National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ;French:Quartiers généraux de la Défense nationale (QGDN)) was created through the integration of theCanadian Armed Forces Headquarters (CAF HQ) with the civilianDepartment of National Defence (DND) staff in October of 1972. NDHQ is not a specific location, but is instead housed throughout a collection of offices in buildings across theNational Capital Region, although it is most commonly identified with theMajor-General George R. Pearkes Building onColonel By Drive inOttawa.
From 2017, various locations have been consolidating atNational Defence Headquarters, Carling Campus onCarling Avenue.[1]
During theCold War, the threat of nuclear attack on the National Capital Region saw anEmergency Government Headquarters constructed 30 km west of Ottawa atCFS Carp; this facility was to house a scaled-down NDHQ, along with the federal cabinet and other political, military and government leaders.
Completed in 1974, the George R Pearkes Building was originally built forTransport Canada, until a plan for a new NDHQ inLeBreton Flats was cancelled. Transport Canada instead moved to the newly completedPlace de Ville Tower C (1972). Carling Campus was originallyNortel's research and development site, until it was purchased by the Federal Government in 2010.[2]
Falling under theMinister of National Defence, NDHQ includes the office of theChief of the Defence Staff (CDS), who is the senior military commander within the Canadian Armed Forces; and theDeputy Minister, who is the senior civil servant in charge of the Department of National Defence. Also reporting directly to the Minister are theAssociate Minister of National Defence, theJudge Advocate General, and several other organizations which are considered part of the Defence Portfolio.
Media related toDepartment of National Defence Headquarters at Wikimedia Commons45°25′24″N75°41′21″W / 45.4233°N 75.6892°W /45.4233; -75.6892
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