Following a five-month investigation into the former chief of defence staff Gen. Jonathan Vance, obstruction of justice charges have been laid against him in a civilian court.
Vance allegedly attempted to persuade Major Kellie Brennan to falsify statements about their past workplace relationship to military investigators, according to court documents accessed by CTV News. The documents indicate the alleged obstruction occurred between February 1 and February 3, 2021, before the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) began its investigation. The charge has yet to be proven in court.
In April, Brennan testified before MPs about the sexual relationship with Vance, saying that Vance fathered two children with her. Although Brennan said Vance never threatened her with “bodily harm,” she alleged he told her there would be consequences if she spoke out.
He also allegedly told her that he was “untouchable.” Vance denied any wrongdoing.
The allegations against Vance have not been independently verified.
Regarding the obstruction charge, the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence said, “CFNIS decided to pursue the relevant criminal charge in the civilian justice system,” owing to the “specifics of the case” and in the “interest of justice.”
During testimonies presented to the Status of Women and National Defence Committees, they discussed the difficulties with members reporting sexual misconduct, and what reforms to military oversight and accountability should look like, reports CTV News.
The federal government, which heard of the allegations dating back to March 2018, faced criticism for its handling of the allegations. However, there was an investigation into his behaviour following “rumours” of an inappropriate relationship when he became the defence chief. The “rumours” suggest the workplace relationship began in 2015 when he became defence chief.
Conservative MP and defence critic James Bezan repeated his calls for Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan to resign in a statement over his mishandling of sexual misconduct in the military. “Accountability goes straight to the top,” he said.
Sajjan and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declined to comment Thursday because of the “ongoing legal proceedings.”
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh weighed in on the matter, stating that Mr. Vance's case is just the “tip of the iceberg.” He added: “We’ve known for years that this is a problem.”
“We stand with the women in the Canadian Armed Forces who continue to wait for a real culture change in the face of sexual misconduct and assault in the military.”
Since the allegations against Vance were first reported by Global News, multiple women have shared their stories of sexual misconduct with several high-profile military officers. Vance’s successor, Admiral Art McDonald, also faces allegations of inappropriate behaviour that have yet to be disclosed publicly.
Vance will contend the obstruction charge at an Ottawa Courthouse on September 17.
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