Born in St. Jérôme, QC, Michel Maisonneuve moved to western Canada at 14, learned English, and later graduated as the top student of the Royal Military College of Canada in 1976.
He rose through the ranks in the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada, serving in various leadership roles, including Commanding Officer. His career included international postings, such as with the 12e Régiment de Chasseurs in France and multiple UN, NATO, and OSCE missions. He held several prominent positions, including Director of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps and Assistant Deputy Chief of Defence Staff.
Promoted to Lieutenant-General in 2003, Maisonneuve became Chief of Staff at NATO’s Supreme Allied Command Atlantic, later standing up SAC Transformation. His military awards include Commander of the Order of Military Merit, the Meritorious Service Cross, officer of the French Legion of Honour, Officer of the U.S. Legion of Merit, and the NATO Meritorious Service Medal.
After retiring from the military in 2007, he became Academic Director of Royal Military College Saint-Jean, overseeing the return of university-level programs. Throughout his career, he actively supported veteran causes and received the 2020 Vimy Award for his lifetime contributions to Canadian security and defence. He now resides in Port Dalhousie, ON, with his wife Barbara.
An illustrated gallery of Michel's military service throughout the years.
