Brigadier General Joe Robinson was born and raised in London, Ontario. Enrolling in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1990, he graduated from McMaster University under the Subsidized University Entrance Program in 1992 and was commissioned as an Infantry Officer into Second Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.

He has had the privilege of commanding from the platoon to the formation level in both the Regular and Reserve force; most notably commanding the 4th Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, the 31 Brigade Territorial Battalion Group and 31 Canadian Brigade Group from 2019 to 2022.

His extra-regimental assignments include Assistant Chief of Staff Operations 31 Canadian Brigade Group, Civilian Military Leadership Pilot Initiative staff officer, Commanding Officer 31 Canadian Brigade Group Battle School and Assistant Chief of Staff Personnel Support at 4 Canadian Division Headquarters.

BGen Robinson deployed to Haiti on OP HAMLET in 2011 as the CIMIC Assessment Officer for MINUSTAH with a specific focus on Internally Displaced Persons Camp security and support and orphanage assistance in the wake of the 2010 Earthquake.

BGen Robinson holds B.A.s in Anthropology and History from McMaster University, a Masters in Education from Western University and a Masters in Defence Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada.

He is supported by a strong and very patient wife, the couple has two children.

BGen Robinson spends his spare time coaching High School Football.