Niagara 2010 Keynote speakers

General Rick Hillier (Ret.)

General Rick Hillier (Ret.), Canada’s former Chief of the Defence Staff, retired in 2008. General Hillier will offer his unique perspectives on leadership as a 35-year veteran of the Canadian Forces. Revered by the rank and file, General Hillier is a leader who tells it like it is without bureaucratic embellishment. His straight-shooting style allowed him, as Canada’s top military officer, to catch the attention of government and the public about the important issues at stake. General Hillier was promoted to Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff in February 2005, the position he held until July 2008. He then became associated with the firm of Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP and in January 2009 was named Strategic Adviser in the firm’s Ottawa office.