View source for Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (Canada)

{{Infobox official post
| post = Vice Chief
| body = the Defence Staff
| native_name = {{small|{{lang|fr|Vice-chef d’état-major de la Défense}}}}
| flag = 
| flagsize = 
| flagcaption = 
| insignia = Vice Chief of the Defence Staff logo.svg
| insigniasize = 
| insigniacaption = Badge of the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff
| image = 
| imagesize = 
| alt = 
| incumbent = Lieutenant-General [[Stephen Kelsey]]
| incumbentsince = 1 August 2024<ref name=kelsey>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2024/08/lieutenant-general-stephen-kelsey-assumes-the-role-of-vice-chief-of-the-defence-staff.html|title=Lieutenant-General Stephen Kelsey assumes the role of Vice Chief of the Defence Staff|publisher=Government of Canada|date=1 August 2024|access-date=1 August 2024}}</ref>
| type = [[Commissioned Officer]]
| status = Currently constituted
| department = His Majesty's [[Canadian Armed Forces]]
| style = 
| member_of = 
| reports_to = [[Chief of the Defence Staff (Canada)|Chief of the Defence Staff]]
| residence = 
| seat = 
| nominator = 
| appointer = 
| appointer_qualified = 
| termlength = 
| termlength_qualified = 
| constituting_instrument = 
| precursor = 
| formation = 1964
| first = [[Geoffrey Walsh]]
| last = 
| abolished = 
| succession = 
| abbreviation = VCDS
| unofficial_names = 
| deputy = DG Executive Coordination<br>Chief of Staff VCDS
| salary = 
| website = {{official|https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/organizational-structure/vice-chief-defence-staff.html}}
}}
The '''Vice Chief of the Defence Staff''' ('''VCDS'''; {{langx|fr|Vice-chef d’état-major de la Défense}}) is the second most senior member of the [[Canadian Armed Forces]], reporting to the [[Chief of the Defence Staff (Canada)|Chief of the Defence Staff]] (CDS) as well as the [[Deputy Minister (Canada)|Deputy Minister]] of [[Department of National Defence (Canada)|National Defence]]. The Directorate General Executive Coordination, the [[Canadian Forces Provost Marshal]], the National Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Support Group and several other departments report to the VCDS,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/about-org-structure/vice-chief-defence-staff.page |title=VCDS - Organization |publisher=Vcds.forces.gc.ca |access-date=2016-10-23}}</ref> who is appointed by the CDS.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/N-5/page-5.html|title=National Defence Act|publisher=[[Department of Justice (Canada)|Department of Justice]]|access-date=2012-05-08}}</ref>

==Recent history==
Vice-Admiral [[Mark Norman (Canadian naval officer)|Mark Norman]] was temporarily relieved as VCDS on January 13, 2017, due to an ongoing investigation by the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/vice-chief-of-the-defence-staff-mark-norman-removed-from-command|title=Updated – Vice Chief of the Defence Staff Mark Norman removed from command|date=2017-01-17|work=Ottawa Citizen|access-date=2017-06-08|language=en-US}}</ref> As a temporary replacement, Vice-Admiral [[Ron Lloyd]] was appointed the duties of VCDS on an acting basis, and he was subsequently replaced by Lieutenant-General [[Alain Parent]] on May 30, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/news/article.page?doc=new-a-vcds-to-assume-position-may-30/izkjqq3y|title=National Defence {{!}} Canadian Armed Forces {{!}} Article {{!}} New A/VCDS to assume position May 30|last=Defence|first=Government of Canada, National|website=www.forces.gc.ca|language=en|access-date=2017-06-08}}</ref>

On July 16, 2018, Lieutenant-General [[Paul Wynnyk]] was named Vice Chief of the Defence Staff.<ref name=wyn/> On July 9, 2019, Wynnyk announced his retirement<ref>[https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2019/07/change-to-the-senior-ranks-of-the-canadian-armed-forces.html Change to the senior ranks of the Canadian Armed Forces]</ref> after he claimed that the Chief of the Defence Staff, General [[Jonathan Vance]], planned to replace him as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff with Vice-Admiral Mark Norman.<ref name=gn>{{Cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/5477661/paul-wynnyk-resigns-mark-norman/|title=Vice-chief of defence staff resigns, citing plan Mark Norman was to replace him - National &#124; Globalnews.ca|date=July 9, 2019|website=globalnews.ca}}</ref> Wynnyk then alleged that these plans were reversed when Vice-Admiral Norman settled with the government and retired from the military. Wynnyk was the fifth Vice Chief to serve under Vance.<ref name=gn/>

On July 12, 2019, Lieutenant-General [[Jean-Marc Lanthier (general)|Jean-Marc Lanthier]] was appointed Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, effective July 18, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army-armee.forces.gc.ca/en/news-publications/national-news-details-no-menu.page?doc=lieutenant-general-jean-marc-lanthier-to-become-vice-chief-of-the-defence-staff-amid-other-senior-staff-changes/jxxocfsf |title=Lanthier to become Vice Chief of the Defence Staff|date=July 12, 2019|publisher=Canadian Army|access-date=21 July 2019}}</ref> On March 16, 2020, it was announced that Lanthier was retiring in the summer, to be replaced by Lieutenant-General [[Michael Rouleau]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/lt-gen-mike-rouleau-named-vice-chief-of-the-defence-staff|title=Lt.-Gen. Mike Rouleau named Vice Chief of the Defence Staff|date=16 March 2020|publisher=Ottawa Citizen}}</ref> 

