Chief of the Defence Staff (Canada)

Chief of the Defence Staff
Chef d'état-major de la Défense
Badge of the Canadian Forces
Incumbent General Jennie Carignan 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

The chief of the Defence Staff (CDS; French: chef d'état-major de la Défense; CEMD) is the professional head of the Canadian Armed Forces. As the senior military position, the chief of the Defence Staff advises the Cabinet, particularly the minister of national defence and the prime minister.^[1] The role is a Crown-in-Council appointment made by the King or the viceroy on the advice of the prime minister.