Ontario’s vaccine boss takes second job
Hillier to advise Ottawa defence company
OTTAWA • Retired Gen. Rick Hillier, who is overseeing the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Ontario, has a new job advising an Ottawa defence company on how to boost its international sales.
The executive chairman of KWESST says Hillier’s new position involves “light duties” so it shouldn’t interfere with his work on the vaccine distribution plan. “He’s obviously going to be preoccupied with his current (COVID) duties but everybody can always find time in that for discussion so that is what we expect to do next,” said David Luxton.
Luxton said the firm will work with Hillier to plan and roll out an international advisory council for the defence company whose products include electronic systems and decoys and technologies to counter drones and laser on the battlefield.
Hillier is being paid $20,000 a month, plus expenses, by the Ontario government for his role as chairman of Ontario’s vaccine distribution task force.
Questions directed to Hillier and Premier Doug Ford’s office were responded to by the office of the Solicitor General.
“Gen Hillier will not be commencing his new parttime advisory role until he completes his function here as the Task Force Chair so there is no possible conflict,” spokesman John Williston said in an email.
The retired general faced criticism in December when the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine was halted because of the holidays. There has also been anger at the Ontario government because of the slow pace of vaccinations, but Hillier has countered that the speed of the program is linked to the vaccine supply chain.
Hillier’s appointment to the vaccination task force was effective Nov. 22 and will run until March 31, although the Ontario government has said it will extend that if his services are still needed.
Luxton said Hillier’s duties for the company are important and the firm is excited to have him on board.
The council will provide KWESST with advice as it tries to expand into the global defence market.
In announcing Hillier’s appointment in late November to head the vaccine task force, Ford called the general a “Canadian hero.”
The premier said Hillier’s military expertise was critical to the success of the distribution plan, although the Canadian Forces has had a limited role in that distribution.