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Speaking notes for The Honourable Bill Graham, P.C., M.P., Minister of National Defence for the CDS Change of Command Ceremony
Ottawa, Ontario
February 4, 2005
Today marks a significant occasion for Canada and the Canadian Forces, and it is a privilege for me to participate in it as minister of national defence.
Your Excellency, your presence here today is once again a testimony to your commitment as commander-in-chief of the Canadian Forces and your personal devotion to their well being and their morale.
Prime minister, I would like to thank you for your presence – a presence that demonstrates the importance that our country, our government and our citizens attach to the Canadian Forces. It is a tangible sign of the appreciation that Canadians have for the tireless efforts of our men and women in uniform.
It is also evidence of your personal engagement in ensuring that our forces will be able to respond to their domestic and global responsibilities – responsibilities that you have underlined when speaking of Canada’s important role in contributing to international peace and security.
I would like to join the governor general and the prime minister in thanking General Ray Henault for his hard work and dedication and congratulate him on the outstanding way in which he commanded the Canadian Forces over the past four years.
Your tenure, general, has been marked by significant accomplishments.
The Canadian Forces have played a key role in the international campaign against terrorism. They have helped to bring security and stability to Afghanistan, Bosnia and Haiti. And, as we have seen most recently in Sri Lanka, they have provided humanitarian assistance to some of the world’s most desperate people.
Les Forces canadiennes se sont également portées au secours des canadiens lors de situations de crise, comme par exemple lors des feux de forêt en Colombie-Britannique et aux lendemains de l'ouragan Juan en Nouvelle-Écosse.
Votre mandat a également été marqué par le sacrifice et la réflexion. À quelques sombres occasions au cours des dernières années, nous nous sommes fait rappeler l’ultime sacrifice que nos hommes et femmes en uniforme doivent parfois faire dans le cadre de leur service envers notre pays.
Peu importe l’endroit où les Forces canadiennes ont été appelées à intervenir, nos militaires se sont toujours distingués et ont prouvé au monde entier qu’ils appartiennent à l’une des forces armées les mieux formées et les plus efficaces au monde.
Ils ont fait tout cela, général, sous votre leadership exemplaire.
En tant que chef d’état-major de la défense, vous avez amorcé des changements d’envergure pour nos forces armées. Et votre vision des Forces canadiennes continuera de produire des résultats pour de nombreuses années encore.
Alors que vous tentiez de construire des meilleures Forces canadiennes, vous avez toujours placé nos hommes et femmes en uniforme – ainsi que leurs familles – au premier plan.
Au nom du Ministère de la défense nationale et des Forces canadiennes, j’aimerais vous remercier pour votre leadership sans faille, votre jugement, et surtout, votre engagement envers votre pays.
On a more personal note, general, I would like to thank you for the way in which you received me as a new minister and served as my guide in what is such a rewarding, but sometimes challenging, portfolio.
You are certainly going to be a tremendous asset to NATO as the new chairman of the military committee, and I look forward to working with you in your new role.
Walter Lippmann once said that “the final test of a leader is whether he leaves behind him in others the conviction and the will to carry on.”
I am pleased to say, general, that you have passed this test with flying colours.
We are very fortunate that the command of the Canadian Forces is now being passed to the very capable hands of General Rick Hillier.
General Hillier’s leadership and experience will be invaluable as we move forward with our review of Canada’s defence policy, and as we continue transforming the Canadian Forces to meet the security challenges of a new century.
General Hillier has extensive operational experience, having served a number of times on united nations and NATO missions – most recently leading some 6,000 troops from 35 nations as the commander of NATO’s international security assistance force.
General Hillier has also been the driving force behind the transformation of Canada’s army.
General, I know you have exactly what it takes to guide the Canadian Forces through what promises to be another challenging period and make the institution even stronger.
In today’s world, Canada’s security is directly tied to international events and crises. Events in far-off places, like Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, affect us profoundly.
As the Prime Minister has emphasized, Canadians want their country to play a meaningful role in making the world a safer place. And, now more than ever, the unique capabilities, skills and expertise of the Canadian Forces are needed to further the cause of global peace and security.
The Canadian Forces are a tangible expression of our nation’s values and beliefs. Wherever they go, they are remarkable ambassadors for Canada and Canadians.
And, as such, they deserve the best leadership possible.
For close to four years, General Henault offered them just that.
And with General Hillier, the Canadian Forces remain in very good hands.
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