Hillier to be replaced when term ends: CTV

Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Rick Hillier is expected to be replaced as top military commander when his three-year term expires in February, Conservative insiders have told CTV.

Observers say Hillier, who is popular with rank and file soldiers, had hoped to stay on to oversee the war in Afghanistan.

"Most certainly I think Hiller would welcome a second or a renewal of his appointment and the troops would welcome that also," said Col. (ret'd) Michel Drapeau, a military analyst.

Hillier has been described as a larger-than-life soldier's soldier, spending Christmas with his troops and fighting to rebuild the Armed Forces.

But observers say the government seems determined to get rid of the charismatic general, blaming him for outshining his political masters and undermining former defence minister Gordon O'Connor.

When the Armed Forces held a private farewell ceremony for O'Connor earlier at Ottawa's Cartier Square Drill Hall on Tuesday, Hillier showed up late.

And he wouldn't talk about his often-testy relationship with O'Connor.

Conservative insiders told CTV the late arrival is another example of the general's disrespect for his political bosses.

One senior official told CTV: "Hillier has started to believe his own press clippings."

Another said, "O'Connor is a good guy but he got his feet taken right out from under him by Hillier."

They blame Hillier for embarrassing the former defence minister over his department's failure to reimburse soldiers' families for the full cost of their loved ones' funeral.

Some military observers say removing the popular commander is risky, especially during the war.

"If they were to move him at this stage to take away his contract extension next February, it would be a huge slap in the face," said Scott Taylor, publisher of military magazine Esprit de Corps.

Possible successors include Vice-Admiral Drew Robertson and Lt.-Gen. Andrew Leslie although insiders say Lt.-Gen. Walter Natynczyk is likely to get the top job because the prime minister likes him.

With a report from CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife

Comments are now closed for this story

Nels
said

Finally we have a CDS that the general population can name. We can see our military leader and know who he is. The last time we had a CDS that the people of Canada could name was "What's his Name" who lead us during WW2. Lets keep Hillier a bit longer to finish the job and keep the pride in our forces.

Chris B
said

When I heard and read this story, I couldn't believe what I was seeing! IF (and I say IF...) this story is accurate and true, then someone in the Conservative party must be on crack!

Replace the General that returned pride to wearing the uniform? The one who managed to make the needs and wants of our military heard? Replace a General that rebuilt a shattered, tired, underequiped, underfunded, and demoralized military?

Yes. Crack. There can be no other explaination. And here I thought that the Conservatives actually wanted our military to continue to recover after far too many years of decay...

Martin
said

Can't say I agree with this. But as much as the Ottawa news beaureau makes it seem like there is a hidden political motivation behind this, there's probabaly a simpler, more benign reason.

B
said

I have a great respect for Gen. Rick Hillier. He is a man with a heart for our country, our troops and the situation in Afghanistan. It would be wrong to take such an strong and experienced leader away from this war.

Paul
said

To be efficient, all team members must work together well. Hillier definitely overworked on his popularity among troops but it's not soldiers who hire him and set the goals.
He should have paid at least as much attention to his boss.
This is how life works everywhere.

Mike Cook
said

Horrible idea....They need to watch the movie "The Gladiator" with Russell Crowe, has a similar ring to this situation with the fact that is the way in which a great majority of the Military and the informed citizens of this country see the man.

Wes
said

The CDS has done a terrific job with regards to revitalizing the Canadian Forces and conecting with the Canadian people. The reason that the average citizen knows who he is is a testament to his leadership and charisma. We have not had a leader or someone that is actually respected and looked up to by soldiers in a long time. Under the liberals we had joke after joke as the CDS. And no disrespect to the Navy or Airforce, but right now our current main effort is Afghanistan and recruiting. So it would benefit the Canadian Forces and our country as a whole to keep General Hillier or go with Major General Leslie. However Lt General Natynczyk is obviously senior to Leslie by rank.

Ryan
said

The Conservatives should be applauded for putting money back into the military but this was due in a large part to Hillier's ability to get out there and sell the military.
I think it would be a mistake to replace him. But I would be careful on speculations as to the reason. There may be other factors at play other then political.

Dianne Grove
said

Anyone that says that Hillier should be replaced does not know the man, or the dedicated soldier that he is. I've known him (not personally) since he was a Major here in Petawawa. Even then he stood behind his men and made them feel like they were important and to respect their uniforms and the tasks that would be demanded of this uniform and duty to country. There isn't a soldier in this country that would not follow him to the ends of the earth.
Let the politicians realize that it takes a soldier to run the military properly and a politician to lie to the rest of the country about what they do or will do.

Dee
said

If the Conservatives replace General Hillier over such a silly reason as hurting Gord O'Connor's feelings or because he stood up for what was right, then I would have to say they no longer deserve the office of the Prime Minister; because children are not typically allowed to be active politicians. For years the military was forced to downsize and cuts occured everywhere. Soldiers had no proper kit and equipment and could not effectively do their job as a first rate military should. Afghanistan or not, General Hillier has done for our military what has been needed for over 15 years; he helped to facilitate its rebuilding to become a first rate, highly trained, well equiped efficient and to be reckoned with force. If our politicians wish to get rid of the best thing that has happened to the Canadian Forces in over 15 years, then this is not the government I feel needs to receive my vote. The reason being that I do not wish to support a government that is more interested in hurt feelings and political games than doing what is right for the men and women who risk their lives everyday by serving as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. I'm proud of my country and the role the Candadian Forces have in protecting it, it would be nice if the government did as well. They need to stop giving lip service to the sacrifice the soldiers and their families make, and do what's right for the military, keep General Hillier as the CDS.

