Lieutenant-General Rouleau assumes responsibilities of the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff

A transfer of authority ceremony took place on July 15, 2020, at the National Defence Headquarters Carling, where Lieutenant-General Mike Rouleau assumed the responsibilities of the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS), from Lieutenant-General Jean-Marc Lanthier.

“I am honoured to be the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff and I will strive to build on the trust Canadians have in their CAF every day I serve in this post,” says Lieutenant-General Mike Rouleau, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff.

General Jonathan Vance, the Chief of the Defence Staff, presided over the ceremony in the presence of a small assembly of military and civilian members of the Defence Team.

“For more than three decades, Lieutenant-General Lanthier has dedicated his time, passion, and considerable talent, to serving our country in the Canadian Armed Forces. The leadership and determination he demonstrated as our Vice Chief of the Defence Staff was exemplary. Thank you for your service, my friend.

“Stepping into the role of Vice Chief of the Defence Staff is another accomplished officer, Lieutenant-General Rouleau. As second-in-command, he will provide the sage counsel and tenacity the Canadian Armed Forces will need to prevail against the threats and challenges facing Canada. To Lieutenant-General Rouleau and Lieutenant-General Lanthier, I wish you both the best of luck in your endeavours,” stated General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff.

Lieutenant-General Mike Rouleau Career

Lieutenant-General Rouleau began his military career in 1985 as an artillery officer. He retired in 1999 to join the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police Services.

However, he re-enrolled after the events on 9-11. Over the course of his career in the CAF he has served equally between the Canadian Army, Special Operations Forces, and in strategic staff positions.

He becomes VCDS after serving as the commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command since June 2018.

Lieutenant-General Jean-Marc Lanthier Career

Lieutenant-General Jean-Marc Lanthier will be retiring after over 30 years of distinguished service to Canada.

Enrolling in 1989, Lieutenant-General Lanthier’s retirement concludes a career that has included six international deployments and two domestic operations, with command appointments that most recently included the Canadian Army and the VCDS. Lieutenant-General Lanthier has served his country with honour and distinction.

He noted, “I retire with nothing but pride and the utmost respect and admiration for the tremendous soldiers, sailors, aviators, and special operators who defend our great nation.”

VCDS Responsibilities

Second in command of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the VCDS is responsible for an array of functions ensuring that National Defence policy and strategic objectives are achieved. Accountable to both the CDS and the Deputy Minister of National Defence, the VCDS also governs National Defence headquarters and its related activities.