A sea change: Canada's new top military commander apologizes to victims of racism

Canada's new top military commander offered an apology to victims of racism as he officially took charge during a bare-bones virtual ceremony that marked a sea change in the leadership of the Armed Forces.

Admiral Art McDonald becomes the first naval officer in more than two decades to hold the post of chief of the defence staff. The last sailor to hold the position, on an acting basis, was retired vice-admiral Larry Murray almost 25 years ago.

McDonald replaces Gen. Jonathan Vance, the longest-serving defence chief in modern times, who announced his retirement last summerafter more than five years on the job.

The physicallydistanced ceremony took place in the room usually set aside for press conferences at the National Defence Headquarters building in downtown Ottawa.

It was a far cry from the military pomp and circumstance, brass bands, fighter jet flypasts and rumbling armoured vehiclesthat traditionally accompany such a high-profile change of command.

WATCH | Vance wipes away a tear during his final address:

Gen. Jonathan Vance reflects on fallen soldiers

3 years ago

Duration 1:02

Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jonathan Vance gets emotional when thanking the sacrifices of families who lost loved ones.

Almost everything, with the exception of the direct participants, was virtual.

Gov. Gen.Julie Payette, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and Veterans Minister Lawrence MacAuley participated via video call.

The six-piece military band played virtually, and recorded videos of ships, planes and tanks took the placeof the real ones.

It was, however, McDonald's recognition and heartfelt apology to victims of racism, hateful conduct and sexual misconduct that stood out in a speech full of congratulations and appreciation for family and comrades.

"Our journey of self improvement has many steps remaining," McDonald said. "I apologize to you my teammates, our teammates whohave experienced racism, discriminatory behaviourand or hateful conduct. I am deeply sorry. I want you to know I will do all that I can to support you; to stop these unacceptable acts from happening; and to put into practice our guiding principle: Respect and dignity for all persons."

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, McDonald said he felt it was important offer a personal expression of contrition because of the personal stories he's heard.

He also signalled in his speech that he will take a steady-as-she-goes approach to managing the Armed Forces with no major deviation from the program laid out by Vance.

The ceremony was also marked by Vance'stypically stoic demeanour cracking ever so slightly as he wiped away a tear while thanking families of fallen soldiers duringhis final address.

From them, he said, he "learned the very definition of grace," adding that he wears "every loss of your loved ones on my heart and always will."

Payette, Trudeauand McDonald all heaped professional praise on Vance.

It was left to Sajjan to deliver a more personal tribute, acknowledging their shared service in Afghanistan and how Vance, at the time a brigadier-general, lost one of his security detail to a roadside bomb attack in July 2009.

Cpl. Nick Bulgerdied in the bombing.

While the headquarters team waited for a medevac helicopter, Vance, rifle in hand, took up position on the security perimeter.

"Given your rank, you didn't have to do that, and some would even say, given your rank, you shouldn't have," Sajjan said. "But you did because that's what good leaders do. And I want Canadians to know you shared the same risks with your crew."

McDonald becomes the 20th chief of the defence staff, a position formally created in the 1960s. Originally from New Waterford, N.S., heserved in frigates throughout much of career, rising to command HMCS Halifax. He was the component commander for the navy's deployment when it responded to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

After that, McDonald took charge of the country's Pacific fleet.

While serving as a senior staff officer in Ottawa, the defence chief was intimately involved in the development of plans for the navy's new frigates, which are about to hit the drawing board.