DM/CDS Message: Welcoming the new National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsman

July 7, 2025 - Defence Stories

We invite Defence Team members to join us in welcoming Mario Baril as the new National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsman. Mr. Baril assumed the role on July 2, 2025, and will serve a term of five years. He joins us from Public Services and Procurement Canada, where he served as Ombudsman from 2022 to 2025.

The Office of the Ombudsman was created in 1998 as an independent organization, reporting directly to the Minister of National Defence, to increase openness and transparency in the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence. Its mandate is to investigate complaints and serve as a neutral third party by providing information, referrals, and education to Defence Team members.

We value the work of the Ombudsman’s Office in championing fairness for Defence Team members and their families. We extend our sincere thanks to Robyn Hynes for her work as interim Ombud over the past year and look forward to working with Mr. Baril as he supports the Defence community with impartiality and integrity.

Stefanie Beck
Deputy Minister

General Jennie Carignan
Chief of the Defence Staff