Command of Ontario's Army Changes Hands

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 11, 2014) - Department of National Defence

Command of 4th Canadian Division (4 Cdn Div) officially changed hands today during a ceremony held at the Lieutenant-Colonel George Taylor Denison III Armoury in Toronto.

The new commander, Brigadier-General (Brig.-Gen) Lowell Thomas, assumed command from Brig.-Gen Omer Lavoie during the ceremony presided over by Lieutenant-General (Lt.-Gen) Marquis Hainse, Commander Canadian Army.

The 4th Canadian Division is one of six major formations that report to Army Headquarters in Ottawa. Responsible for all Regular and Reserve Force army elements in Ontario, 4 Cdn Div provides combat-ready ground forces to meet Canada's defence objectives, both at home and abroad.

Brig.-Gen Lavoie has been appointed Director General Defence Force Planning at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa and Brig.-Gen Thomas comes to 4 Cdn Div from Canadian Joint Operations Command Headquarters in Ottawa where he was the Chief of Staff.

Quick Facts

• 4 Cdn Div's mission is to generate and maintain, at designated states of readiness, combat capable, multi-purpose land forces to meet Canada's defence objectives, both at home and abroad.
  
  
• 4 Cdn Div is spread across 46 Ontario communities and comprises more than 13,000 men and women.
  
  
• 4 Cdn Div Headquarters is located at the Lieutenant-Colonel George Taylor Denison III Armoury in Toronto.
  
  

Quotes

"We are here today to thank an outstanding officer who has provided unwavering leadership to the members of the 4^th Division and to the Canadian Army. Brigadier-General Lavoie is an exceptional officer and an inspirational leader. We also have the good fortune to welcome Brigadier-General Thomas. He brings a wide range and depth of exceptional leadership and experience and I have every confidence that he will continue to move the Division forward."

Lieutenant-General, Marquis Hainse, Commander Canadian Army

"I congratulate all of you on your professionalism, your initiative, and your motivation in responding to the many challenges that were thrown at you in the last few years. You should be proud of your accomplishments and I thank you for your hard work."

Brigadier-General Omer Lavoie, Director-General, Defence Force Planning (outgoing 4 Canadian Division Commander)

"Commanding a division in the Canadian Army is a privilege that few people are offered. I would like to thank the institution for their continued confidence in me and for the opportunity to command this excellent formation. I look forward to the challenges that I am sure that will be presented to me."

Brigadier-General Lowell Thomas, Commander, 4 Canadian Division

Associated Links

http://www.army-armee.forces.gc.ca/en/central/index.page

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lfca_multimedia

https://www.facebook.com/4CdnDiv4DivCA