FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC – Peter Van Praagh, President of Halifax International Security Forum, today thanked Gen. Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces, for his steadfast support of the Forum over many years.

“Gen. Vance has energized the Forum and its mission to strengthen strategic cooperation among the world’s democracies ever since we began our annual gatherings in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2009,” Van Praagh said.

“Since becoming Chief of Defence in 2015, his unwavering commitment to the Forum has been fundamental to our success. Gen. Vance’s stellar reputation with Canada’s American and international allies has meant that his military counterparts around the world have made Halifax International Security Forum a top strategic meeting destination. This, in turn, has elevated Halifax International Security Forum’s reputation as an important strategic asset for Canada.

“Gen. Vance’s commitment to recruit and elevate women in Canada’s military contributed to the creation of the Halifax Peace With Women Fellowship. He has demonstrated that when leadership articulates a vision and models the behavior of inclusion, it creates an environment for progress. Gen. Vance’s leadership by example paves the way for greater contributions by women not only in Canada’s military, but in the militaries of Canada’s allies as well.”

“All of us at Halifax International Security Forum wish Gen. Vance continued success in future undertakings.”