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Hillier looks forward to being with family, playing golf

STEVEN CHASE

Globe and Mail Update and The Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 12:29 PM EDT 15/04/08

‘Whatever I do next is going to have to be pretty exciting to lure me back,' says General Rick Hillier, who announces retirement as of July ...Read the full article

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  1. John Hinkley from Thornhill, ON, Canada writes: Too bad - and another good person get's fed up with the political hassles!
  2. Carl C. from Montreal, Canada writes: If this is true, its not good news for Canadian armed forces. I really think he was one of the best top brass the military have had in a very long time. Not afraid to tell the truth about how he thinks about the state of the military, even if it meant sometimes being at odds with the government...
  3. Mister G. from Canada writes: Sad news. This is the best CDS we ever had.
    He will be missed for his outstanding leadership.

    Thank you for your service general
  4. Nick B. from Oshawa, Canada writes: Three years is about the norm for CDS - but what a loss to the CF and to Canada in a way - his successor will have some huge shoes to fill, he certainly raised the bar as CDS. There's sure to be much speculation until July about who will be replacing Gen. Hillier. I wonder if he's planning to retire or move on to a NATO position like Gen. Henault did - he's young enough that he could continue on in his career but retiring might well be to his liking - more time to run slowly, play hockey poorly, and golf not well at all (as his bio says). His official DND biography is hilarious, a break from the stodgy claptrap that they usually consist of. It's worth a read:

    http://www.cds.forces.gc.ca/pubs/bio_e.asp

    Good luck in the future, Sir, it's been an honour.
  5. True North from Canada writes: Thanks for your service Rick - Canadians will miss you in the chair!
  6. Yvonne Wackernagel from Woodville, Canada writes: So many GOOD people lost from important positions as a result of this Government's inept behaviour. Maybe he was not as subservient as is expected by Harper.
  7. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Rick Hillier for leader of the CPC?
  8. A B from Calgary Area, Canada writes: Hillier was too political........ So Harpler fired him.

    Believe it
  9. Sandra L from Mississauga, Canada writes: Unfortunate, I respected him for not rolling over for Harper. I hope that is not the reason he is leaving and that his replacement will be as strong.
  10. Tim Cares from Canada writes: He'll probably be running for office soon. By the way, what kind of pension will he get if he leaves?
  11. Comments are Closed from Toronto, Canada writes: Unfortunate. He seems to have been the best we've had for a long time. I only hope his successor will bring similar talents to the job and not let it slide back into the lacking performance of the past. He's accomplished a lot in only 3 years.
  12. Frensa Lawrence from Edmonton, Canada writes: TEhe absolute best thing that ever happened to the Canadian Forces. He will be sadly missed. I hope his replacement has the fortitude to handle things the same way he did. Have a happy retirement General Hillier, you have earned it.
  13. Nick Wright from Halifax, Canada writes: Gen Rick Hillier is stepping down (resigning) as CDS July 1. What a coincidence. And what a vote of confidence by the military in the Harper government's handling of the Afghanistan file. Maybe M. Bernier was lucky after all to get out of Afghanistan in one piece--only it wasn't Afghans who wanted his hide.

    Think it through: Canada's Foreign Minister tips off the local governor that Canada and President Karzai are conspiring to depose him, or maybe even arrest him. Political disputes in Afghanistan are nothing like those in Canada: threaten someone in power, and they think of guns and bombs.

    Unless the governor is deposed in the next 24 hours, he has all the time, and the influence, he needs to take his revenge on the Canadians--the soldiers, that is.

    He knows all the Taliban in Kandahar province, and he knows a lot about Canadian Forces' vulnerabilities, schedules, and plans. As long as he is in office, every time a roadside bomb blows up around Canadian troops, there is no way to know if he had a hand in it--not necessarily directly, but by a tipoff or a misdirection into an ambush.

    Amateurs playing at foreign diplomacy in a war zone where our troops are vulnerable is criminal, and the military are the ones who suffer for it.
  14. leo Innocente from windsor, Canada writes: Very regrettable. A soldiers' soldier. He is to be admired for his intelligence and perseverance. He will be sorely missed and difficult to replace. Hopefully he will enter the political arena and bring those intangibles that most of our current politicians sadly lack.
  15. Jedburgh Abbey from Canada writes: That's weird, I didn't know Danny Williams was resigning.
  16. Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes: Thank you general.

