Chief of the Defence Staff | |
---|---|
Chef d'état-major de la Défense | |
since 18 July 2024 | |
Canadian Armed Forces | |
Type | Chief of defence |
Abbreviation | CDS |
Member of | Armed Forces Council |
Reports to | Commander-in-Chief via the Minister of National Defence |
Appointer | King of Canada or the Governor General of Canada on the advice of the Prime Minister of Canada |
Term length | At His Majesty's Pleasure |
Constituting instrument | National Defence Act |
Precursor | Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee |
Formation | 1964 |
First holder | Frank Robert Miller |
Deputy | Vice Chief of the Defence Staff |
Website | Official website |
The chief of the Defence Staff (CDS; French: chef d'état-major de la Défense; CEMD) is the professional head of the Canadian Armed Forces. As the senior military position, the chief of the Defence Staff advises the Cabinet, particularly the minister of national defence and the prime minister.[1] The role is a Crown-in-Council appointment made by the King or the viceroy on the advice of the prime minister.