The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) is opening a probe into the allegations of inappropriate behaviour against former chief of defence staff Gen. Jonathan Vance.
“We can confirm the CFNIS is investigating this matter,” said a spokesperson for the military.
“In order to preserve the integrity of the investigative process, no additional information can be provided at this time.”
It comes after Global News reported that Vance — who was appointed by the former Conservative government — is facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour and that the Canadian Forces Ombudsman shared concerns about Vance with Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan‘s office in 2018.
Conservative MPs also called on Thursday for an emergency meeting of the national defence committee to examine the allegations.
Read more:
Minister’s office knew of concerns about Vance in 2018, sources say
Chief of Defence Staff Adm. Art McDonald said on Wednesday in an internal message to military staff that there will be an investigation into the allegations reported by Global News on Tuesday night.
Vance is facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour with two female subordinates.
One regards an alleged relationship with a woman he significantly outranked while he was chief of defence staff. The other is in relation to a 2012 email in which Vance appeared to suggest to a much younger female corporal that the two go to a clothing-optional vacation destination.
Vance denies all allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
He says the relationship with the female subordinate while he was chief of defence staff was never sexual, describing himself as a “supporter” and “friend” as she considered joining a class action lawsuit for military victims of sexual misconduct.
He says he has no recollection of the 2012 email. He says if he ever did send it, it was intended as a joke and not as a solicitation.
He says he is willing to “apologize.”
Global News has also learned the woman who says she had an intimate relationship with Vance while he was chief of defence staff has requested a meeting with military police.
More to come.