The Canadian Army is marking milestones with its new commander.
The Department of National Defence announced Thursday Lt.-Gen. Jocelyn Paul will be the Canadian Army’s new commander. Paul is also the first Indigenous person to hold the position.
Paul is a member of the Huron-Wendat First Nation and is from Wendake, Que. He previously served as deputy commander of NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command in Naples, Italy. He’ll be replaced in that role by Maj.-Gen. S.R. Kelsey.
“Congratulations to Lt.-Gen. Jocelyn Paul’s appointment as the next Commander of the Canadian Army,” wrote the army in a Facebook post. “We look forward to serving under your command.”
The army says a change of command between Paul and its current acting commander, Maj.-Gen. Michel-Henri St-Louis, will take place in the summer.
The Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Canadian Navy also receive new leadership.
Maj.-Gen. Eric Kenny will take over as air force commander and be promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general. Rear Admiral Angus Topshee will lead the navy and also be promoted to vice-admiral.