    The new CDS will have large shoes to fill.
  17. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: I think one problem for Mr. Hillier is that he had to become the public face of the war effort, for obvious reasons, to build support for the war effort. Every war involves PR, and most don't need the support of the generals. But this is a very special war that calls for very special PR. Mr. Hillier was/is a military man, not a PR man.
  18. sam themacman from Waterloo, Canada writes: Finally, we get rid of Canada' s chief warmonger! About time too! This man has sullied Canada's reputation abroad, and has been way too cozie to the Yanks! Canada should never have gone to Afghanistan, and the Liberals are responsible for getting us there, and the Conservatives are responsible for keeping us there, doing nothing that is sustainable. In the end we will leave, because this war is not winnable. It isn't even our war. It is the Yanks war, which is as much a debaccle as the one being lost in Iraq. Hillier had to go for several reasons. One, he is not the voice, as head of DND or of policy. The Defence Minister is, and the minister is the face of Canada's military when dealing with public policy and issues related to the military. Soldiers are not to be seen as being political. Hillier has been the most visible and political general since McNaughton in World War II, and the politics of McNaughton cost him his postings. Hillier can only blame himself for his own demise. Blaming the government won't cut it. Generals who blame government never win in the end. They cannot be trusted by the political establishment. No matter what the general may think, he and the military are paid to carry out aspects of foreign policy that they are designed to carry out and implement. They are not called to question the orders, but carry them out. They advise through the department (DND) and consult, but they do not direct public policy, and nor do they question public policy in public. Canada's role in Afghanistan is a fiasco. You have Bernier calling as it is on the ground, and having to retract the words, and show solidarity with the government of Afghanistan. The Afghani government is a joke. Without NATO it crumbles and disappears. As far as I am concerned, they can fight their own war, and we can all go home. If they want democracy, then they can fight for it. Enough Canadian blood has been spilt. Bring our soldiers home... now!
  19. William Ross from Victoria BC, Canada writes: A true soldiers soldier and he will be sorely missed his contributions will go down in canadian military history as he helped us to get real and drop this blue helmet peacekeeping myth will deluded ourselves into for awhile and became what our military should be a organization of some of the best warriors in the world well done!
  20. françois boudreau from Canada writes: Glad to see him leave. We need a person with reservation occupying this position, not someone who wants to have a political impact. Hellier was too close to USA way of seeing the world, we need a CDS with a less warlike attitude, therefore, we need oa less warlike policy for Canada.
  21. jim young from Newfoundland, writes: the next newfoundland premier?
  22. Byron Rottweiler from Canada writes: Apparently he is being considered for the Governor's job in Kandahar.
  23. Mr. Justice from Canada writes: He will join his own two military-age sons, members of the CF serving on the ground in Afghanistan . . . right ?

    Oh, wait. . . .
  24. Mr. Justice from Canada writes: . . . joining the sons and daughters of MPs who have voted to support this mission, Tories and Libbies alike . . . right ?

    Oh, wait . . . .
  25. M Poland from Calgary, Canada writes: Hmmnn, I think some of you should think before you comment. The CDS usually stays @3 years on the job. That is what General Hillier has done. Luckily, despite the abysmal Liberal neglect of our Forces, we have trained others who will also do a fine job; I am sure that Ge. Hillier wouldn't retire [if the report is correct] otherwise. Those who think the CDS should stand up to the government of the day should realize that the government is in charge of the military and not the other way around. Yvonne, you really are a treat, aren't you? Thank you, Gen. Hillier, for your stellar service.
  26. P Jones from NB, Canada writes: This is a huge loss for the Canadian Armed Forces and for Canada as a whole. Thank you Gen. Hillier for your service as CDS ... you will be missed.
  27. Stude Ham from Outremont, Canada writes: This is not surprising... the harper whatever it is was devising military strategies from numerous political sources... ie... o'connor, pc killer mckay, foot in mouth bernier, chief g.w.bush, the useless nato boy scouts, the lafffabble french, and so on and so forth.

    and about all that happened was that we got 68 of our soldiers killed in a'stan during the clownservative mismanagement, and at least one very major scandal over the issue of prisoner transfers into the hands of torturers, and to cap it off, absolutely no end in sight to the servicing of the a'stan drug infested sewer.

    a lousy record for any soldier in command.

    GET OUR TROOPS OUT OF AFGHANISTAN NOW!
    DUMP HARPER!
  28. Roger B from Canada writes: Now Harper can install someone he likes and who doesn't talk back. Jason Kenny come on down.
  29. Syed Abbas from Toronto, Canada writes:

    A war loving general in a peace loving nation.