Bruce
said

The current CDS and this government have been the best there is for the Forces in many years. I've been in the CF for almost 43 years and I cannot recall when the military have been given so much attention by a serving Government. The military have earned the repsect of the Canadian public and the world as well. If they do replace the CDS before our troops are finished in Afghanistan, it will be a mistake.

Brad
said

As an active reservist I can easily say Hillier is the best CDS ever. He will be missed.

hollinm
said

I will believe it when I see the announcement that Hillier's term is not being renewed. Remember he wouldn't have been able to do what he has done without the backing of the Minister of Defence and the Prime Minister. If Mr. Hillier has overstepped his authority then he is subject to the pleasure of the prime minister regardless of what the public thinks.

Marg
said

So Hillier showed up late for O'Connor's farewell ceremony. Do you just suppose he might have had other things to do?

Daniel Mastine
said

Great, someone in an important position goes up to bat for good reason and they're being shut down. Why bother with a top general if they're only a yes person.

ben
said

Someone, in a government job, replaced at the end of his term?! insane! these evil conservatives treat our military so bad compared to the billions in cutbacks under the liberals, I mean what's more important to them, getting the equiptment to save their lives? or have a beloved general be in charge for ever? the liberals were right, keep the general, and cutback some more money from them to put into those very effective social programs that are almost-stopping murders in our streets.

Mandy
said

Wow the dirty politicians are mad because RH made them look like the dirty scum they are and now they are going to get rid of him.....

Bad move. Rick is very well respected among our troops and loosing the top soldier is going to be a big blow to the morale of our troops.

Either way I respect Rick more than any politician past or present and he will always be remembered as the best leader our military has ever seen.

He will always be welcomed here in Petawawa as the military god that he is....

Brian Wurm (CF Ret'd)
said

For the first time since the early fifties we had both a viable General in the position of CDS and an ex military member in the defence portfolio. Did they work well together, not always, but look at what happened within the Canadian Forces as a whole, it became a pride filled, purposeful entity, instead of the back stabbing, lurching from disaster to disaster, mess that it has been in recent decades. I think it is good to put new blood into important positions, but in this case leave Hillier where he is and let him continue to give the politcos in Ottawa a few sleepless nights about not just shoving the military to whereever it is most politically convenient. If we had had Hillier earlier on in the late 80s and 90 the military wouldn't be in the sad state it finds itself in with equipment and personnel. Thanks for your efforts general, they were appreciated.

MM
said

Gen Hillier is the only CDS in recent times to actually stand up and voice the military personnel's concerns. When you have a General who is willing to put his troops before himself regardless of whether it makes the federal government look good or not, you have a true leader who is going well above and beyond his job. Gen Hillier is doing an excellent job and the conservatives are making a huge mistake in phasing him out. Like he said so many times, he's a soldier, not a politician. He's not a person who should be shuffled around like MPs to make a party look better. Is the PM really doing what's best for Canada with this move, or is he trying to improve his party's image (which might I add this move will not even accomplish)!

Matt
said

Ignore the spin of this article, it's based on the comments of just a few insiders.

Hillier's popularity is exactly what is wrong with him. A Chief of Defence Staff shouldn't be posturing and grandstanding. Remember Colin Powell's understated presence...he commanded respect, even from those that didn't agree with U.S. policy (I'm talking about his days as a military man, not as a mouthpiece for George W.)

Whooping it up about "murderers and scumbags" may score you points with the meathead segment of the population, but it's not professional conduct. Let's hope his replacement better understands his duties.

Don Perry
said

For the first time in many years we have a soldier and not a bureaucrat as the CDS. Not only has Gen. Hillier been an inspiration for the troops, he has been the driving force behind rejuvenating the CF after decades of neglect and abuse by various governments. To remove him would send a terribly negative message to all serving personnel.

Chris
said

So much for supporting the troops ... This person has been the most positive thing to happen to the Canadian Armed Forces since the downfall of the Forces in the early 90s. --From a Canadian Veteran

Ross
said

I'm sure the Conservative strategists read these well, so here's my two cents worth:

I would find it extremely precarious to remove a General from Command, whom both Canadians and their soldiers have garnered great support from over his term as CDS. As much as I would potentially vote Conservative in any upcoming election, I could faithfully say that such attempts to remove General Hillier for politicking would be a deal breaker at the polls for me, and for many others in Ontario and Qu�bec.

Unless the Government can show cause, besides political displeasures, then one could postulate that the limited votes this minority government currently has in these two provinces would be further constrained by such a thought provoking action.

Since there is limited brass in the rank and file that could replace Hillier appropriately, this would only demonstrate a self-serving political move that I, as a voter, would not be comfortable with - considering that neither Canada's newest government nor any other recently for that matter, has yet to win me over as a champion of accountability and transparency as promised to its employer - the Canadian people.

David
said

Let me get this straight....the government is going to replace a general who has restored our armed forces, inside and out, because he embarassed a politician unfit to lead. I suspect with an election in the near future, the government might regret letting Hillier go, so that he can speak his mind during a campaign. Harper is getting very bad advice on this one.

Robert
said

Would it not be nice for Mr. Harper to do what is right for our country instead of doing something for his own image as he has been doing since the last elections.

Bob M
said

Utterly ridiculous. Hillier is the best of the best. He should stay on!!!

Michael (Ottawa)
said

Gen Hillier has been a tremendous spokesman for the military and been a leading advocate for military renewal following the Liberals systematic gutting of our military and its traditions. We need a strong military to be ready to act for Canada when called upon to do so. I'm pleased our current Prime Minister had the fortitude to do what was right in renewing our troops ability to do their jobs effectively.

Jean Pierre Levesque
said

This would be a very good move. As a former military person, Hillier was glory seeking. He must remember - he has a boss and he cannot play God.

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