Ms. Shannon Smith has been appointed the first Executive Director of the Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security today. She will lead an organization comprised of 17 expert staff within the Canadian Defence Academy.
The Dallaire Centre of Excellence's core mandate is to develop concepts, support relevant research, sponsor doctrinal changes, and capture lessons learned and best practices in support of Canadian Armed Forces training, education, and related personnel readiness to enable peace and security. The Centre's initial focus is facilitating Canadian Armed Forces implementation of the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping, and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers.
Ms. Smith joined the Public Service in 2001, serving at both Global Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence in roles primarily focused on international security and strategic policy. Ms. Smith holds a Master of Arts degree in International Conflict Analysis from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University, and is a graduate of the Canadian Forces College's National Security Programme. She will be leaving her current position as Director of Transnational and Regional Intelligence within the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command at National Defence.
Quotes
"It is an honour to be named the first Executive Director of the Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security. The appointment comes with the responsibility to establish the strategic direction of the organization with a goal of deepening Canadian Armed Forces members' understanding of a host of complex peace and security issues. I look forward to collaborating with a wide range of internal and external partners and stakeholders to collectively strengthen Canadian Armed Forces members' responses to challenging situations."
Shannon Smith, Executive Director, Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security
"I am very pleased to welcome Shannon Smith as Executive Director of the Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security. Her significant experience and expertise make her an ideal candidate for this important role. I am confident that the Centre of Excellence will thrive under her leadership, allowing it to continue to make important contributions to the Profession of Arms."
Major-General Craig Aitchison, Commander, Canadian Defence Academy
Quick facts
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The Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security is a Canadian Defence Academy element, established during a ceremony at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto on June 25, 2019.
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The Dallaire Centre of Excellence reports to the Commander, Canadian Defence Academy, who is also responsible for the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, the Collège militaire royal and the Osside Institute in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, and the Canadian Forces College in Toronto.
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The Dallaire Centre of Excellence is comprised of 17 staff positions - 13 civilians and four CAF members.
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The Dallaire Centre of Excellence team works in three geographic locations: The Executive Director and Engagements section in Ottawa, the Concepts and Doctrine section at Canadian Defence Academy Headquarters in Kingston, and the Research section at Canadian Forces College in Toronto.