    A misfit, but smart enogh to see the writing on the wall.

    Another casualty of Afghanistan.
  30. Dan Radu from Calgary, Canada writes: Dribble. There's a much better piece on this in the National Post. Gets into some of the possible successor credentials etc.

    I thought he did his job well, but should have kept his mouth shut with the media. No doubt he'll be gunning for political office soon. I think he's a Lib so there's some room for talent there.
  31. Pretty Much Sane from Canada writes: Let's not tear off in different tangents, this is not the end for Rick Hillier but a new beginning. Stand by for future announcements on just what his intentions may or may not be. Those who would surmise, he is stepping down by reason of political turmoil or personal disappointment, couldn't be more wrong.
    You don't leave something, unless you have something better to go to and this is exactly what is about to take place.
    Good Luck Rick!
  32. Trillian Rand from Canada writes: General Hillier has stayed about as long as any of his predecessors so leaving now should be no shock.

    The good news for the government is that they can now appoint 'one of their own' to the post. Don't forget General Hillier was appointed by the Liberals. With our involvement in Afghanistan extended to 2011, the next CDS should be appointed soon after our troops are back home.
  33. J Lee from Canada writes: Maybe now we can find a head general who actually recognizes what is happening in Afghanistan. Someone who doesn't think that it will be a walk in the park with only a few men. Someone who doesn't think that the appeasing the USA is the key role for our military. Someone who doesn't completely misjudge military strategy and tactics. Someone who doesn't think that all we need is more military hardware. Good ridance.
  34. Zando Lee from Vancouver, Canada writes: ....another casualty of the Afghan mission....more to come....
  35. Chris Lalonde from Singapore writes: sam themacman from Waterloo, Canada writes 'Finally, we get rid of Canada' s chief warmonger! About time too! This man has sullied Canada's reputation abroad, and has been way too cozie to the Yanks! Canada should never have gone to Afghanistan, and the Liberals are responsible for getting us there, and the Conservatives are responsible for keeping us there, doing nothing that is sustainable.'

    The Canadian Armed Forces takes it orders from the federal parliament of Canada have been given a mandate by the people of Canada. The CAF military personnel job is not to determine which wars to fight but to take orders from those voted in by the people. If it were the contrary, Canada would be another banana Republic. It's not.

    Thank you General!
  36. The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: Thank You General Hillier! You've helped bring pride back to our Armed Forces, and Canada.

    I do have a favour to ask of you though. Please come back to Canada, join the Conservative Party of Canada, and throw your hat into the ring for the Leadership of the Cons if Harper can't get a majority next election. You've done an admirable job of running the Armed Forces, I believe you'd do an admirable job of running Canada.
  37. F.T. Ward from Canada writes: I don't think history will see his tenure as a bright spot. Like McNaughten he was well known but failed to organize the forces for the challenges ahead. His intense desire to integrate with the US military lead to the misguided recommendations to the government which landed us in Kandahar and will probably lead to major problems in force generation over the next three years. His watch saw some major purchases: C17s delivered, Leopard IIs and some more drones on the way, and Chinooks ordered shortly but it's hard to imagine any CDS not being able to get some major gear past Treasury Board after 9/11. The plan to expand the forces has not gone to plan, his efforts at changing the culture of the CF have gone nowhere and DND still cannot stay on time and within budget. Finally he botched the detainee issue and although popular among many Canadians he became the first CDS to be actively disliked by many.
  38. Prairie Boy from Canada writes: Congratulations Mr. Hillier for doing a good job for your country. To take an organization with no equipment into an engagement with inherent danger while also having to fight the political values at home is no easy mission to accomplish. I feel your dedication to the boots on the ground is laudable. Be proud of what you have accomplished.
  39. Simon Hum from Canada writes: This is an unfortunate turn of events and great loss to the Canadian Armed Forces.

    Thank You Gen. Hillier for you dedication and service to the country - I salute you!
  40. Que Sommes-Nous from Canada writes: I didn't always agree with what he said, but I definitely admired his leadership qualities. Good luck to him in whatever he decides to pursue next.
  41. Spencer Coulthard from Halifax, Canada writes: An exceptional Canadian.

    I do hope we see him in some kind of Canadian public role in the future.

