Canadian military officer retires and heads to Ukraine amid sexual misconduct probe – National
A senior chief within the Canadian Armed Forces has retired and travelled to Ukraine to assist defend the nation from Russia’s invasion whereas nonetheless beneath investigation for alleged sexual misconduct
The Division of Nationwide Defence confirmed Thursday that lieutenant-general Trevor Cadieu retired on April 5 after greater than 30 years in uniform, at the same time as army police proceed their investigation into his conduct.
“His launch was performed in accordance with correct procedures and in accordance along with his authorized rights to launch from the CAF,” Defence Division spokesman Daniel Le Bouthillier stated in an announcement.
“There was no CAF assist, materials or in any other case, given to Cadieu since his departure because it pertains to his private endeavours.”
A number of defence sources say Cadieu has since headed to Ukraine to volunteer to assist battle again in opposition to a Russian invasion that’s about to enter its third month. The sources weren’t licensed to remark publicly on his whereabouts.
Cadieu, who has beforehand denied any wrongdoing, couldn’t be reached for touch upon Thursday whereas the Defence Division declined to verify his whereabouts.
“As he’s now a non-public citizen, it might be inappropriate for us to remark additional on his private plans,” Le Bouthillier stated.
The Canadian Forces Nationwide Investigation Service stated in an announcement that its investigation is ongoing, including: “A member’s launch has no bearing on investigative work, nor does their private journey.”
World Information first reported on Feb. 2, 2021, that former chief of the defence workers Gen. Jonathan Vance is going through allegations of inappropriate behaviour from two feminine subordinates, which he denies.
Within the weeks that adopted, army police opened investigations into Vance in addition to Adm. Artwork McDonald, Vance’s successor as chief of defence workers. Vance was subsequently charged with one depend of obstruction of justice on July 15.
A number of girls have additionally spoken out publicly, sharing allegations of high-level sexual misconduct within the Canadian Forces.
The allegations additionally led to the launch of two research by parliamentary committees.
Defence officers have beforehand stated Armed Forces members could be charged for crimes allegedly dedicated whereas in uniform even after they retire.
Cadieu’s all of a sudden retirement and departure come greater than six months after the favored officer was slated to take command of the Canadian Military, with some army insiders predicting his eventual appointment as chief of the defence workers.
Defence chief Gen. Wayne Eyre as a substitute quietly suspended Cadieu’s set up as military commander in September after he was knowledgeable of what the CFNIS has described as “historic allegations” of sexual misconduct.
The Canadian Military has been and not using a everlasting commander since February 2021, when Eyre was tapped to function performing chief of the defence workers whereas then-defence chief Admiral Artwork McDonald was being investigated for alleged sexual behaviour.
Whereas McDonald was not charged, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau opted to exchange him on a everlasting foundation with Eyre. Maj.-Gen. Michel-Henri St-Louis has served as performing military commander since April 2021.
Cadieu is one in all a number of senior commanders to be investigated by army police for alleged sexual misconduct up to now 12 months.
These allegations have compelled a reckoning inside the army over its failure to handle inappropriate behaviour. In addition they sparked criticism of the Liberal authorities’s dealing with of the difficulty and requires extra exterior oversight of the army.
Cadieu strenuously denied any wrongdoing in an announcement final fall, saying: “The allegations are false, however they have to be investigated totally to reveal the reality.” He stated he had supplied info to investigators to show his innocence.
The retired officer additionally stated on the time that he had requested Eyre to pick another person to function Canadian Military commander, including: “I do know that these false claims will, as meant, create doubts about my skill to steer on this surroundings.”
Cadieu’s determination to journey to Ukraine follows an order from Eyre banning serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces from becoming a member of the hundreds of foreigners who’ve flocked to the nation in latest weeks to assist battle Russia’s invasion.
Russia has reportedly threatened legal prosecutions in opposition to any foreigners captured combating in Ukraine whereas a senior Canadian officer final month raised the spectre of Moscow making an attempt to make use of captured overseas fighters for propaganda functions.
— With recordsdata from Amanda Connolly
