William D. Casey, M.P.

Cumberland Colchester Musquodoboit Valley
646-S Centre Block

House of Commons

Ottawa, ON  K1A 0A6

House of Commons

Chambre des communes

Canada

 Press Release

Ottawa Tel: (613) 992-3366

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Casey supports General Hillier as Chief of Defence Staff

October 4, 2007

Ottawa – In response to media reports about the possible retirement or removal of General Rick Hillier as Chief of Defence Staff, Bill Casey, M.P. made the following statement:

“I would like to add my support to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier.  I believe that General Hillier has been the right man at the right time to breathe new life into the Canadian Armed Forces and he has shown the country that he is a charismatic and effective leader.

CDS Hiller has also managed a transition of the Canadian forces, and has been successful in making it into one that is deeply respected around the world as a well-trained and well-equipped military organization. He has managed this substantial rebuilding challenge while the Armed Forces have been in the middle of the challenging Afghanistan conflict.

Hillier is also clearly concerned about every soldier under his command and has spent a considerable time ensuring that his troops get the required attention of those of us here in Ottawa.  In my view, he is a unique combination of soldier, salesman, politician, diplomat, motivator, manager and leader.

           At one point, ten percent of all of the Canadian casualties in Afghanistan came from my riding of Cumberland Colchester Musquodoboit Valley.  It was very reassuring to find General Hillier very accessible to me when I presented him with the concerns of the families involved.  His personal attention to requests on behalf of the families was very helpful and it is an example of his hands-on approach for which we are grateful.

            Considering the many accomplishments that he has achieved in one very difficult time, I strongly support an extension to General Rick Hillier’s term as Chief of Defence Staff.” 

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