    God knows there is an absence of integrity there today.
  42. George Hall from Canada writes: Hopefull Hillier took the hint that Harper and the people of Canada do not appreciate his out spoken war mongering attitudes.
    Hillier has far too much ambition , he wanted to set our foreign policy
    I don't thinkhe should be considered a soldiers soldier by any means...he has ben reckless with peoples lives..he has ignored basic teets of the Geneva convention regarding prisoners... and I can never forgive him for his laughing al;ongside Defence Minister O.Connor while discussing the deathy of Pvt. Anthony Boneca.
    Lets pray he is replaced by someone who has respect for others and has an appreciation of peace...for Hillier certainly does not.
  43. Brent V from Toronto, Canada writes: A damn shame. I hope he'll reconsider. The next CDS will have tall boots to fill indeed.
  44. Nick B. from Oshawa, Canada writes: George Hall, I have asked you repeatedly for some shred of proof that O'Connor and the CDS 'laughed' when discussing Pte Boneca, as that claim is dubious at best. If it actually happened, (and isn't an image taken out of context), I'm sure it would be easy to prove, but no such proof has ever emerged. To hear General Hillier discuss the sacrifices some have made and to talk about his having met so many families totally undermines your suggestion that such an incident ever happened. Beyond that, everything else you'd said is also ridiculous.
  45. Stinch d from toronto, Canada writes: Devastating blow to the forces, and to the Canadian people.

    Goes to the adage 'never send a man to do a politician's job.'
  46. Gogh Forit from Canada writes: I'd be interested to read what both Francois Boudreau and Sam themacman would suggest as the best use of the Canadian Forces instead of their current assignment. Oh wait, I think I can see this...directly from Taliban Jack's manifesto....Darfur.
    Just make the troops drop their protective armour and don the baby blue berets of peacekeepers, along with the pea shooters peacekeepers are allowed to carry but not use, making them easier targets for Sudanese Warlords. You can't be a peace-retainer until a peace has been established.
    Of course if Jack Layton had his way there would be no Canadian military, armed or not. We would be the ONLY country on the planet that didn't have some type of defense force. Francois and Sam....you then support the goals of the Taliban of keeping women and children as virtual slaves, kept away from any chance of education or advancement. And how many Canadian soldiers would have to die in Darfur, before you et al would be screaming to bring them home again.
    Please educate me as to what you would consider the apt role for the men and women of the CF.
  47. George Bishop from Fergus, Ontario, Canada writes: Who stated that 'Tory times, are tough times' should remember that Harper and his Minister of National Defence where out to get rid of the General, so it as come to past, shame on this Harper government!
  48. Joe Canada from Kingston, Canada writes: From the Article: His legacy will be a renewed military, equipped with new aircraft, vehicles and other equipment that had been depleted by years of budget cuts and neglect.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Liberal legacy....a military (soldiers and equipment) subjected to years of neglect endangering the lives of Canadian soldiers everywhere to save a buck and buy a cheap vote.

    Thanks Gen. Hillier, you did a fine job but unfortunately lefties like George Hall will always hate you for being a soldier first, a proud Canadian warrior and a politician a distant second.

    A salute to the good General.
  49. Bohemian Grove Club Member from Canada writes: Sad day for Canada to see this man leave, I have grown to admire the man not for who he is but for the way the troops respect him. It's been a long time since we have had a military leader that got support from the troops and the government as well as the people. Yes, I to would support his leadership of the CPC if he was to run at it or at the very least be the Minister of Defence. I'm sure this won’t be the last we hear of him, a man like this is to sorely needed in this country&8217;s government.
  50. Shawn Bull from Canada writes: Hey, why can't we comment on the 'RAID' happening at the Conservative HQ? Apparently two RCMP officers are assisting Elections Canada on collecting documents. I didn't know 2 officers assisting another division constitues a raid. What do you call it when 4 RCMP officers go in...an all out military ambush. I love Canadian politics.
  51. Common sense is BACK! from Canada writes: .

    Canada's finest military officer simply can't stand having the PMO tell him what to say, think, eat, etc.

    As well, did Harper force him to resign at the exact same moment the RCMP raided his HQ in a weak attempt to deflect the news???

    Tory times are hard times indeed.
  52. Al Suba from Canada writes: We owe General Hillier a debt of gratitude for his exemplary service to the military and to Canada. I have been in the military, or associated with it for the last 41 years, and while I have seen many excellent leaders come and go, in my estimation there were none of General hillier's stature. God speed, General!
  53. Allan Eizinas from Simcoe, Canada writes: .
    Good riddance!

    It was on his enthusiastic advice that we are now bogged down in that human meat grinder called Afghanistan. He was in control for far too long.

