Policy

Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) Welcomes New Commander

Mishall Rehman July 11, 2024

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Above images: Left, Brigadier-General Steve Hunter and, right, Major-General Steve Boivin. Images courtesy of the CAF.

Brigadier General Steve Hunter has assumed the mantle as the new Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) commander.

CANSOFCOM is the Canadian military’s high-readiness agile Special Operations Forces. The command conducts special operations both at home and abroad. The Commander of CANSOFCOM not only manages the Canadian Armed Forces’ operations but also advises the Chief of the Defence Staff on special operations issues and employment.

The Chief of the Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre, centre, presided over the Change of Command Ceremony. Left, *Major-General Steve Boivin and right, Brigadier-General Steve Hunter. Image courtesy of the CAF.*

Continued Success

“CANSOFCOM has continued to deliver world class special operations effects around the world under MGen Boivin’s command. In a period characterized by multiple, often overlapping crises, he has brought agility, bold action, and professional excellence to the role, and in doing so set the Command up for future success in a deteriorating global security environment. I am confident that BGen Hunter, with his vast experience in the Command and unwavering commitment to duty and excellence, will lead our Special Operations Forces to continued success in our nation’s most sensitive missions,” said Chief of the Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre.

A ceremony was held at Cartier Square Drill Hall in Ottawa and was presided by the CDS. BGen. Hunter assumed command in May from Major-General Steve Boivin, who served in the role for three years.

“It has been a true privilege to lead the special forces assaulters, operators, specialists, supporters, and public servants who execute missions around the world every day in support of the Canadian Armed Forces. They do this daily with professionalism, leadership, and dedication to their country. I am immensely proud of the work we have achieved in the past three years, and I confidently hand over the reins to BGen Hunter to lead our SOF forces,” said MGen. Boivin.

On February 9, 2024, members of a Special Operations Task Force received their Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation insignia from Brigadier General Steven Hunter during a ceremony held in Petawawa, Ontario. Photo by: CANSOFCOM Imaging. Image courtesy of CAF.

New Commander

In his new capacity, BGen. Hunter will be responsible for overseeing the six units of CANSOFCOM, each playing a crucial role in our nation’s security. These units include:

Task Force 2 (JTF 2),
the Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CJIRU-CBRN),
the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR),
427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS),
Canadian Special Operations Training Centre (CSOTC) and the Command Headquarters.

In his role, he will be required to ensure that CANSOFCOM continues to deliver on counter-terrorism response and react to emerging threats.

“It is truly an honour to take Command of CANSOFCOM today. Having spent more than 20 years as a member of this organization, I am proud to work with such a diverse team of highly qualified professionals. CANSOFCOM’s members possess world-class skills, allowing them to continually adapt to the evolving global security environment, while working tirelessly to protect our nation and its interests. I know that over the coming years we will face many challenges together and in meeting them, I look forward to what we will accomplish,” said BGen. Hunter.