About

Michel Maisonneuve completed 35 years of active service in the Canadian Armed Forces in May 2007. A tank officer, he served in many locales throughout Canada and for a total of 10 years outside the country on operational missions and international positions, eventually rising to the rank of Lieutenant-General. Michel testified in The Hague against Slobodan Milosevic, commanded the funeral for the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa and was the first Chief of Staff of NATO’s Supreme Allied Command Transformation. After his service in uniform, he continued to serve Canada as the first Academic Director (Principal) of Royal Military College Saint-Jean upon its reopening in December 2007, and for more than 10 years thereafter. A father of four, Michel and his wife, Barbara, live in Niagara with their very well-behaved little white dog, Kevin. He tries to keep in shape by walking and stays humble by playing golf badly. He enjoys the occasional cigar, a dram of scotch, and solving the world’s problems in great conversation with friends.

Lt.-General Maisonneuve earned a Master of Arts in Defence Management and Policy and a BA in French Literature from the Royal Military College of Canada. His extensive training includes courses in national security, joint command, and international humanitarian law. A dedicated volunteer, he has served on numerous boards that support veterans, military heritage, and leadership education. His distinguished service has been recognized with honours including the Meritorious Service Cross, the Order of Military Merit (Commander), and decorations from France, NATO, and the United States.

He was named the 30th laureate of the Vimy Award in 2022 for his exceptional contribution to Canada’s security and defence, and the preservation of its democratic values. On that occasion, he gave a rousing speech that gained him the moniker “The Anti-Woke General” and upset some left-wing media and academics. A native and bilingual Quebecer, Michel is passionate about Veterans and serving military personnel, the preservation of Canada’s proud history, the importance of volunteerism, leadership and service in our country, and the freedom and willingness to participate in its development. He published his first book In Defence of Canada: Reflections of a Patriot, in October 2024.