Lawson Takes Over as Chief of Defence Staff

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Governor General David Johnston chat with outgoing Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Walter Natynczyk and Gen. Tom Lawson, the new head of Canada’s fighting forces, at a ceremony Monday at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. Harper thanked Natynczyk for his dedication to the job and sense of duty to those who served under him. In welcoming Lawson, he reminded him that “there is much to do,” such as continuing to rebuild the Canadian Forces and maintaining a strong military despite budgetary constraints. “From your early days as a Starfighter pilot in Germany, your career has been marked by a readiness to step up to the plate and provide leadership no matter how difficult, or how unexpected, the circumstances,” Harper said. “I look forward to working with you.” (PMO photo by Jason Ransom)