By Lee Berthiaume in Ottawa
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 below 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 together with his authorized rights to launch from the CAF,” Defence Division spokesman Daniel Le Bouthillier stated in a press release.
“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 substantiate his whereabouts.
“As he’s now a personal 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 a press release that its investigation is ongoing, including: “A member’s launch has no bearing on investigative work, nor does their private journey.”
Defence officers have beforehand stated Armed Forces members could be charged for crimes allegedly dedicated whereas in uniform even after they retire.
Cadieu’s sudden retirement and departure come greater than six months after the favored officer was slated to take command of the Canadian Army, 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.
Following information of Cadieu’s departure, Eyre on Thursday introduced that he had tapped Lt.-Gen. Jocelyn (Joe) Paul to turn into the subsequent commander of the Canadian Army.
The military had 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 interchange him on a everlasting foundation with Eyre. Maj.-Gen. Michel-Henri St-Louis has served as performing military commander since April 2021.
Eyre additionally introduced the pending retirement of Royal Canadian Navy commander Vice-Admiral Craig Baines, who got here below hearth final July {for golfing} with retired defence chief Jonathan Vance whereas Vance was below police investigation.
Baines, who apologized and was saved on as navy commander, promising to take advantage of his second likelihood, might be changed by Rear-Admiral Angus Topshee.
Cadieu is certainly one of a number of senior commanders to be investigated by army police for alleged sexual misconduct prior to now yr.
These allegations have compelled a reckoning inside the army over its failure to deal with inappropriate behaviour. Additionally they sparked criticism of the Liberal authorities’s dealing with of the problem and requires extra exterior oversight of the army.
Cadieu strenuously denied any wrongdoing in a press release final fall, saying: “The allegations are false, however they have to be investigated completely to show the reality.” He stated he had supplied data 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 Army commander, including: “I do know that these false claims will, as meant, create doubts about my skill to steer on this setting.”
Cadieu’s choice 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 current weeks to assist battle Russia’s invasion.
Russia has reportedly threatened legal prosecutions in opposition to any foreigners captured preventing in Ukraine whereas a senior Canadian officer final month raised the spectre of Moscow trying to make use of captured international fighters for propaganda functions.
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed April 21, 2022.
