Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to announce in the House that the Prime Minister and the Governor General performed the change of command ceremony to install the Chief of Defence Staff of the Canadian Forces this past Monday.
I would like to congratulate General Thomas Lawson on his appointment to this role, while thanking the outgoing General Walt Natynczyk for his exemplary service to our country.
General Lawson is a former fighter pilot, with 37 years of experience, serving most recently as the deputy commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado. Looking at his background, I know that General Lawson's experience and military acumen will place the Canadian Forces in good hands for the future.
My riding is home to the famed Canadian Snowbirds, as well as NATO flying training in Canada. I know that the pilots and pilots-in-training will greatly benefit from the leadership of our new general.