Canada – Statement from the Minister of National Defence
Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today:
“Yesterday, I indicated that it was my expectation that Admiral Art McDonald would remain on leave while the Government reviews the situation.
I am confirming today that this is the case. Admiral McDonald will be on administrative leave effective today and until further notice.
Appointments like that of Chief of Defence Staff must meet the highest possible standards and our goal must be to create a better workplace for the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces. A workplace that ensures that complainants and survivors are treated with the utmost respect and that allegations are taken seriously in every instance.
I have complete confidence that Canadians and our Armed Forces will continue to be very well-served by the Acting Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Wayne Eyre, as we deal with some very complex issues – from fighting forest fires and helping Canadians battle the pandemic at home, to assisting our Afghan interpreters and locally engaged staff to come to Canada, while continuing to confront other security challenges around the world.”
Daniel Minden
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: Daniel.Minden@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca