Rick Hillier

General Rick Hillier, OC, CMM, ONL, MSC, CD

General Rick Hillier stands among the most influential Canadian military leaders of the modern era. During more than three decades of service, he commanded soldiers from troop level to the highest military appointment in the nation, led multinational forces in Bosnia and Afghanistan, reshaped the Canadian Forces during a period of sustained combat operations, and became one of the most recognizable Canadian military figures of his generation.

Born on 30 June 1955 in Campbellton, Newfoundland and Labrador, Hillier was raised there in the Notre Dame Bay region. Growing up in a hardworking family, he developed an early appreciation for discipline, leadership, and service. He originally hoped to become a military pilot, but a failed medical examination redirected him toward an Army career. He attended Memorial University of Newfoundland and joined the Canadian Forces through the Regular Officer Training Plan in 1973, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1975.

After completing his armour officer training, Hillier began what would become an exceptional command career. He joined the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s) in Petawawa, Ontario, before later serving with and commanding the Royal Canadian Dragoons and assuming increasingly senior appointments throughout the Canadian Army. His natural leadership, operational insight, and ability to inspire confidence quickly marked him as one of the Army’s most promising officers.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Hillier commanded at every level, eventually taking command of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, Canada’s senior regular force armoured regiment. During this period, he also held important staff appointments in Canada and abroad, gaining extensive experience in planning multinational operations and working alongside allied militaries.

International recognition followed during the conflicts that accompanied the breakup of the former Yugoslavia. From 2000 to 2001, Hillier commanded NATO’s Stabilization Force Multinational Division (South-West) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, overseeing thousands of troops from numerous allied nations during a complex peace-support operation. His leadership earned widespread praise and further established Canada’s reputation as a trusted coalition partner.

His reputation continued to grow when he was appointed Chief of the Land Staff, the senior Canadian Army appointment, in May 2003. In February 2004, he assumed command of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. Leading approximately 6,000 personnel from thirty-five nations, Hillier directed security operations during a critical stage of Afghanistan’s reconstruction while coordinating support for provincial reconstruction, Afghan security institutions, and voter registration.

In February 2005, Hillier was appointed Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff, becoming the professional head of the Canadian Forces. His appointment coincided with one of the most demanding operational periods in modern Canadian military history. Under his leadership, Canada expanded its combat commitment in Afghanistan, modernized equipment, increased operational readiness, and renewed public awareness of the Canadian military after decades of declining visibility.

Hillier became known for his direct communication style and unwavering advocacy for the men and women under his command. He consistently argued that Canada’s military existed foremost to defend the nation and defeat those who threatened its security. His straightforward manner resonated strongly with serving personnel and veterans, helping restore pride and confidence throughout the Canadian Forces during a period of intense operational activity.

As Chief of the Defence Staff, Hillier championed significant investments in equipment, improved support for military families, enhanced care for wounded personnel, and greater recognition of veterans’ sacrifices. He worked closely with allied commanders in NATO and the United States while maintaining Canada’s reputation as a highly professional and capable military partner.

Following his retirement from the Canadian Forces in July 2008, Hillier remained an influential voice on defence and national security. He became Chancellor of Memorial University of Newfoundland, served on numerous corporate and charitable boards, authored the memoir A Soldier First: Bullets, Bureaucrats and the Politics of War, and continued speaking publicly on military affairs, leadership, and Canadian defence policy.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hillier once again answered the call to public service when he was appointed Chair of Ontario’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force. Drawing upon decades of operational planning and logistics experience, he helped oversee Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, one of the largest vaccination efforts in the province’s history.

General Hillier’s distinguished career has been recognized through numerous Canadian and international honours. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a Commander of the Order of Military Merit, an Officer of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, a Member of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, and a recipient of the Meritorious Service Cross. His other distinctions include Canadian operational, peacekeeping, commemorative, and long-service medals; United Nations and NATO medals; the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service; appointment as a Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau of the Netherlands; and appointment to the United States Legion of Merit in the degree of Officer.

General Rick Hillier remains one of Canada’s most respected military leaders. His legacy extends beyond the commands he held or the medals he earned. He is remembered for restoring confidence in the Canadian Forces, championing those who served under him, strengthening Canada’s role within allied military operations, and ensuring that the professionalism and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers remained firmly in the public consciousness. His influence continues to shape Canadian military leadership and defence policy well into the twenty-first century.