General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff, announce seven new appointments and assignments in the Canadian Armed Forces just before Christmas.

The changes include the promotion of BGen K.R. Cotten to Director General Public Affairs at National Defence Headquarters, replacing BGen J.C. Madower; BGen J.C. Madower to Project Leader for the Maritime Helicopter Project; and BGen M.A. Matheson to Director General Compensation and Benefits, replacing Commodore L. Bisson.

Col J.J.M.J. Paul was promoted to BGen and appointed Commander Task Force Jerusalem (Operation PROTEUS), replacing BGen M.J. Pearson; Col J.S. Sirois was promoted BGen and appointed Project Leader for the Military Personnel Management Capability Transformation Project, replacing BGen K.R. Cotten; Captain (N) M.D. Wood was promoted Commodore and appointed Director General Naval Force Development in Ottawa; and Col R.R.E. MacKenzie was promoted BGen and appointed Deputy Commander of 3rd Canadian Division in Edmonton, replacing BGen P.J. Bury.

After distinguished service to Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces, BGen M.J. Pearson will be retiring.