In March 2021, it was announced that Rouleau would be succeeded by Lieutenant-General [[Frances J. Allen]], the first woman to hold the position.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|last=Brewster|first=Murray|date=March 9, 2021|title=Canadian military gets its 1st female vice-chief of the defence staff in major shakeup|work=[[CBC News]]|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/military-commanders-shakeup-1.5941936|access-date=March 9, 2021}}</ref> On June 28, 2021, she formally assumed the role of VCDS in a ceremony at National Defence Headquarters.<ref name="Allen"/>

== Vice Chiefs of the Defence Staff ==
{{Officeholder table start
| showorder          = y
| showimage          = y
| image_title        = Portrait
| showtitle          = n
| showtermstart      = y
| showtermend        = y
| showtermlenght     = y
| showdefencebranch  = y
| showparty          = n
| showelection       = y
| election_title     = Home Province
| showaltofficeholder    = y
| alt_officeholder_title = Appointed by
| showcabinet        = n
| showref            = y
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 1
| image             = blank.png
| military_rank     = [[Lieutenant-General (Canada)|Lieutenant-General]]
| officeholder      = [[Geoffrey Walsh]]
| officeholder_sort = Walsh, Geoffrey
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1909
| died_year         = 1999
| term_start        = 1964
| term_end          = 1965
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|1964|1965}} years
| defence_branch    = {{army|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Ontario}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[Frank Robert Miller|Frank Miller]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Miller, Frank
| ref               = <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.armycadetleague.ca/wp-content/themes/aclc/pdf/polManual/English/pol_13_5.pdf |title=Army cadet league |access-date=2012-05-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002121945/http://www.armycadetleague.ca/wp-content/themes/aclc/pdf/polManual/English/pol_13_5.pdf |archive-date=2013-10-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 2
| image             = blank.png
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[Robert Moncel]]
| officeholder_sort = Moncel, Robert
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1917
| died_year         = 2007
| term_start        = 1965
| term_end          = 1966
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|1965|1966}} years
| defence_branch    = {{army|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Quebec}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[Frank Robert Miller|Frank Miller]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Miller, Frank
| ref               = <ref>[http://www.generals.dk/general/Moncel/Robert_William/Canada.html Robert Moncel] Generals.dk</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 3
| image             = 
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[Frederick Ralph Sharp|Frederick Sharp]]
| officeholder_sort = Sharp, Frederick
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1915
| died_year         = 1992
| term_start        = 1966
| term_end          = 1969
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|1966|1969}} years
| defence_branch    = {{air force|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Saskatchewan}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[Jean Victor Allard|Jean Allard]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Allard, Jean
| ref               = <ref name=lang>[http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhh-dhp/his/docs/Lang_reform_e.pdf DND Language Reform: Staffing the Bilingualism Programs 1967-1977]</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 4
| image             = blank.png
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[Michael Dare]]
| officeholder_sort = Dare, Michael
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1917
| died_year         = 1996
| term_start        = September 1969
| term_end          = 1972
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|1969|1972}} years
| defence_branch    = {{army|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Quebec}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[Frederick Ralph Sharp|Frederick Sharp]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Sharp, Frederick
| ref               = <ref name=lang/>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 5
| image             = blank.png
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[Chester Hull]]
| officeholder_sort = Hull, Chester
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1919
| died_year         = 2012
| term_start        = 1972
| term_end          = 1974
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|1972|1974}} years
| defence_branch    = {{air force|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Ontario}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[Jacques Dextraze]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Dextraze, Jacques 
| ref               = <ref>[http://www.427squadron.com/remember.html 427 Squadron Association]</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 6