    I am glad Harper finally got rid of him.
  54. Pete D from London, Canada writes: Good riddance!
  55. Ian from Calgary from Canada writes: I have spoken to a number of CAF personnel since Hillier took over and haven't found one yet who doesn't like and respect him. He stands up for the military as he should - it is pretty obvious that his concern is the military, not the polititicians.

    He will be sorely missed and I hope his replacement is as honest and straightforward as Hillier. We do not need a political lapdog in that role!
  56. G. Veneta from Calgary, Canada writes: Thanks Hillier for your dedicated service. Your leadership will be missed.

    Another good person leaves an important position. How many great civil servants has this government lost?

    Something smells here as per usual these days. He spoke his mind and doncha know that isn't on with the 'decider'.
  57. Ken K from Ottawa, Canada writes: This is really unfortunate. Best CDS in recent history. It's ironic that the liberals had the guts to put him in (even though he had criticized much of their prior actions) yet the cons (who shoul'dve been a natural ally) were too petty and incompetent and dishonest to keep him.
  58. Matt O from Ottawa, Canada writes: As the comments on here already prove, Hillier's legacy will polarize historians and commentators for decades. On the one hand, his incredible popularity amongst the rank and file soldiers is breathtaking. When alll is said and done, the military is run much like any other organization, and in how many other organizations would you find low-level employees so supportive of their chief boss? Credit goes to Hillier for forging such reciprocal relationships. On the other hand (and this is something that few of you have talked about up to now), Hillier has so wholly transformed CF bureaucracy to bend to his will, that a transition to a successor may be somewhat problematic. There are no guarantees that any successor will be able to manage the beast that Hillier has moulded, and there may be lots of confusion if a mediocre Tory wag is dropped in his place. There is also Hillier's role as a PR advocate for the CF, something that goes way beyond his mandate. Some people love it, some think it is hugely damaging. His military strategic thinking is also much more hawkish than Canadians are used to. I credit him for doing what he believes is right, but the jury is still out regarding the success of this change. At any rate, in an era of perhaps the blandest and most uninspiring politicians in this nation's history (and I'm talking about for all parties here), Hillier will stand out as one of the big men of his age. His legacy remains to be seen, but as many have said here, his full story has still yet to be written.
  59. P STUART from Halifax, Canada writes: I am very disappointed that, after playing such a significant role in plunging our soldiers into this mess/combat mission, he has decided (if it was, in fact, his decision) to cut and run. If this was not his decision, I look forward to hearing the facts if and when they emerge. If it was, then he has chosen a very poor time to leave. This will certainly not help the morale of those serving in Afghanistan.
  60. Bohemian Grove Club Member from Canada writes: You know, its like some posters here forget what they post 5 minutes after they posted it, half of these negative posters about the Tories all have slammed General Hillier when he was talking Afghanistan with PM Harper, but now their all in love with the guy. Seems to me there where more then enough negative posters when he went against the government and demanded more equipment. Things like who does he think he is? He doesn't run this country, ahhhhh yes, the good old days when bitter Liberal voters and outcast NDP hated the general. Oh and yes the Liberals put him in but regretted it the same day it was the only way to hold back the anger of the armed forces at Liberal use of our forces, yet not spending any money to keep them equipped.
  61. j w from Canada writes: Shall we see Liberal candidate Hillier in the upcoming election?
  62. David Gehring from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada writes: I worked for Hillier and don't understand why so many people say he was the best CDS we ever had. Hillier had two major flaws: 1. He thought up, or at least championed, CF Transformation... an initiative that made a large bureaucratic even larger and less responsive to operational priorities. Talk to any officer working in an area headquarters and they will tell you of the massive personnel shortages and tasking delays that have occurred from Transformation. It did nothing other than create small fiefdoms for the one-stars that Hillier had a debt to. 2. He make public announcements that were contrary to the government's direction AND made them without consulting his own staff regarding the affordability and sustainability of his decisions! He was a terrible CDS because he made bad decisions without consulting his own people or following the chain of command. The CF will be better without him.
  63. ken kolthammer from Edmonton, Canada writes: If Harper has half a brain he will reject Hillier's resignation.
  64. jim thomas from ontar e..erio, Canada writes: Hillier is a very controversial man. I wish him well in his new career. I would hope that he doesn't enter politics. If he does, it will show him for what many thought he was. Not a soldier but a limelight seeking politically based person. I disliked his outspoken politically based comments. I'd rather the head of the military not speak out so publicly.
  65. Paul Chislett from Windsor, Canada writes: His legacy will be dead soldiers and Afghans in an occupation of a foreign country.....
  66. BCer in Mtl . from Canada writes: Next Leafs GM?
  67. Yvonne Wackernagel from Woodville, Canada writes: 'sam themacman from Waterloo, Canada writes: Finally, we get rid of Canada' s chief warmonger! About time too! This man has sullied Canada's reputation abroad, and has been way too cozie to the Yanks! Canada should never have gone to Afghanistan,'

