The Centre for International and Defence Policy at Queen's University is delighted to host Canada's former Chief of the Defence Staff, General (Ret'd) Wayne Eyre, for a discussion on the current challenges facing Canada's National Defence. 

The event will feature welcoming remarks from Queen's Principal Patrick Deane before a fireside chat between General Eyre and Associate Vice-Principal (Research) Stéfanie von Hlatky. An opportunity for meet-and-greet with General Eyre and defence researchers at Queen's University and light refreshments will follow the main program. RSVP by Oct. 1 2026.

*Leadership in attendance: Kevin Kee, Dean, Faculty of Arts & Science, and KP Anand, Executive Director, Development, Faculty of Arts & Science.

 

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Agenda

4:00 pm | Welcome

• Michael Murphy, Director, Centre for International and Defence Policy

4:05 pm | Introductory Remarks

• Nick Mosey, Chief of Staff and Special Advisor to the Principal, Queen's University
• Nancy Ross, Vice Principal (Research and Innovation), Queen's University

4:15 pm | Fireside Chat

• General (Ret'd) Wayne Eyre, fmr Chief of the Defence Staff and Advisory Council Co-Chair, Centre for International and Defence Policy;
• Stéfanie von Hlatky, Associate Vice-Principal (Research), Queen's University and Fellow, Centre for International and Defence Policy

5:00 pm | Closing Remarks

• Kevin Kee, Dean of Arts and Science, Queen's University

5:05 pm | Meet and Greet with General Wayne Eyre

6:00 pm | Event Concludes

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Bio:

General Wayne Eyre retired in 2024 as Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS). As the commander of the Canadian Armed Forces and military advisor to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, he led Canada’s military through an unprecedented confluence of international and domestic crises and rapidly evolving security stressors. In his 40-year military career, he commanded at all levels, from an infantry rifle platoon to Commander of the Canadian Army before being serving as CDS. He led numerous domestic operations in Canada, and overseas he served in Cyprus, Croatia, Bosnia, Afghanistan (twice), and South Korea, where he was the most senior Canadian officer ever stationed in the Asia Pacific region. A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, the US Army War College, and the US Marine Corps School of Advanced Warfighting, he holds a BSc and three master’s degrees. Since retirement, he has been writing, teaching, speaking, and advising.