Canada Was Well Served by Soldier’s Soldier

April 16th, 2008

Over the years, my job as Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River has provided me with the privilege of meeting a vast array of amazing people. I encounter them here at home in our local communities, in Ottawa and in my travels across Canada and abroad.

Most of these people who make incredible contributions to the world around them are not famous. My encounters with each of these special individuals, which range from one-time meetings to the formation of professional and personal relationships, have truly enriched my life.

This week, one of the more well-known names in this group announced his decision to retire and, while I have no doubt he will continue to contribute to Canada in the future, I know that, like many Canadians, I will miss General Rick Hillier as Chief of the Defence Staff.

Gen. Hiller has been appropriately dubbed ‘A Soldier’s Soldier’. That’s because there was never any doubt throughout his term that his priority was his troops. He has been a fervent advocate of our men and women in uniform in the political, parliamentary, public and international forums.

Not only did Gen. Hillier champion the dignity of those who choose to serve, he helped Canadians understand, better than any politician, journalist or military strategist ever has, the urgent need to revitalize and invest in Canada’s military. He was able to do so, not only because of his credibility earned from a career spanning three decades, but because of the person he is.

The media pundits marvel at his incredible skill at public relations and his popularity among Canadians. I believe it’s no mystery. Gen. Hillier is a blunt, straight-shooter. He tells it like it is. And in a place like Ottawa, where the sometimes convoluted languages of bureaucratese and political correctness can grow tiresome, Gen. Hillier is a breath of fresh air!

Among his biggest fans are our Canadian Forces personnel. Ask any soldier what he thinks of Gen. Hillier and you’re likely to hear a litany of praise and pride. That’s certainly what I encountered when the General invited me to join him in Afghanistan over Christmas 2006. When we would stop at a forward-operating base, the troops would enthusiastically welcome "their" General with warm smiles, banter and firm hand shakes.

Gen. Hillier had already earned my respect and admiration when I became aware that he had personally founded the Military Families Fund (MFF) to complement existing programs for families faced with extraordinary situations directly linked to the unique military lifestyle. Thanks to the General’s own initiative, hundreds of thousand of dollars have been donated to the MFF by Canadians, corporations and other organizations. This was not part of his job description as Chief of the Defence Staff … just one more example of his dedication to his troops.

While he will be greatly missed, especially by those of us who are honoured to call him a personal friend, our Conservative Government will continue with Gen. Hillier’s commitment and leadership by supporting our troops and ensuring they have the tools necessary to accomplish their assigned tasks.