Defence chief steps aside as investigation launched
OTTAWA — Canada’s top military officer, Admiral Art McDonald, is under military police investigation and has stepped aside as chief of the defence staff.
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan made the announcement late Wednesday night.
“As I have stated, I take all allegations of misconduct seriously and continue to take strong action on any allegation of misconduct that is brought forward,” Sajjan said in a statement. “No matter the rank, no matter the position.”
The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service confirmed it has launched an investigation into McDonald. Sajjan and the Department of National Defence declined to discuss details of the investigation.
But defence sources told Postmedia News that an investigation was started after a complaint was received about sexual misconduct and other alleged behaviour. A victim and a number of witnesses have come forward, according to sources.
“I was informed that Admiral Art McDonald has voluntarily stepped aside while the investigation is ongoing,” Sajjan added.
Sajjan said he has appointed Army commander Lt.-Gen. Wayne Eyre as Acting Chief of the Defence Staff.
“I will have no further comment at this time due to the ongoing investigation,” the minister added.
McDonald was named chief of the defence staff on Dec. 23 and officially took over the job on Jan. 14.
During his inaugural speech, McDonald promised to stamp out sexual misconduct and racism in the Canadian Forces. He apologized to those in the ranks who have suffered from such actions.
“I apologize to you, my teammates, our teammates, who have experienced racism, discriminatory behaviour and or hateful conduct,” McDonald said.
“I’m deeply sorry,” he added. “I want you to know that I will do all that I can to support you, to stop these unacceptable acts from happening, and to put into practice our guiding principle: respect the dignity of all persons. Creating a respectful environment is a responsibility that we all share.”
The investigation into McDonald is yet another blow to the Canadian Forces. It is already dealing with allegations made against McDonald’s predecessor Gen. Jon Vance.
The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service launched an investigation Feb. 4 into Vance after a series of reports from Global News which alleged the officer had an ongoing relationship with a woman he significantly outranked. Global also reported Vance is alleged to have made a sexual suggestion to a second, much younger soldier in 2012, before he was appointed chief of the defence staff.
Vance has been asked repeatedly by Postmedia News for comment about the allegations, but he has not responded. He told Global he did nothing improper.
The Commons defence committee is conducting hearings into the allegations surrounding Vance.