Unscripted tributes from Harper, MacKay suggest Natynczyk nearly done as CDS

CHURCHILL, Man. – There are strong signals that Canada’s chief of defence staff is on the verge of leaving his post.

While speaking to Canadian Forces troops taking part in annual summer exercises up north, both Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Defence Minister Peter MacKay sounded like they were bidding farewell to Gen. Walt Natynczyk.

Harper cut away from his prepared remarks at the close of Operation Nanook to thank Natynczyk for his years of service.

And after Harper’s speech, MacKay took the podium to publicly salute Natynczyk’s dedication to the military before calling the general up to say a few words of his own.

For weeks, Ottawa’s corridors of power have been abuzz with rumours about a replacement for Natynczyk, who spent four years serving at the top of the Canadian military.

Several names are being bandied around as possible replacements, including Lt.-Gen. Tom Lawson, Canada’s representative at NORAD, and Lt.-Gen. Stuart Beare, head of the country’s overseas command.