Policy

CDS Appoints new Canadian Forces Provost Marshal and Commander CAF Military Police Group

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Brigadier-General Vanessa Hanrahan was officially recognized as the new Canadian Forces Provost Marshal (CF PM) and assumed command of the Canadian Forces Military Police Group (CF MP Gp) from Major-General Simon Trudeau.

The ceremony took place in December and was presided over by the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), General Jennie Carignan.

“I extend my congratulations to Brigadier-General Vanessa Hanrahan on becoming the new Canadian Forces Provost Marshal and assuming command of the Canadian Forces Military Police Group,” stated Bill Blair, Minister of Defence. “I have full faith in Brigadier-General Hanrahan’s leadership in guiding the Military Police in their important work. I want to thank Major-General Simon Trudeau for his six and a half years of service as the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal.”

Left to right: Brigadier-General Vanessa Hanrahan, Chief Warrant Officer Marc Beaumier, General Jennie Carignan, Chief Warrant Officer Sacha Dubé, Major-General Simon Trudeau for the signing of the Change of appoint scroll during the Canadian Forces Military Police Group Change of Appointment Ceremony, at His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Carleton, on 10 December 2024. Photo by: Master Corporal Dean Lynam, Canadian Forces Military Police Group.

Prioritizing Safety and Security

Gen. Carignan said the work of the military police continues to strive toward and support a safe and welcoming place for all within the Department of National Defence, Canadian Armed Forces and the larger defence community.

“Together, we will face new challenges and seize opportunities within our organizations to enhance military police capabilities, always prioritizing the safety and security of the defence community. I congratulate Brigadier-General Vanessa Hanrahan on their appointment as the new Canadian Forces Provost Marshal,” said Carignan.

Colonel Vanessa Hanrahan was promoted to brigadier general in a ceremony on December 4, 2024. They were selected and appointed by the CDS from a broad pool of Military Police officers who possess the requisite skills, qualities, and policing experience to hold the position of CF PM.
The appointment followed a process that included an assessment of eligible candidates by an independent committee administered by the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, as well as a 360-degree feedback assessment and a conflict of interest and culture interview.

Lieutenant-General Stephen Kelsey, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, spoke about how safety and security are essential elements that enable Canada’s defence community to effectively carry out their tasks at home and abroad in a rapidly changing environment.

“I am confident that with Brigadier-General Vanessa Hanrahan’s leadership, the military police will maintain the confidence placed in them to keep our community safe and will continue to strengthen the excellent collaboration with our partners and allies that has been a priority for Major-General Simon Trudeau over the past six and a half years.”

MP Team’s Achievements

Major-General Simon Trudeau stated how proud he was of the MP team’s achievements and dedication to the safety and security of those they serve.

“We have enhanced our capabilities and strengthened our collaborations with NATO allies and civilian police agencies in a rapidly evolving and dynamic security environment. I am confident that the Canadian Forces Military Police will continue to thrive and excel,” said Trudeau.

Brigadier-General Vanessa Hanrahan stated it was an honour to step into her new role.

“It is an incredible honour to step into the role of Canadian Forces Provost Marshal and Commander of the Canadian Forces Military Police Group. I extend my gratitude to Major-General Simon Trudeau for his exemplary service and leadership over the past six and a half years. I look forward to fostering an environment where every military police member can thrive and contribute to our collective success as a credible and steadfast police force,” said Hanrahan.

The CF PM commands all Military Police directly involved in policing duties. Above image: Military Police vehicle.

Job of CF Provost Marshal

The CF PM commands all Military Police directly involved in policing duties. The Canadian Forces Military Police provide a variety of operational, law enforcement, investigative, and security services at military establishments across Canada and throughout the world, wherever members of the Canadian Armed Forces serve.

Major-General Simon Trudeau was appointed as the CF PM and Commander of the CF MP Gp in 2018. He shared that he has seen the military police through an immense period of change as a result of independent external reviews of the organization and changes to the military justice system.

Brigadier-General Vanessa Hanrahan most recently served as the Deputy Canadian Forces Provost Marshal. They bring 30 years of service and a wide breadth of experience as a Military Police officer to their new role.

A bill to amend the National Defence Act is currently being considered before Parliament so that the Governor-in-Council may appoint a Provost Marshal General, who will hold office for a term not exceeding four years.

Additionally, the bill proposes an amendment to the NDA, specifying that the Provost Marshal General will report directly to the Minister of National Defence in carrying out their duties.