Category: Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan

Canadian Military Drawdown Will Begin Before Aug. 31 American Deadline: Sajjan

OTTAWA—The Canadian military will begin wrapping up its mission at Kabul airport ahead of the Aug. 31 deadline the United States set for ending the mission, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said Wednesday. Sajjan said that’s because the United States is leading the mission and providing security and so its forces, some 6,000 personnel, must be…


Here Are the Key Players in the Military’s Sexual Misconduct Scandal

OTTAWA—Two House of Commons committees continue to probe the Liberal government’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations against senior military officers. Here are the key players involved in the scandal: Gen. Jonathan Vance: Former chief of the defence staff who stepped down on Jan. 14. A subordinate at the heart of the sexual misconduct allegations, Maj….


Sajjan Called to Testify Again in Commons Probe of Forces Misconduct Claims

OTTAWA—The Trudeau government and Opposition Conservatives marked International Women’s Day on Monday by trading barbs and accusations over reported threats against a senior naval officer who brought forward an allegation of misconduct against Canada’s defence chief. The bitter back-and-forth came as members of the House of Commons defence committee agreed to invite a bevy of…


Ex Ombudsman Says He Told Defence Minister About Vance Allegations in 2018

OTTAWA—Former military ombudsman Gary Walbourne told a parliamentary committee Wednesday that he informed Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan of allegations of misconduct against Gen. Jonathan Vance during a “hostile” closed-door meeting three years ago. Walbourne’s remarks appear to contradict Sajjan’s own testimony to the same committee Feb. 19, when he said he was as surprised as…


Military Reeling as New Defence Chief Steps Aside Amid Allegations of Misconduct

OTTAWA—The Canadian Armed Forces is reeling after news defence chief Admiral Art McDonald is being investigated for misconduct, only weeks after military police launched an investigation into allegations against his predecessor. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan revealed late Wednesday that McDonald had “voluntarily stepped aside” while military police investigate unspecified allegations. McDonald took over as the…


Canada Expected to Face Pressure to Reverse Withdrawal, Send Troops to Iraq

OTTAWA—Canada is expected to face pressure this week to reverse a recent drawdown of troops from Iraq as the NATO military alliance prepares to expand its presence in the country. The alliance has persistent concerns about Islamic State extremists and Iranian-backed militias. NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg predicted this week that defence ministers from across the…