The Minister of National Defence, the Honourable David McGuinty travelled to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) headquarters in Colorado, to attend the Transfer of Appointment Ceremony of the Deputy Commander on July 15, 2025.
McGuinty met with Commander of NORAD, General Gregory M. Guillot, to discuss strengthening North American security. He also met with outgoing Deputy Commander, LGen Blaise Frawley, and LGen Iain Huddleston, who assumed the role of Deputy Commander of NORAD.
“I thank Lieutenant-General Blaise Frawley for his outstanding service and leadership as Deputy Commander of NORAD,” McGuinty stated in a press release. “His dedication to continental defence has been exemplary. I also congratulate Lieutenant-General Iain Huddleston on his appointment and have full confidence in his ability to carry forward this vital mission.”
At the meeting, McGuinty confirmed that the Government of Canada has removed all restrictions on air and missile defence of Canada, which will enable Canada to strengthen its defence capabilities and better deter and defend against threats to our country’s sovereignty, population, and critical infrastructure.
“It has been a distinct honour and privilege to serve as the Deputy Commander of NORAD over the past two years,” Lieutenant-General Blaise Frawley stated in a press release. “This role has deepened my appreciation of the critical importance of NORAD’s mission, to safeguard the sovereignty and security of North America through vigilant and continuous aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning. NORAD stands as a pillar of binational cooperation, embodying unwavering dedication, readiness, and unity – qualities I have witnessed daily in its dedicated members, Canadian and American alike.”
The Deputy Commander of NORAD is the highest-ranking Canadian Armed Forces officer within the organization. In addition to this role, they serve as Commander of the Canadian Element of NORAD, overseeing all Canadian personnel assigned across North America.
“I am honoured to assume the role of NORAD Deputy Commander and to become General Guillot’s teammate in leading this storied organization, the longest standing bi-national command in the world,” Lieutenant-General Iain Huddleston stated in a press release. “I am joining a distinguished community of Canadian and American military and civilian professionals who serve together in defence of our great nations and am humbled to follow in the footsteps of 27 esteemed predecessors. I am also eager to contribute to a pivotal era of NORAD modernization—an era that will empower us to successfully detect threats, deter adversaries, and defend our continent amidst an ever-evolving technological and global landscape.”