New Commander for Canadian Special Operations Forces Command

Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) completed a change of command ceremony at Cartier Square Drill Hall in Ottawa, where Brigadier-General Steve Hunter assumed command from Major-General Steve Boivin.

Presided over by General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), the ceremony brought Maj.-Gen. Boivin’s three-year tenure as Commander of Canada’s special operations forces organization to a close.

CANSOFCOM provides the CDS with agile, high-readiness Special Operations Forces capable of conducting special operations across the spectrum of conflict at home and abroad. He also advises the CDS and other operational commanders on special operations issues and employment.

“CANSOFCOM has continued to deliver world class special operations effects around the world under MGen Boivin’s command. In a period characterized by multiple, often overlapping crises, he has brought agility, bold action, and professional excellence to the role, and in doing so set the Command up for future success in a deteriorating global security environment. I am confident that BGen Hunter, with his vast experience in the Command and unwavering commitment to duty and excellence, will lead our Special Operations Forces to continued success in our nation’s most sensitive missions.”

General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff

“It has been a true privilege to lead the special forces assaulters, operators, specialists, supporters, and public servants who execute missions around the world every day in support of the Canadian Armed Forces. They do this daily with professionalism, leadership, and dedication to their country. I am immensely proud of the work we have achieved in the past three years, and I confidently hand over the reins to BGen Hunter to lead our SOF forces.”

Major-General Steve Boivin, Previous Commander, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command

“It is truly an honour to take Command of CANSOFCOM today. Having spent more than 20 years as a member of this organization, I am proud to work with such a diverse team of highly qualified professionals. CANSOFCOM’s members possess world class skills, allowing them to continually adapt to the evolving global security environment, while working tirelessly to protect our nation and its interests. I know that over the coming years we will face many challenges together and in meeting them, I look forward to what we will accomplish.”

Brigadier-General Steven Hunter, Commander, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command

ADDITIONAL INFO

• CANSOFCOM is an operational command organized into six units: Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2); the Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CJIRU-CBRN); the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR); 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS); the Canadian Special Operations Training Centre (CSOTC); and the Command Headquarters.
• CANSOFCOM has three core strategic capabilities; delivering effective counter-terrorism response; accessing, understanding, and influencing operational environments; and, reacting rapidly to emerging or immediate threats.
• CANSOFCOM is made up of Special Operations Assaulters, Special Operations CBRN Operators, Special Forces Operators and Special Operations Officers, with personnel from the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force executing key specialist and supporter roles across the command.