| image             = 
| military_rank     = [[Vice-Admiral (Canada)|Vice-Admiral]]
| officeholder      = [[Robert Hilborn Falls|Robert Falls]]
| officeholder_sort = Falls, Robert
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1924
| died_year         = 2009
| term_start        = 1974
| term_end          = 1977
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|1974|1977}} years
| defence_branch    = {{navy|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Ontario}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[Jacques Dextraze]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Dextraze, Jacques 
| ref               = <ref>[http://v1.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/Deaths.20091109.93213444/BDAStory/BDA/deaths Admiral Robert Hilborn Falls CMM, CD]</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 7
| image             = blank.png
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[Ramsey Muir Withers|Ramsey Withers]]
| officeholder_sort = Withers, Ramsey
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1930
| died_year         = 2014
| term_start        = 1977
| term_end          = 1980
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|1977|1980}} years
| defence_branch    = {{army|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Ontario}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[Robert Hilborn Falls|Robert Falls]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Falls, Robert
| ref               = <ref>[https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ramsey-muir-withers Ramsey Muir Withers]</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 8
| image             =
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[Gérard Charles Édouard Thériault]]
| officeholder_sort = Thériault, Gérard Charles Édouard
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1932
| died_year         = 1998
| term_start        = 1980
| term_end          = 1983
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|1980|1983}} years
| defence_branch    = {{air force|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Quebec}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[Ramsey Muir Withers|Ramsey Withers]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Withers, Ramsey
| ref               = <ref>[https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/gerard-charles-edouard-theriault Gérard-Charles-Édouard Thériault] The Canadian Encyclopedia</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 9
| image             = blank.png
| military_rank     = [[Vice-Admiral (Canada)|Vice-Admiral]]
| officeholder      = [[Daniel Mainguy]]
| officeholder_sort = Mainguy, Daniel
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1930
| died_year         = 2010
| term_start        = 1983
| term_end          = 1985
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|1983|1985}} years
| defence_branch    = {{navy|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|British Columbia}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[Gérard Charles Édouard Thériault]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Thériault, Gérard
| ref               = <ref>[http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-7917.html Vice-Admiral Daniel Nicholas Mainguy, CMM, CD, RCN (Retd)]</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 10
| image             = blank.png
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[Jack Vance (general)|Jack Vance]]
| officeholder_sort = Vance, Jack
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1933
| died_year         = 2013
| term_start        = 1985
| term_end          = 1988
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|1985|1988}} years
| defence_branch    = {{army|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Ontario}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[Gérard Charles Édouard Thériault]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Thériault, Gérard
| ref               = <ref>[http://theroyalcanadianregiment.ca/news/2013_09_10_LGenJEVance_passing.html Lieutenant-General J.E. "Jack" Vance, CMM, CD (Ret'd) Passes] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002120449/http://theroyalcanadianregiment.ca/news/2013_09_10_LGenJEVance_passing.html |date=October 2, 2013 }} Royal Canadian Regiment</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 11
| image             = Cdsdechastelain (cropped).jpg
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[John de Chastelain]]
| officeholder_sort = Chastelain, John
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1937
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 1988
| term_end          = 1989
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|1988|1989}} years
| defence_branch    = {{army|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Romania}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[Paul David Manson|Paul Manson]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Manson, Paul
| ref               = <ref>[http://www.armycadethistory.com/Valcartier/biography_LCol_De_Chastelain.htm General John De Chastelain, OC, CMM, CD, CH, LL.D., BA] Army Cadet History</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 12
| image             = blank.png
| military_rank     = Vice-Admiral
| officeholder      = [[Charles Thomas (Canadian admiral)|Charles Thomas]]
| officeholder_sort = Thomas, Charles
