16.68°C Vancouver

Aug 11, 2021 7:15 PM -

Admiral McDonald says he is returning as defence chief after misconduct investigation

Share On
admiral-mcdonald-says-he-is-returning-as-defence-chief-after-misconduct-investigation
Vice-Admiral Art McDonald, the new head of the Navy, addresses the audience at the Royal Canadian Navy Change of Command ceremony in Halifax, Wednesday, June 12, 2019. McDonald says he has decided to return to his position as commander of the Canadian Armed Forces after military investigators opted not to charge him following an investigation into his conduct. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

Admiral Art McDonald says he has decided to return to his position as commander of the Canadian Armed Forces after military investigators opted not to charge him following an investigation into his conduct.

McDonald stepped down in February as chief of the defence staff as a result of a Canadian Forces National Investigation Service investigation into an allegation of misconduct.

But in a statement released by his legal team this afternoon, McDonald says he is returning to the position after the six-month investigation completely exonerated him and that he is returning to his post.

It was not immediately clear whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau or Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan were aware of McDonald's plan to take back command of the military from acting defence chief Lt.-Gen. Wayne Eyre.

The Liberal government has faced calls not to reinstate McDonald, with some experts and victim's advocates questioning the decision to have military police investigate Canada's top military officer.

McDonald in his statement says he co-operated fully during the investigation, and cited the need to respect due process in Canada.

Latest news

langley-school-district-bans-e-scooters-and-e-bikes-on-school-grounds
BCSep 08, 2026

Langley School District Bans E-Scooters and E-Bikes on School Grounds

British Columbia’s Langley School District has banned e-scooters and e-bikes across all elementary, middle and secondary schools, citing student safety concerns as the new academic year begins. The new rules come into effect immediately and follow growing concerns over e-scooter-related accidents and serious injuries involving children across the Lower Mainland. However, the district’s new policy allows e-pedal bikes at secondary schools. Students aged 14 and 15 can use light e-bikes, while those aged 16 and older can use standard e-bikes. Adults are also permitted to use e-pedal bikes at
behbal-kalan-firing-case-sukhbir-badal-summoned-again-by-sit-questioning-set-for-september-11
IndiaSep 08, 2026

Behbal Kalan Firing Case: Sukhbir Badal Summoned Again by SIT, Questioning Set for September 11

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has once again summoned Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal in connection with the Behbal Kalan firing case. Badal has been asked to appear before the SIT in Chandigarh on September 11 for questioning. Badal had previously appeared before the SIT on July 20. The latest summons comes as the investigation into the 2015 firing incident continues. The Behbal Kalan firing took place in October 2015, when police opened fire on protesters in Behbal Kalan, Faridkot district. The protesters were demonstrating against incidents of sacrilege involving th
CanadaSep 08, 2026

Canada and EU to Unite Against U.S.-China Global Dominance

Canada and the European Union are exploring a broad strategic alliance aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, defence, security and other key areas, as both sides seek to navigate growing competition between the United States and China. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to outline the initiative during her annual State of the Union address in Strasbourg on September 16. Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to attend the address and speak to European lawmakers the following day, highlighting Canada’s push for closer ties with Europe. The Carney governmen
BCSep 08, 2026

Surrey Police Board Begins Nationwide Search for New Chief Constable

The Surrey Police Board has officially launched a nationwide search for a new chief constable to lead the Surrey Police Service (SPS). The board has hired PFM Executive Search to manage the recruitment process and help identify a qualified candidate for the top position. The move comes nearly three months after former Chief Constable Norm Lipinski was dismissed in early June. His termination led to the resignation of two board directors, including the board’s then-chair, in protest. Since Lipinski’s departure, Deputy Chief Constable Todd Matsumoto has been serving as interim chief. The sel
CanadaSep 08, 2026

Canada and China Resume Military Talks After More Than Eight Years

Canadian and Chinese military officials have held their first defence coordination talks in more than eight years, with the meeting taking place privately in Ottawa. China’s Defence Ministry confirmed that the meeting was held on September 4, saying the talks were aimed at restoring military-level communication between the two countries. The ministry described the discussions as a clear dialogue intended to improve mutual understanding and build trust between the two militaries. Notably, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government did not issue any public statement about the meeting, while Bei

Related News