OTTAWA — Former chief of the defence staff Rick Hillier has been tapped as the National Bank of Canada’s strategic defence adviser. Hillier, who spent more than 35 years with the Canadian Armed Forces, will assist the bank with its defence and security clients, including those in advanced manufacturing and aerospace. In a media release from the National Bank announcing the appointment on Tuesday, Hillier said the country is entering a period of significant investment in the defence industry. “I look forward to working with National Bank’s leadership team as the country continues to strengthen its resilience, competitiveness and strategic capabilities in an increasingly complex world,” he said. National Bank CEO Laurent Ferreira called Hillier one of Canada’s most respected military leaders and strategic thinkers and said he has a proven track record of leadership. “His perspective will be invaluable as we continue to support our clients and navigate a rapidly evolving environment,” Ferreira said. Hillier has criticized government spending on defence in the past, including during his time as the head of the Canadian Armed Forces from 2005 to 2008. He chastised the Liberal government of Prime Minister Jean Chretien for cutting spending, saying the forces were deprived of the money they needed for operations and training. The federal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a $6.6-billion defence strategy earlier this year that looks to help small and medium-sized Canadian businesses break into the defence industry and to prioritize purchases of equipment made in Canada. The document claims it will spur 125,000 jobs over a decade. According to a government press release last December, the Canadian defence industry “supports” more than 81,000 jobs. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 11, 2026. -- With files from Kyle Duggan in Ottawa
