Media Advisory - Governor General to Preside Over the Canadian Armed Forces Change of Command Ceremony

OTTAWA, July 16, 2015 /CNW/ - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, will preside over the ceremony marking the Change of Command of the Canadian Armed Forces from General Tom Lawson to Lieutenant-General Jonathan Vance, who will be promoted as General. The ceremony will take place at the Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Drive, in Ottawa, on Friday, July 17, 2015, at 10:00 a.m.

"The change of command ceremony signals a passing of the torch from one leader to another," said the Governor General. As commander-in-chief, I am pleased to thank General Thomas Lawson for his service to our country, and to welcome General Jonathan Vance, Canada's 19th Chief of Defense Staff."

Upon his arrival, the Governor General will receive full military honours and conduct the inspection of a 100-member Canadian Armed Forces guard of honour. During the ceremony, His Excellency will sign the Change of Command certificates and present the pennant to the newly appointed Chief of the Defence Staff. He will also address Canadian Armed Forces members and guests.

For more information about the ceremony, and to confirm attendance, media are requested to contact the Department of National Defence. All media must be inside the Shaw Centre no later than 9:00 a.m.

SOURCE Government House

Media information: Dominique Collin, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-993-2569, [email protected]; Media Relations, Department of National Defence, 613-996-2353, 866-377-0811, [email protected]; Follow GGDavidJohnston and RideauHall on Facebook and Twitter