MAJOR-GENERAL (RETIRED) DAVID FRASER, CMM, MSC, MSM, CD, MA, BA
Major-General (Retired) David Fraser is one of Canada’s most accomplished leaders in both the public and private sectors. He is the President of AEGIS Six Corporation and sits on several boards.
David Fraser served for over 31 years with the Canadian Armed Forces. Joining the Second Battalion Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), his career is highlighted by numerous operational tours around the world. He has served in command at every rank from lieutenant to major-general on operations commanding Canadian and multi-national troops. For his leadership he is one of the most decorated officers Canada has produced. He has been recognized for his leadership by the United States twice (Legion of Merit and Bronze Star), NATO, the Netherlands, Poland, the Atlantic Council and Canadian Defence Academy as a Vimy recipient. He is the recipient of the Commander of Military Merit, the Meritorious Service Cross, and Meritorious Service Medal from Canada.
David Fraser was the first Canadian general to have under his command United States troops while he served as Commander Regional Command South in Afghanistan under the United States Coalition. He led the transition from the US Operation Enduring Freedom to the NATO ISAF coalition. Canada was entrusted as lead nation for this operation and received many international accolades for its results attesting to MGen (ret’d) Fraser’s skill, diplomacy and experience.
Upon returning from Afghanistan, David was Commandant of the Canadian Armed Forces College. The College is the Canadian Armed Forces and Government of Canada’s premier masters accredited institute of higher learning for all middle and executive Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) officers and now selected government officials. During his tenure, David instituted the Joint Command and Staff Programme Distance Learning (JCSP DL) aimed at preparing selected senior officers of the Defence Team for command and staff appointments in the contemporary operating environment. He also improved the National Security Studies with the aim of preparing selected leaders for future responsibilities within a complex and ambiguous global security environment; and enhanced the Non Commission Member education program of the Canadian Armed Forces.
He has commanded the 1st Canadian Division Headquarters and Land Force Doctrine and Training System (LFDTS) now the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre. During his tenure as Commander, he was instrumental in developing innovative training concept necessary for the new security environment. Taking his vast operational and staff experience, he conducted contingency planning and operations for Canada including the evacuation of Canadians during the Libyan crisis.
Upon leaving the Canadian Armed Forces, David joined the private sector and along with his partners, raised funds for the creation of Blue Goose Pure Foods. In the span of 18 months, he along with his partners had amazed close to a million acres in Canada producing certified organic beef, chicken and fish and selling these products across Canada. Since then, he has taken his leadership and business skills to other companies achieving similar effects. Most recently, he was the COO for INKAS® Armored Vehicle Manufacturing until June 2016.
He is a graduate of the Canadian Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Toronto, holds a Master’s of Management and Policy and is a graduate of the United States Capstone Program (Executive School for generals). His honours and awards include the Commander of Military Merit, the Canadian Meritorious Service Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, the United States Legion of Honor and Bronze Star for service in Afghanistan, and awards from the Netherlands, Poland, and NATO. He is the recipient of the Vimy Award from the Canadian Defence Academy (CDA) for contributions to leadership and international affairs and the Atlantic Council Award for international leadership.
Today, he sits on several boards, is a mentor at the Ivey Business School.