General who stepped down from Canada’s COVID vaccine campaign under investigation for 30-year-old sexual misconduct allegation: sources

According to a source, the allegations against Fortin are over 30 years old, dating back to when Fortin was a student at the Royal Military College in Quebec.

The source said that Fortin exposed himself to a woman.

The prime minister's office said in a statement: "as women and men in the Canadian Armed Forces continue to come forward, we know there is much more work to do to make sure everyone has a safe workplace."

"These matters are handled by authorities and CAF officials. When appropriate, the PMO is provided status updates on senior personnel decisions by the Privy Council Office. As this is an active investigation, we are unable to comment further."

Minister of Defence Harjit Sajjan said that his department is working to "building a culture of inclusion for the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”

"We are committed to this lasting change – one that sheds toxic and outdated values, practices, and policies,” the spokesperson wrote. “As Minister Sajjan said on Friday, the Acting Chief of Defence Staff advised him that (Maj.-Gen.) Fortin had stepped aside and as there is an ongoing investigation, we will have no further comment at this time."

Fortin says that he "vigorously" denies the allegation.