    I AGREE, BUT HE WAS A GOOD SOLDIER AND FOR THAT HE DESERVES SOME CREDIT. BEING CAUGHT UP IN THE AMERICAN FRAUD OF WHAT THE MISSION IS ALL ABOUT WAS UNFORTUNATE FOR HIM.
  68. l.f. ghawke from lethbridge, Canada writes: good riddance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  69. Normand LaBine from Winnipeg, MB, Canada writes: Thanks General Hillier. Good job. Nobody wants a War General when things are winding down. The biggest battle was re-arming, re-energizing the DND. You did good. Looking forward to the book(s).
  70. J M from Realityville, Canada writes: Right wing general fighting an illegal war in a foreign land at the behest of far, far right wing colonial Americans and he quite with a far right wing government in Ottawa. How is what we are doing not enough for this guy. Are we not killing Afghani civilians at a fast enough rate??
  71. OPEN cheque book , behind closed doors HONEST GOV. from Canada writes:

    The Military Watchdog investigated for 1 year and cleared DND of any wrong doings with prisoner transfers . Watchdog got enough documents from DND but has to spend $ 2 million to get non blacked out documents from Corrections Canada and Canada Foreign Affairs Dept. ?
  72. Don Quixote from the drying Banana Belt, Ont., Canada writes:
    I wonder what is really going on in Afghanistan?

    All these MP visits to the base in Kandahar,

    all the TV show sessions,

    and now the top Soldier resigning!
  73. Vern McPherson from writes:
    HARPER FIRED HIM ........ DIDN'T ASK HIM BACK .....WHATEVER THEY WILL SAY ABOUT IT.

    HARPER WANTS A YES MAN BECAUSE IT'S HIS BALLGAME AND MOMMY AWAITS WITH A BALONEY SANDWICH WHEN STEVIE RUNS HOME ........
  74. pik scott from Canada writes: françois boudreau from Canada writes: Glad to see him leave. We need a person with reservation occupying this position, not someone who wants to have a political impact. Hellier was too close to USA way of seeing the world, we need a CDS with a less warlike attitude, therefore, we need oa less warlike policy for Canada________________________________________________________Comments like this make my hair curl. I have never read anything so yellow in my life. You are a disgrace to thuis great country. We are close to trhe USA for a reason and most want it that way. The reason our forces are now AGAIN respected world wide is because of hillier and harper. Nothing was more embarressing that the CDS under the liberals. Perfect political yes men.Who ended up with some ggod jobs from the libs when they left. Cnada is back where she blongs and a true fighting force. Not some unarmed blu beret soldier whose only reason it to be killed without be able to shoot back.
  75. J L from Canada writes: This is sad news for the Canadian Military.A soldiers soldier,Outspoken and flamboyant and of course a great spokesperson for the Armed Forces of our Country.This Canadian thanks him for his service to his country and wish him and his family well.Thank you sir.
  76. B R from Canada writes: Thank You General Hillier! You've helped bring pride back to our Armed Forces, and Canada
    I do have a favour to ask of you though. for the sake of Canada Please come back to Ottawa, join the Liberal Party of Canada, and run for a seat in the HOC . You've done an admirable job of running the Armed Forces, I believe you'd do an admirable job and , who knows, if you like being an MP for a few years your relative youth would make you an ideal candidate for the Leadership of the LPC when that function becomes available.
    When Mr Dion is ready to retire as Prime Minister you still have many years to give Canada another great Prime Minister.
    But somehow this is wishful thinking. I will wait patiently to learn what you have decided to do with the many years ahead of you. And whatever that may be Canadians know you will be very effective and successful.
    I doubt you will accept for the Senate seat Harper may offer you. Too docile.
  77. anderson Stevenson from Canada writes: Rather sad the commenters who think the military is a one man show; and if it was true the Canadian military would be in a very pathetic state. Time for the guy to go , he was way too contraversial, doesn't really understand his place.
  78. Simon Croswell from Toronto, Canada writes: Good riddance. Hillier disgraced the armed forces by using his position to play the stooge for Harper. Hillier will be remembered as a man lacking in both intelligence and dignity. Surely, he must be thinking about running for the Cons in the next election.
  79. Jimmy Stewart from Toronto, Canada writes: I'm glad he's going and here's why: Although General Hillier did a great job at helping the government rebuild the military, etc, General Hillier too often acted in policy making areas that are the sole prerogative of the Minister of National Defence. And to all you readers who claim he's been 'fired' because of Harper and the PMO, I say this: GOOD! I elect the Prime Minister and he answers to my Parliament. If I don’t like him, I can do my best to get him kicked OUT. I never elected General Hillier and KNOW it's the end of our democracy when our generals dictate policy to our government.
  80. Nota Liberal from Canada writes: For once we had someone who said what he meant and meant what he said. Warmongerer? I don't think so. The negative comments on this post really make me wonder if the writers even know that the troops are in Afghanistan and not Iraq. We are in Afghanistan on a NATO mission, not as the puppets of the USA. Ya ya, everyone knows that you protest for the sake of protest and anything that does not conform to your warped view of a peacekeeping society is evil. Get over it, this is a dangerous world and like it or not we have alliances that we must support, I thank god everyday that our parents and grandparents were made of stonger stuff. I can't even imagine what would have happened if they were a bunch of pot smoking hippies, more comfortable holding a protest sign than getting out and fighting for a country they believed in.
    I feel sorry for you. You have been spoon fed the notion that Canadians do nothing more than keep the peace. We have a much longer and prouder history fighting the good fight than the Liberal peace-keeping myth would have you believe.

