Former Canadian defence chief's memoir exposes clashes with Trudeau administration over scandals and spending

Wayne Eyre, Canada’s former chief of the defence staff, published a memoir that chronicles his ascent after Admiral Art MacDonald stepped aside and the subsequent challenges he confronted. He details a June 2021 episode where Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland publicly questioned his decision to keep Vice-Admiral Craig Baines in command, prompting Eyre to consider resignation until Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed confidence in him.

Eyre also reflects on the broader sexual-misconduct scandal that engulfed senior officers, the government's slow approval of lethal aid for Ukraine, and the internal debates surrounding the convoy protest response. He criticises the lack of clear funding for new defence initiatives and notes moments when Canada outpaced allies in delivering equipment. In his final remarks, Eyre warns that while Canada is moving toward better preparedness, significant gaps remain.