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The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence introduces Lieutenant-General Thomas J. Lawson as the next Chief of the Defence Staff during an event on Parliament Hill. LGen Lawson will assume command of the Canadian Forces in the coming weeks.
The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) has direct responsibility for the command, control and administration of the Canadian Forces, and is appointed by the Governor-in-Council, on the advice of the Prime Minister.