BGen (Ret’d) William Fletcher: Leading with Courage, Humility, and Honour

Brigadier-General (Ret’d) William Fletcher, CMR  RMC Class of 1995, exemplifies the very essence of Truth, Duty, Valour. Over more than three decades of service, he distinguished himself as a courageous combat leader, a thoughtful commander, and a steadfast servant to Canada both in and out of uniform.

Fletcher’s journey began in 1989, inspired by his father’s military service and a lifelong desire to lead. He enrolled at the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean before completing his degree in Civil Engineering at the Royal Military College of Canada. Commissioned into the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, he quickly demonstrated the leadership and resilience that would define his career.

His defining moment came during his deployment to Afghanistan in 2006, where, as a Major commanding C Company, he led from the front in some of the most dangerous combat conditions faced by Canadian forces in recent history. Repeatedly exposing himself to heavy enemy fire, Fletcher personally rendered first aid to wounded soldiers before continuing to lead the assault, actions that earned him the Star of Military Valour, making him only the second recipient in Canadian history. His courage, tactical acumen, and unwavering commitment to his soldiers embodied the highest standards of military leadership.

Beyond the battlefield, Fletcher’s career was marked by progressive leadership at the highest levels. He rose to the rank of Brigadier-General and ultimately commanded the 3rd Canadian Division and Joint Task Force West, overseeing approximately 13,000 personnel across Western Canada. Throughout his service, he remained grounded in a simple philosophy: leadership begins with listening, humility, and a recognition that no single individual has all the answers.

Colleagues and subordinates alike remember Fletcher as a leader who never lost sight of the human dimension of command. He understood deeply the consequences of leadership decisions and the responsibility to care for the soldiers entrusted to him. His emphasis on resilience, balance, and the importance of family reflects a leadership style rooted not only in operational excellence, but in compassion and perspective.

Following 33 years of distinguished service, Fletcher transitioned seamlessly to civilian leadership, continuing his commitment to public service as Chief Administrative Officer for the City of St. Albert, Alberta. In this role, he brings the same dedication, integrity, and sense of duty that defined his military career proving that leadership extends well beyond the uniform.