By Canadian Press

Fighting systemic racism, extremism will be priority for next military chief: Trudeau

Dec 16, 2020 | 1:16 PM

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says priorities for the next commander of the Canadian Armed Forces include tackling systemic racism and rooting extremism from the ranks.

This is the first time Trudeau has shared his vision for the role since Gen. Jonathan Vance announced in July he was getting ready to step down as chief of the defence staff.

Trudeau told The Canadian Press during a wide-ranging interview today that the new defence chief will be named soon, though he stopped short of providing a timeline.

Trudeau says aside from operational and strategic skills and experience, the chosen candidate will need to focus on making the military more inclusive and reflective of Canadian values.

The military in recent years has been stung with a variety of controversies.

new mayor

Spring Mayoral by-election called in Ladysmith

11h ago

holiday check stops

Nanaimo motorists shine during province-wide crackdown

14h ago

targeted job action

Striking Nanaimo postal workers disrupt Purolator operations

18h ago

That includes what Trudeau described as “concerning” and “troubling” reports of extremism among some service members. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 16, 2020.

The Canadian Press