President’s Dinner
Rick Hillier's passion, leadership and outspoken nature have captured the hearts and minds of Canadians across the country. A man who takes pride in his country, his team and the significance of his mission, General Hillier is one of Canada's most celebrated leaders.
Hillier tells it like it is - with confidence and a straight-talking manner. As Chief of the Defence Staff, Canada's highest ranking position in the Canadian Forces, he oversaw our country's most important mission in Afghanistan. Since retiring from that role, he's become more active in business and community programs, as organizations see the value in learning from and engaging with such a strong leader, motivator and team builder as Rick Hillier.
Considered one of Canada's most charismatic and influential soldiers, General Rick Hillier will challenge convention and inspire pride in being Canadian, all while sharing his trademark Newfoundland charm and humour.
GENERAL R. J. HILLIER (RETIRED)
Former Chief of the Defence Staff for Canadian Forces – the Canadian Forces' Highest Rank
Born in Newfoundland and Labrador, General Rick Hillier joined the Canadian Forces as soon as he could. Having enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1973 through the Regular Officer Training Plan program, he graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. After completing his armour officer classification training, he joined his first regiment, the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's) in Petawawa, Ontario. Subsequently, he served with, and later commanded, the Royal Canadian Dragoons in Canada and Germany.
Throughout his career, General Hillier has had the privilege and pleasure of commanding troops from the platoon to multi-national formation level within Canada, Europe, Asia and the United States. He has worked as a staff officer in several headquarters, first at the Army level in Montreal and later at the strategic level in Ottawa.
In 1998 General Hillier was appointed as the first Canadian Deputy Commanding General of III Corps, US Army in Fort Hood, Texas. In 2000 he took command of NATO's Stabilization Force's (SFOR) Multinational Division (Southwest) in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
In May 2003 General Hillier was appointed as Commander of the Army and subsequently, in October 2003, he was selected as the Commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul, Afghanistan.
General Hillier was promoted to his present rank and assumed duties as the Chief of the Defence Staff on 4 February 2005.
He retired from the Canadian Forces in July 2008.
In 2008, Hillier joined Gowlings law firm, offering leadership training, governance and public-policy advice. He also accepted positions as Chancellor of Memorial University, and Chairman of the Board for the TELUS Atlantic Canada Community Board, to develop a charitable giving and community program in Atlantic Canada.
General Hillier and his wife have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and a new grandson. General Hillier enjoys most recreational pursuits but, in particular, runs slowly, plays hockey poorly and golfs not well at all.