    General Hillier did a good job.
  81. Wilma De Bruyn from Toronto, Canada writes: And who is paying for the Afghanistan War Business??? The Bilderbergs, Rothchilds or ???? Perhaps in the very near future we do not require military, only Police. After all we have such good propaganda on 'Terrorism' don't we??? And the 'all seeing eye' to protect our Privacy of course!!!! The best the Politicians could do is put the 'all seeing eye' in Parliament and legislative buildings and Police offices and really open the corruption and have it exposed on video. As for the General Hillier, what deceitful move is going on behind the veil of government bureaucracy???Couldn't Harper handle and well experienced General??? Or perhaps one he can manipulate and control better????
  82. Harbinger from Out West from Prince George, Canada writes: Thank you Mr. Hillier. On the other hand, I find it very annoying not being able to comment on many stories on today's page. Fear of lawsuits sure keeps freedom of opinion at bay. But then again, left or right, all the potential opinions would be eye rollingly predictable. Thanks again, Mr. Hillier, and just so ya know, if you are doing yer job properly, ya don't need to take crap from us nobodies.
  83. Michael Ervin from Calgary, Canada writes: The time to worry about a leader is when he or she considers themself indispensible. The CDS has served his term, and being the impressive leader that he is, has not left a leadership vacumn beneath him.

    Gen Hillier is the first of a new breeed of Canadian military brass, not a flash in the pan. If Gen Leslie is appointed to succeed, the public will quickly see that he is no wallflower either.
  84. Brian C from Canada writes: It's funny that other news sites are reporting that;

    'Known for speaking his mind, often in politically incorrect dialects, Gen. Hillier insists he departure is entirely voluntary.

    'If anything, the pressure was the other way to keep me around,' he said in an interview.'

    Yet, once again, the G&M leads the reader to believe that Hillier's resignation was forced by the government over controversy.

    What a pathetic rag!
  85. Nick B. from Oshawa, Canada writes: Wilma De Bruyn, thanks for your comments. I always enjoy the rantings of a paranoid, non-sensical conspiracy theorist. Well done!
  86. jack sprat from Canada writes: Finally Harper can get his own puppet, good bye transparency, hello secrecy.

    Harper cannot be trusted
  87. Alfons Materna from Dogs Nest, Canada writes: Maybe Minister of Silly Walks Bernier's comments about a certain governor was the last straw.

    Brings to mind the XTC song:
    Generals and Majors always
    seem so unhappy 'less they got a war
  88. Brian C from Canada writes: To Vern McPherson who writes: 'HARPER FIRED HIM ........ DIDN'T ASK HIM BACK .....WHATEVER THEY WILL SAY ABOUT IT.

