The rank insignia for a lieutenant-general in the Royal Canadian Air Force is a wide braid below two narrow braid on the cuff, as well as three silver maple leaves, beneath crossed sword and baton, all surmounted by St. Edward's Crown, worn on the shoulder straps of the service dress tunic.

In the Canadian Army, the rank insignia is a wide braid on the cuff, as well as three gold maple leaves, beneath crossed sword and baton, all surmounted by St. Edward's Crown, worn on the shoulder straps of the service dress tunic.

On the visor of the service cap are two rows of gold oak leaves.

Appointments held by lieutenant-generals may include vice chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS); Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (DCDS); commander of the Canadian Army and commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

In November 2009, King Charles III became an honorary lieutenant-general of the Canadian Forces.