Christopher Coates is the Director of Foreign Policy, National Defence and National Security at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. He retired as a Lieutenant-General after 34 years in senior leadership positions of the Royal Canadian Air Force. 

A military helicopter pilot skilled in tactical and special operations aviation he commanded up to senior levels in Canada and operationally overseas. He worked with and alongside allies addressed pressing needs in a variety of challenges – such as service with NATO in Europe, in the former Yugoslavia with both the United Nations and NATO, and in Afghanistan. As Commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command, Coates coordinated the employment of Canada’s defence forces globally.

Coates has significant experience in the continental defence, including the Arctic – an area of particular interest. As the Deputy Commander of North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) he worked extensively on the specific technical and operational challenges associated with the defence of North America, alongside the US Department of Defense.