In a ceremony held at the historic Cartier Square Drill Hall in Ottawa on May 7, 2024, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) welcomed its new commander, Brigadier-General Steve Hunter. Presiding over the ceremony was General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), marking the official transition of leadership from Major-General Steve Boivin.
“It has been a true privilege to lead the special forces assaulters, operators, specialists, supporters, and public servants who execute missions around the world every day in support of the Canadian Armed Forces. They do this daily with professionalism, leadership, and dedication to their country. I am immensely proud of the work we have achieved in the past three years, and I confidently hand over the reins to BGen Hunter to lead our SOF forces,” said Major-General Steve Boivin, Previous Commander, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command.
Under the of leadership of Maj.-Gen. Boivin, CANSOFCOM continued its mission to provide agile, high-readiness Special Operations Forces capable of executing missions across the spectrum of conflict, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, he provided invaluable counsel to the CDS and other operational commanders on matters pertaining to special operations.
“CANSOFCOM has continued to deliver world class special operations effects around the world under MGen Boivin’s command. In a period characterized by multiple, often overlapping crises, he has brought agility, bold action, and professional excellence to the role, and in doing so set the Command up for future success in a deteriorating global security environment. I am confident that BGen Hunter, with his vast experience in the Command and unwavering commitment to duty and excellence, will lead our Special Operations Forces to continued success in our nation’s most sensitive missions,” expressed General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff.
CANSOFCOM operates as an operational command structured into six units, each playing a crucial role in fulfilling its mission. These units include Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2), the Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CJIRU-CBRN), the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR), 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS), the Canadian Special Operations Training Centre (CSOTC), and the Command Headquarters.
The command is distinguished by its three core strategic capabilities: delivering effective counter-terrorism responses, accessing, understanding, and influencing operational environments, and reacting rapidly to emerging or immediate threats. Such capabilities underscore CANSOFCOM’s pivotal role in safeguarding national security interests at home and abroad.
At the heart of CANSOFCOM are its highly trained and specialized personnel. Comprising Special Operations Assaulters, Special Operations CBRN Operators, Special Forces Operators, and Special Operations Officers, these individuals hail from the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force. Their expertise spans various critical roles within the command, ensuring its operational effectiveness and readiness.
As Brigadier-General Steve Hunter assumes command, he inherits the responsibility of leading one of Canada’s most elite military units. With a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Brig.-Gen. Hunter is poised to build upon the legacy of his predecessors and steer CANSOFCOM towards continued success in an ever-evolving global security landscape.
“It is truly an honour to take Command of CANSOFCOM today. Having spent more than 20 years as a member of this organization, I am proud to work with such a diverse team of highly qualified professionals. CANSOFCOM’s members possess world class skills, allowing them to continually adapt to the evolving global security environment, while working tirelessly to protect our nation and its interests. I know that over the coming years we will face many challenges together and in meeting them, I look forward to what we will accomplish,” said Brigadier-General Steven Hunter, Commander, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command.
In his inaugural address, Brigadier-General Hunter expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and pledged to uphold CANSOFCOM’s esteemed reputation while embracing new challenges and opportunities on the horizon. As the torch passes from one leader to the next, the spirit of dedication and resilience that defines CANSOFCOM remains unwavering, ensuring that Canada’s special operations forces stand ready to meet any mission with precision and valor.