next month on July 9-11, but could not say for sure.
Several names were mentioned as possible successors, the most frequently mentioned being Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan, the current military director of conduct and culture.
Major General Jennie Carignan’s name is often mentioned as a possible replacement for Eyre. (CBC News)
Other names included Vice Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, the current head of Military Operations Command, and Major General Paul Prévost, the director of the Joint Strategic Staff – the nerve center of military planning.
Eyre has been in office since February 2021, when he replaced now-retired Admiral Art McDonald as Secretary of Defense. McDonald resigned after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced – claims that military police later failed to investigate.
Eyre, the former commander of the Canadian Army, took over an institution in crisis, with many senior leaders of the armed forces accused of inappropriate conduct.
He was initially appointed on an interim basis and was given a permanent position in November 2021.
The fact that he was thrown unprepared into the midst of a crisis led him to insist on a cautious and orderly transition.
“I can tell you that entering this job without a handover is not the right way to do business,” Eyre said. “And I want to do everything I can to set up my successor and, more importantly, the institution for success.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shakes hands with Chief of the Army Staff Wayne Eyre following a press conference on Canada’s new defence policy at CFB Trenton in Trenton, Ontario, Monday, April 8, 2024. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)
Although there is no term limit, the term of office of the country’s defense minister is typically about three years.
In recent months, Eyre has been increasingly outspoken about the challenges facing the Canadian military, including acute personnel shortages, outdated equipment and constant calls for military support, particularly in response to domestic crises.
He was also a lightning rod for some of the political and social discontent that prevailed in the military. His handling of some aspects of the sexual misconduct crisis – particularly the treatment of some of the accused senior officers – has been criticized. Eyre is personally named in two lawsuits filed by now-retired generals who faced allegations and charges.
Since no decision has yet been made on Eyre’s successor, a comprehensive restructuring of the military’s leadership has been delayed. Several high-ranking commanders will soon retire.