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1936
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 1989
| term_end          = 11 May 1991
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|1989|1991}} years
| defence_branch    = {{navy|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|British Columbia}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[Paul David Manson|Paul Manson]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Manson, Paul
| ref               = <ref>[http://nauticapedia.ca/dbase/Query/Biolist3.php?name=Thomas,%20Charles%20Morris%20Winton&id=21387&Page=1&input=Thomas,%20Charles%20Morris%20Winton Charles Thomas] The Nauticapedia</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 13
| image             = blank.png
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[Fred Sutherland (Canadian Air Force General)|Fred Sutherland]]
| officeholder_sort = Sutherland, Fred
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1942
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 1991
| term_end          = 1992
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|1991|1992}} years
| defence_branch    = {{air force|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Nova Scotia}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[John de Chastelain]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Chastelain, John
| ref               = <ref>[http://thecontactnewspaper.cfbtrenton.com/archives/2009/10_March_2009/mar_27_2009/thecontact_mar_27_2009.pdf 8 Wing / CFB Trenton to host leadership seminar] The Contact, March 27, 2009</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 14
| image             = Admiral John Rogers Anderson HMCS QUÉBEC.png
| military_rank     = Vice-Admiral
| officeholder      = [[John Rogers Anderson|John Anderson]]
| officeholder_sort = Anderson, John
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1941
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 1992
| term_end          = 1993
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|1992|1993}} years
| defence_branch    = {{navy|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|British Columbia}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[John de Chastelain]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Chastelain, John
| ref               = <ref>[http://nauticapedia.ca/dbase/Query/Biolist3.php?name=Anderson,%20John%20Rogers&id=29719&Page=4&input=anderson,%20john John Rogers Anderson] The Nauticapedia</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 15
| image             = blank.png
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[Patrick O'Donnell (Canadian general)|Patrick O'Donnell]]
| officeholder_sort = O'Donnell, Patrick
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1940
| died_year         = 2015
| term_start        = 1993
| term_end          = 1995
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|1993|1995}} years
| defence_branch    = {{army|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Ontario}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[John Rogers Anderson|John Anderson]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Anderson, John
| ref               = <ref>[http://www.cfnconsultants.com/podonnell.shtml Patrick O'Donnell] CFN Consultants</ref> 
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 16
| image             = Larry Murray.png
| military_rank     = Vice-Admiral
| officeholder      = [[Larry Murray]]
| officeholder_sort = Murray, Larry
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1947
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 1995
| term_end          = 1997
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|1995|1997}} years
| defence_branch    = {{navy|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Ontario}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[John de Chastelain]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Chastelain, John
| ref               = <ref>[http://www.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/archives/committee/352/acct/evidence/28_96-10-29/acct28_blk-e.html Parliament of Canada] Evidence, October 29, 1996</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 17
| image             = blank.png
| military_rank     = Vice-Admiral
| officeholder      = [[Gary Garnett]]
| officeholder_sort = Garnett, Gary 
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 1997
| term_end          = 2001
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|1997|2001}} years
| defence_branch    = {{navy|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|British Columbia}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[Maurice Baril]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Baril, Maurice
| ref               = <ref>[https://sencanada.ca/content/sen/committee/372/defe/witn/garnett-e.htm Vice Admiral (Retired) Gary L. Garnett, CMM CD] Senate Committee for National Security and Defence</ref> 
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 18
| image             = Lieutenant General George Macdonald.png
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[George Macdonald (Canadian general)|George Macdonald]]
| officeholder_sort = Macdonald, George
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 2001
| term_end          = 2004
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|2001|2004}} years
| defence_branch    = {{air force|Canada}}
| election          = .
