Ship plans cited in Norman’s dismissal

An alleged leak of information related to the government’s troubled shipbuilding plans is behind the removal of the second highest military officer in Canada, sources say.

Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, the vice-chief of the defence staff, was temporarily removed from his command by Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jon Vance, the Canadian Forces confirmed Monday.

Sources say the RCMP are involved in an investigation involving Norman and allegations of leaked information.

The probe, dealing with the alleged release of sensitive information about the navy’s shipbuilding plans, has been ongoing.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declined Tuesday to provide any additional details.

“The chief of defence staff took a decision and this government supports Gen. Vance in the decision that he took,” Trudeau told a news conference in New Brunswick. “I have nothing further to say on this at this time.”

But questions are being raised privately inside DND headquarters about what appears to be quickly turning into a crisis in command.

Vance, who selected Norman for his job, signed the letter removing the vice chief of the defence staff on Jan. 13 and then quickly left the country. The Forces won’t say why Vance left, where he went or exactly when. Sources indicate he is attending meetings in Europe and is believed to have left Canada the morning after signing the letter.

“I understand there is a great deal of speculation surrounding the circumstances that led to my decision with regards to VAdm Mark Norman,” Vance said in a statement emailed to the Ottawa Citizen on Tuesday. “For privacy considerations, I am unable to provide further information.”

Some military sources suggest that Norman, who had been seen as a straight shooter, is being hung out to dry because of the blanket of secrecy surrounding the entire affair. They also note that Vance’s letter removing Norman was distributed so widely at the senior level and mid-level, that it was almost assured that news would be leaked to the media.

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, who initially praised Norman when he was appointed to the VCDS position in August, has gone silent. Sajjan’s office released a statement indicating he supported Vance, almost word for word the same statement that Trudeau made on Tuesday.

Sources didn’t know what aspects of naval shipbuilding information sparked the investigation. But numerous industry officials say the plan to acquire new ships for the Royal Canadian Navy is in a mess.

The Liberals have changed the strategy they inherited from the Conservative government, but that has only caused additional problems, industry representatives say.

The plan to buy a new fleet of surface combatants to replace frigates and destroyers has, in particular, run into significant problems.

The Liberals also examined trying to cancel a deal with Davie, a Quebec shipyard, that would see the navy receive an interim supply ship, something the service is desperate to obtain. The Liberals couldn’t scuttle that deal because it was too far advanced and would invoke financial penalties.

Sources say Norman, the former head of the navy, had been careful in the past on what information he has discussed about navy plans and he was seen as tight-lipped about the shipbuilding requirements.

Vice Admiral Ron Lloyd, the current head of the navy, has been put in Norman’s position on an acting basis, according to Vance’s letter.

The Forces refused Tuesday to say when Vance’s letter was given to Norman and whether Norman is still serving and, if so, in what capacity, or why it couldn’t answer such basic questions.

The level of secrecy doesn’t sit well with some of Norman’s supporters, who point out the lack of information has allowed theories about why he was removed to spiral out of control.

Norman has not commented.

Some of his actions have created a number of enemies within the military and elsewhere. In November, he was asked to shepherd an investigation into problems at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ont., which has been dealing with suicides and sexual assaults.

When he was navy commander, Norman led a crackdown in 2014 on drinking by sailors on ships during off hours.

At one point, the 53-yearold Norman was seen as a contender for the job of chief of the defence staff.