Two Forces members charged with sexual assault

haliFaX, n.S.

Two Canadian Armed Forces members with Nova Scotia connections were charged Thursday in relation to separate sexual assaults.

Cpl. George MacLeod, a member of the 36 Combat Engineer Regiment Primary Reserve unit in Sydney, was charged in relation to an incident that reportedly took place in August during training at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown.

Master Cpl. Maxime Demers, a member of Canadian Forces Health Services at Canadian Forces Base Borden, was charged after an incident at a private residence in Halifax in June 2014 when the accused was posted to HMCS Charlottetown.

Both incidents involved Forces member.

“Harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour has no place in the Canadian Armed Forces — be it in the reserve or regular force,” Lt.-Col. Kevin Cadman, commanding officer of the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service, said in a news release.

“(These charges) reflect our steadfast commitment to respect victims, thoroughly investigate all allegations, and bring those responsible for criminal sexual offences to justice.”

MacLeod and Demers were each charged with one count of sexual assault under Sec. 271 of the Criminal Code, punishable under Sec. 130 of the National another Defence Act. Both matters will be handled by the military justice system for possible courts martial at dates and locations to be determined. Sexual misconduct has been an ongoing issue in the Canadian Armed Forces, despite concerted efforts to deal with it in recent years.

Operation Honour was launched in 2015 with the mission of eliminating harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the Canadian military. The Sexual Misconduct Response Centre was also created in 2015 and expanded to 24-7 service in July. Its purpose is to support members who have been affected by harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour through confidential, supportive counselling by telephone or email.