An Exclusive Conversation with Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jonathan Vance

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Gen. Jonathan Vance


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HMCS Brandon


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Agusta Westland CH-149
Cormorant Helicopter

Please join Canada's most senior military officer, General Jonathan Vance, the Chief of the Defence Staff, for his inaugural address to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.  General Vance is a proud soldier, a thoughtful and intelligent leader, and an outstanding public speaker.

General Vance will share some of his thoughts on international conflict, the work of Canada's men and women in uniform, and the challenges associated with leading an organization of 100,000 strong. In an increasingly interconnected global economy, what happens on the world stage affects all of us, and so his perspectives are valuable for any senior executive or business owner.

After the luncheon, guests will have the opportunity to attend a private reception aboard the HMCS Brandon, one of the Royal Canadian Navy's maritime coastal defence vessels. While aboard, you'll have to the opportunity to tour the ship, speak to some of its sailors, and hear a brief presentation from its commanding officer.

To cap off the day, you'll be invited to view from the ship's deck an exercise by search and rescue specialists from 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron out of Comox. This will include a fly-over of the CC-155 Buffalo search and rescue aircraft and maneuvers by a Cormorant helicopter.

Post Event Reception: Security clearance is required and you will be need to present valid photo ID to attend the reception aboard the ship. Please note that there is currently a wait-list for the reception, we will make accommodations based on availability.

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About the speaker:

Chief of  the Defence Staff

General Jonathan Vance grew up in a military family, and started uniformed life at the age of 13 as an army cadet in Germany. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1982, and was commissioned as an infantry officer into The Royal Canadian Regiment in 1986. Since then, has commanded at all levels within the field force, from platoon commander to brigade commander. He also served twice in combat operations as a Joint Task Force Commander in Afghanistan.

General Vance's decorations include the Order of Military Merit in the rank of Commander, the Meritorious Service Cross with bar and a Mentioned-in-Dispatches. He was appointed as the Chief of the Defence Staff in July 2015.

Chef d'État-Major de la Défense

Le général Jonathan Vance a grandi au sein d'une famille militaire, et a revêtu l'uniforme pour la première fois à l'âge de 13 ans en tant que cadet de l'Armée en Allemagne. Il s'est enrôlé dans les Forces canadiennes en 1982, et a été affecté en tant qu'officier d'infanterie au sein du The Royal Canadian Regiment en 1986. Il a commandé à tous les niveaux de la force de campagne, de commandant de peloton à commandant de brigade, ainsi que deux fois dans le cadre d'opérations de combat en tant que commandant d'une Force opérationnelle interarmées.

Le général Vance compte parmi ses décorations le commandeur de l'Ordre du mérite militaire, la Croix du service méritoire avec barrette et la citation à l'ordre du jour. Il a été nommé chef d'état-major de la Défense des Forces armées canadiennes en juillet 2015.

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