Lt.-Gen. Thomas Lawson is shown at a press conference in the House of Commons foyer in Ottawa on Monday, August 27, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
October 29, 2012 - 4:00 AM
OTTAWA - Canada's military will formally get a new boss today.
Lt.-Gen. Thomas Lawson will be installed as Chief of Defence Staff, replacing the outgoing General Walt Natynczyk (nah-TIHN'-chik).
Prime Minister Stephen Harper will be among the dignitaries speaking at today's change of command ceremony.
Lawson is a former fighter pilot with more than 30 years in the air force and a strong proponent of buying the controversial F-35 stealth jets.
He was named as the new top soldier in August by Defence Minister Peter MacKay.
The government considers Lawson a good communicator.
In 2010, he went on a cross-country public relations tour to explain why the military needs the F-35s.
The changing of the guard comes as the Canadian Forces deals with budget cuts coupled with plans to buy new, expensive equipment, including ships for the navy.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012