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The race is underway to fill Canada’s top military job after chief of the defence staff Gen. Tom Lawson informed the government he will be stepping down in the fall rather than hoping to renew his term.

Lawson issued a statement Tuesday night confirming his decision after sources indicated earlier in the day that he was stepping down.

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“I have informed the Government that I would like to retire at the end of my three year tenure as Chief of the Defence Staff,” Lawson said in his statement. “Serving Canada while leading the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces has been the greatest honour and privilege in my 40-years of service in uniform. There is much work to be done, and I remain focused on my duties as Chief of Defence. I will do so until a replacement is named.”

Lawson did not comment on why he is leaving the job. But sources say the general is not being forced out: he is leaving because he is tired of the job and having to deal with ongoing cuts facing the Canadian military.