The Canadian Armed Forces is due to have a new commander-in-chief on July 18, 2024.
At this point, no one seems to know who will be his replacement, and even the current Secretary of Defense has said he has no idea who will be his replacement.
Gen. Wayne Eyre told CBC News in an interview Wednesday that a date has been set for the change of command ceremony, but the federal government has not yet said who will take his place.
“We know the transition of command will occur on July 18th,” Eyre said. Pentagon sources said Eyre had insisted on a gap of at least two months between the appointment of his successor and his own departure.
“We know 1719451871 Handover periods will be significantly shortened, increasing risk for financial institutions,” Ayre said.
Eyre indicated in January that he would be retiring this summer after 40 years in the military. At the time, Downing Street congratulated him in a media statement and thanked him for his service.
Asked recently when a successor might be named, the prime minister’s spokesman said it could be some time but gave no specifics.
Several names have been floated as possible successors, but the one most frequently mentioned is Lieutenant General Jenny Carignan, who currently heads the military’s conduct and culture department.
Other names being mentioned include Vice Adm. Bob Auchterlony, the current head of the military’s operational command, and Rear Adm. Paul Prevost, head of the Joint Strategic Chiefs of Staff, the center of military planning.
Eyre has served in the role since February 2021, when he took over as defence secretary, replacing retired Rear Admiral Art McDonald. McDonald resigned after allegations of sexual misconduct emerged, but military police later decided not to pursue the allegations.
Eyre, a former commander of the Canadian Army, took over an agency in crisis as many of the military’s senior leaders faced allegations of inappropriate conduct.
He was initially appointed on an interim basis and took up the permanent role in November 2021.
The fact that he was thrown into the middle of a crisis unprepared led him to argue for a careful and orderly transition.
“Taking this job without a transition would just not be the right way to do business,” Eyre said. “I want to do everything I can to ensure my successor, and most importantly the organization, is successful.”
There are no term limits, but the country’s defense secretary typically serves a term of about three years.
Eyre has been vocal in the past few months about the challenges facing the Canadian military, including severe personnel shortages, outdated equipment and constant requests for military assistance, especially in response to domestic crises.
He has also been a source of political and social discontent surrounding the military. He has been criticized for his handling of some of the sexual misconduct issues, particularly his handling of senior officers who have been accused. Mr. Eyre is named as an individual in two lawsuits brought by retired generals facing accusations and prosecution.
The lack of a replacement for Mr Eyre has delayed a major shake-up of the military’s senior ranks, with several senior commanders due to retire soon.