| alt_officeholder      = [[Ray Henault|Raymond Henault]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Henault, Ray
| ref               = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://rcafassociation.ca/uploads/airforce/2008/07/bio-macdonald.pdf|title=George E. C. Macdonald|publisher=Royal Canadian Air Force Association|access-date=8 August 2022}}</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 19
| image             = 020108-N-RV224-103 Vice Adm. Ronald Buck, Chief of Maritime Staff, Royal Canadian Navy, is greeted by Rear Adm. Jim Zortman (cropped).jpeg
| military_rank     = Vice-Admiral
| officeholder      = [[Ronald Buck]]
| officeholder_sort = Buck, Ronald
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 2004
| term_end          = 2006
| timeinoffice      = {{age in years|2004|2006}} years
| defence_branch    = {{navy|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Quebec}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[Ray Henault|Raymond Henault]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Henault, Ray
| ref               = <ref>{{cite web|title=Ron Buck, CMM, CD|url=http://www.navyleague.ca/_documents/NP%20Bio-en.pdf|access-date=2013-02-27|publisher=[[Navy League of Canada]]}}</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 20
| image             = Walter Natynczyk.png
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[Walter Natynczyk]]
| officeholder_sort = Natynczyk, Walter 
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1957
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 28 June 2006
| term_end          = 15 June 2008
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|2006|06|28|2008|06|15}}
| defence_branch    = {{army|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Manitoba}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[Rick Hillier]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Hillier, Rick 
| ref               = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-FB928398-5166A524/natolive/who_is_who_50304.htm |title=Walter Natynczyk|publisher= NATO|access-date=10 January 2013}}</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 21
| image             = blank.png
| military_rank     = Vice-Admiral
| officeholder      = [[Denis Rouleau]]
| officeholder_sort = Rouleau, Denis
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 15 June 2008
| term_end          = 25 July 2010
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|2008|06|15|2010|07|25}}
| defence_branch    = {{navy|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Quebec}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[Rick Hillier]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Hillier, Rick 
| ref               = <ref>[http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/rear-admiral-denis-rouleau-is-announced-as-next-vice-chief-defence-staff-canadian-forces-868697.htm Rear-Admiral Denis Rouleau is Announced as Next Vice Chief of the Defence Staff for the Canadian Forces]</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 22
| image             = Mention d'honneur Dave Blackburn 017 (cropped).jpg
| military_rank     = Vice-Admiral
| officeholder      = [[Bruce Donaldson (Canadian admiral)|Bruce Donaldson]]
| officeholder_sort = Donaldson, Bruce
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 26 July 2010
| term_end          = 11 September 2013
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|2010|07|26|2013|09|11}}
| defence_branch    = {{navy|Canada}}
| election          = .
| alt_officeholder      = [[Walter Natynczyk]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Natynczyk, Walter
| ref               = <ref>[http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?m=/index&nid=549849 Vice-Admiral Bruce Donaldson Assumes Role as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff]</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 23
| image             = LGen Thibault.jpg
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[Guy Thibault]]
| officeholder_sort = Thibault, Guy
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 11 September 2013
| term_end          = 5 August 2016
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|2013|09|11|2016|08|05}}
| defence_branch    = {{army|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Quebec}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[Thomas J. Lawson|Thomas Lawson]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Lawson, Thomas 
| ref               = <ref>[http://uspolitics.einnews.com/pr_news/167262685/lieutenant-general-guy-thibault-assumes-role-as-vice-chief-of-the-defence-staff Lieutenant-General Guy Thibault assumes role as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002171853/http://uspolitics.einnews.com/pr_news/167262685/lieutenant-general-guy-thibault-assumes-role-as-vice-chief-of-the-defence-staff |date=October 2, 2013 }}</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 24
| image             = Mark Norman - 2015 (cropped).jpg
| military_rank     = Vice-Admiral
| officeholder      = [[Mark Norman (RCN officer)|Mark Norman]]
| officeholder_sort = Norman, Mark
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1964
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 5 August 2016
| term_end          = 13 January 2017
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|2016|08|05|2017|01|13}}
| defence_branch    = {{navy|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Ontario}}
| alt_officeholder      = [[Jonathan Vance]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Vance, Jonathan 
| ref               = <ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/vance-new-army-navy-commanders-1.3410474 |title=Top ranks of Canadian Forces get shake-up with new army, navy commanders |work=CBC News |last=Tasker |first=John Paul |date=19 January 2016 |access-date=20 January 2016}}</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = -
| image             = Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy Visits RIMPAC DVIDS2731189 (cropped).jpg
| military_rank     = Vice-Admiral
| officeholder      = [[Ron Lloyd]]
| officeholder_sort = Lloyd, Ron
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1963
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 13 January 2017
| term_end          = 30 May 2017
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|2017|01|13|2017|05|30}}
| acting            = y
| defence_branch    = {{navy|Canada}}
| election          = .
| alt_officeholder      = .
| alt_officeholder_sort = 
| ref               = .
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = -
| image             = Lieutenant-General J A J Parent.jpg
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[Alain Parent]]
| officeholder_sort = Parent, Alain
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 30 May 2017
| term_end          = 16 July 2018
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|2017|05|30|2018|07|16}}
| acting            = y
| defence_branch    = {{air force|Canada}}
| election          = .
| alt_officeholder      = .
| alt_officeholder_sort = 
| ref               = .
