Chief of the Defence Staff (Canada)
| Chief of the Defence Staff | |
|---|---|
| Chef d'état-major de la Défense | |
since 18 July 2024 | |
| Canadian Armed Forces | |
| Type | Chief of defence |
| Abbreviation | CDS |
| Member of | Armed Forces Council |
| Reports to | Commander-in-Chief via the Minister of National Defence |
| Appointer | King of Canada or the Governor General of Canada on the advice of the Prime Minister of Canada |
| Term length | At His Majesty's Pleasure |
| Constituting instrument | National Defence Act |
| Precursor | Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee |
| Formation | 1964 |
| First holder | Frank Robert Miller |
| Deputy | Vice Chief of the Defence Staff |
| Website | Official website |
Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS; French: chef d'état-major de la Défense; CEMD) is the title of the professional head of the Canadian Armed Forces. As the senior military position, the CDS advises the Cabinet, particularly the minister of national defence and the prime minister. The position is a Crown-in-Council appointment made on the advice of the prime minister.