    HARPER WANTS A YES MAN BECAUSE IT'S HIS BALLGAME AND MOMMY AWAITS WITH A BALONEY SANDWICH WHEN STEVIE RUNS HOME ........ '

    Better call for some help and get to the hospital fast Vern. You're about to blow.
  89. George Hall from Canada writes: Nick B...I have been trying to find it but it won't seem to play...I do remember it vividly...You can try yourself it played on July 10 2006 definitely on CTV and possibly cbc
  90. DOUBLE J from Canada writes: Finally we have someone that starts bringing repsectability to our military on an international level and he steps down. We take one step forward and 2 steps back. Hopefully we can thumb a ride over to Afghanistan, trade the Czechs for some new helicopters, borrow some uniforms from the US, and buy some used equipment from the Dutch. Then we'll be set.
  91. Joe Canada from Kingston, Canada writes: Brian C from Canada writes: It's funny that other news sites are reporting that;

    'Known for speaking his mind, often in politically incorrect dialects, Gen. Hillier insists he departure is entirely voluntary.

    'If anything, the pressure was the other way to keep me around,' he said in an interview.'

    Yet, once again, the G&M leads the reader to believe that Hillier's resignation was forced by the government over controversy.

    What a pathetic rag!

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Welcome to the G&M.
  92. Placido Durango from Here to Eternity, Canada writes: Hillier's departure is VERY WELCOME and does not come too soon.

    His bad advice to Paul Martin led to our current quagmire in the lawless Afghan south. What's more, he had a bad habit of overstepping the proprieties of his role as a civil servant and wearing politics on his sleeve too much.
  93. lyle craver from Vancouver, BC, writes: This is sad news for the Forces.

    In general (no pun intended) it's probably wise to have a usual term of duty both for the Chief of Defence Staff and head of the RCMP. Done right these are non-political jobs where we want them to be highly visible people but not in a partisan way.

    Given the nature of Afghanistan it is by its nature a political role but it's the role of the PM to determine whether they be sent and the role of the CDS to equip his troops to the best possible level for whatever missions we as a people send them on. We're not big enough to be equipped for every conceivable mission but that's the kind of judgment we pay our military staff to anticipate as best as possible.

    I'm sorry to see Hillier leave and wish him well from here.
  94. M. Mark from Victoria, Canada writes: A loss for the Canadian Forces. He will be difficult to replace. I hope this retirement is for personal reasons and not because he felt pressured to resign by the government. This man would be an outstanding candidate to succeed Michaelle Jean when her term as governor general ends.
  95. Gordon Foy from Burnaby, BC, writes: As with all things political, you rarely ever hear the whole, unvarnished truth. Who knows for sure, besides Hillier and Harper, whether he is jumping or is being pushed?
    I, for one, am really sorry to see him go, and I think he has done a fabulous job as CDS.
  96. Mahatma Gandhi from Calgary, Canada writes: Good riddance. An American wannabe, he tried to transform the Canadian forces into an American-style imperial combat force, causing nothing but grief in the process.
  97. J L from Canada writes: A number of posters have indicated that General Hillier may wish to turn to politics and run in the next election as a WHAT? Liberal? This after his scathing criticism of previous Liberal governments accusing them of neglect and gutting the Arm Forces.Many of us would surely be surprised that if he does decide to put his name forward and lets keep in mine he has given no indication of doing so. as a Candidate he would run as a Liberal.
  98. John Hertz from Ottawa, Canada writes: Glad to see him go.

    The military has no business involving itself in politics. Policies are set by the government not by the military.

    He should have been fired years ago.
  99. Dana Cruickshank from Canada writes: He is a good man, and told it like it is. He managed to do a lot for our Canadian troops and for our country. I don't know if his tactics were successful or not but I'm pretty sure hes the only general anyone in the world can name that is Canadian, and thats an accomplishment in itself.
  100. Tyler Williams from seattle, United States writes: Interesting.

    Announcing he is stepping down?

    If the photo (!) is any indication, no need to step down - since a split second later he was doubtlessly killed by a crashing transport plane that demolished the speaker's podium.
  101. Nota Liberal from Canada writes: Mahatma, If it wasn't for the Americans: 1~ You wouldn't have just wrote that idiotic little diatribe (Free speech) 2~ your pocket book would have taken a gigantic hit doling out money for Chinese lessons (not to mention the communist party membership card).

    Its always fun to watch the indignant Canadian lecture on the evils of our neighbour to the south.
    • Posted 15/04/08 at 1:16 PM EDT |