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 25
| image             = LGen-Wynnyk.jpg
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[Paul Wynnyk]]
| officeholder_sort = Wynnyk, Paul
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1964
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 16 July 2018
| term_end          = 9 July 2019
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|2018|07|16|2019|07|09}} 
| defence_branch    = {{army|Canada}}
| election          = {{flag|Alberta}}
| alt_officeholder  = [[Jonathan Vance]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Vance, Jonathan 
| ref               = <ref name=wyn>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2018/07/new-commander-for-the-canadian-army.html |title=New Commander for the Canadian Army: changes in the Canadian army command|date= July 16, 2018| access-date=July 16, 2018}}</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 26
| image             = I_Corps_Command_sergeant_major_returns_from_Afghanistan_121613-A-LN529-002_(cropped).jpg
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[Jean-Marc Lanthier (general)|Jean-Marc Lanthier]]
| officeholder_sort = Lanthier, Jean-Marc
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 18 July 2019
| term_end          = 15 July 2020
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|2019|07|18|2020|07|15}}
| defence_branch    = {{army|Canada}}
| election          = .
| alt_officeholder  = [[Jonathan Vance]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Vance, Jonathan 
| ref               = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/lt-gen-lanthier-named-as-new-vice-chief-named-more-generals-promoted|title=Lt.-Gen. Lanthier named as new vice chief, more generals promoted|date=12 July 2019|publisher=Ottawa Citizen|access-date=18 July 2019}}</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 27
| image             = Commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command Lt. Gen. M.N. (Mike) Rouleau Participates in a Public Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (47301848181) (cropped).jpg
| image_size        = 200px
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[Michael Rouleau]]
| officeholder_sort = Rouleau, Michael
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         = 1967
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 15 July 2020
| term_end          = 14 June 2021
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|2020|07|15|2021|06|14}}
| defence_branch    =[[Canadian Special Operations Forces Command]]
| election          = .
| alt_officeholder  = [[Jonathan Vance]]
| alt_officeholder_sort = Vance, Jonathan 
| ref               = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/lt-gen-lanthier-named-as-new-vice-chief-named-more-generals-promoted|title=Lt.-Gen. Lanthier named as new vice chief, more generals promoted|date=12 July 2019|publisher=Ottawa Citizen|access-date=18 July 2019}}</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 28
| image             = 
| image_size        = 
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[Frances J. Allen]]
| officeholder_sort = Allen, Frances
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         =
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 28 June 2021
| term_end          = 1 August 2024
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|2021|06|28}}
| defence_branch    = {{air force|Canada}}
| election          = .
| alt_officeholder  = [[Wayne Eyre]] (acting)
| alt_officeholder_sort = Eyre, Wayne
| ref               = <ref>{{Cite news|last=Brewster|first=Murray|date=March 9, 2021|title=Canadian military gets its 1st female vice-chief of the defence staff in major shakeup|work=[[CBC News]]|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/military-commanders-shakeup-1.5941936|access-date=March 9, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Allen">{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2021/06/lieutenant-general-allen-assumes-the-role-of-the-vice-chief-of-the-defence-staff.html |title=Lieutenant-General Allen assumes the role of the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff |date=June 28, 2021 |work=National Defence – Canadian Armed Forces |accessdate=June 30, 2021}}</ref>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = 29
| image             = 
| image_size        = 
| military_rank     = Lieutenant-General
| officeholder      = [[Stephen Kelsey]]
| officeholder_sort = Kelsey, Stephen
| officeholder_note = 
| born_year         =
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 1 August 2024
| term_end          = Incumbent
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|2024|08|01}}
| defence_branch    = {{army|Canada}}
| election          = .
| alt_officeholder  = [[Jennie Carignan]]
| alt_officeholder_sort =Carignan, Jennie
| ref               = <ref name=kelsey/>
}}
{{Officeholder table end}}

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{official|https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/organizational-structure/vice-chief-defence-staff.html}}

{{Canadian Forces}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Vice Chief of the Defence Staff}}
[[Category:Vice chiefs of the Defence Staff (Canada)| ]]
[[Category:Canadian Armed Forces]]
[[Category:Canadian military personnel| ]]
[[Category:Military appointments of Canada]]
[[Category:Vice chiefs of staff|Canada]]