Next Defence Chief Will Signal Liberals’ Priorities for the Military

Chief of Defence Staff Jonathan Vance sits in the front row during a news conference on June 26, 2020 in Ottawa. The federal Liberal government is reportedly racing against the clock to name a new commander of the Canadian Armed Forces, with some observers worrying a delay could leave the military in limbo in the event of an election. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA—Time is running out for the federal Liberal government to name a new commander of the Canadian Armed Forces before it faces a confidence vote, with some observers worrying a delay could leave the military in limbo in the event of an election.

Yet exactly who will be selected to succeed Gen. Jonathan Vance as chief of the defence staff remains a mystery because while there may be one seemingly obvious choice, there are others who might suit the Liberals better.