First Nations member takes over command of the Army in Ontario

By 2Lt Christopher Dubé | June 28, 2018
From left to right: Brigadier-General Paul, incoming Commander; Chief Warrant Officer Hartnell, Canadian Army Sergeant-Major; Lieutenant-General Wynnyk, Commander of the Canadian Army; Chief Warrant Officer Olstad, 4th Canadian Division/Joint Task Force (Central) Sergeant-Major; and Brigadier-General Cadden, outgoing Commander. (Photo: MCpl Jennifer Evans)

Brigadier-General Jocelyn Paul took over command of 4th Canadian Division/Joint Task Force (Central) from Brigadier-General Stephen Cadden on June 23, 2018 during a ceremony held at Queen’s Park in Toronto.

“The men and women of the 4th Canadian Division have performed to an exceptionally high standard over the past two years, and have performed magnificently on operations,” said Brigadier-General Cadden, outgoing Commander of 4th Canadian Division. “I leave the Division proud of its achievements, impressed with the professionalism of our troops, and confident in the leadership of the new Divisional Command team, Brigadier-General Paul and Chief Warrant Officer Keith Olstad.” The 4th Canadian Division, spread across 46 Ontario communities and comprising of more than 13,000 men and women in both the Regular and Reserve Force, generates and maintains combat capable, multi-purpose land forces to meet Canada’s defence objectives both at home and abroad. Joint Task Force (Central), headquartered in Toronto, is one of six regional joint task forces of the Canadian Armed Forces situated in key locations across Canada and responsible for conducting domestic operations.

The 4th Canadian Division/Joint Task Force (Central) Change of Command Ceremony was held on June 23rd at Queen’s Park in Toronto. (Photo: MCpl Jennifer Evans)

“It is an honour to take command of 4th Canadian Division. Brigadier-General Cadden has done an outstanding job leading the Division,” mentioned Brigadier-General Paul. “I look forward to building on his success and working with our security partners to ensure Ontario’s Army remains ready to meet our nation’s defence and security needs, at home and abroad.”

Brigadier-General Paul was born and raised in the First Nations’ community of Wendake, Quebec and is a member of the Huron-Wendat First Nation.

He brings with him almost thirty years of experience in the Canadian Armed Forces. During his impressive career, he has deployed to Croatia, Jerusalem and Afghanistan, where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross for the performance of his unit. He is a graduate from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Command and Staff College, the USMC School of Advanced Warfighting and the National Security Program of the Canadian Forces College in Toronto. He comes to the 4th Canadian Division from the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command in Ottawa where he was Chief of Staff.

Brigadier-General Cadden was promoted to the rank of Major-General and will be appointed Commander of the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre in Kingston.