CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrose, left, Edmonton Eskimo alumni Henry Williams, second from right, and Brigadier General Trevor Cadillo, right, watch from the right as the Gray Cup arrives at Canadian Edmonton Force Base on November 20, 2018. Press
A senior Canadian military leader is retiring and traveling to Ukraine to help protect the country from Russian invasion while he is still under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct.
The Ministry of National Defense confirmed on Thursday that Lieutenant General Trevor Cadillo is retiring on April 5 after more than 30 years in uniform, although military police are continuing to investigate his behavior.
“His release was carried out in accordance with proper procedures and in accordance with his legal rights to be released from the CAF,” Defense Ministry spokesman Daniel Le Butilier said in a statement.
“There was no support from the CAF, material or otherwise, given to Cadio after his departure, as it concerns his personal endeavors.
Several defense sources say Mr Kadio has since traveled to Ukraine to volunteer to help fight the Russian invasion, which is about to enter its third month. Sources were not authorized to comment publicly on his whereabouts.
Mr Kadio, who had previously denied any wrongdoing, could not be reached for comment on Thursday, while the Defense Ministry declined to confirm his whereabouts.
“As he is now a private citizen, it would be inappropriate to comment further on his personal plans,” Mr Le Butilier said.
The National Investigation Service of the Canadian Forces said in a statement that its investigation was ongoing, adding: “The release of a member has nothing to do with the investigative work or their personal travel.”
Defense officials have previously said members of the armed forces can be charged with crimes allegedly committed while in uniform, even after retiring.
Mr Cadidio’s sudden retirement and departure came more than six months after the popular officer was to take command of the Canadian army, with some military insiders predicting his possible appointment as chief of defense.
Chief of Defense General Wayne Eyre instead quietly suspended Mr Cadidio’s appointment as army commander in September after being briefed on what the CFNIS described as “historic allegations” of sexual misconduct.
Following the news of Mr Cadidio’s departure, General Eyre announced on Thursday that he had chosen Lieutenant General Jocelyn (Joe) Paul to become the next commander of the Canadian army.
The army has been without a permanent commander since February 2021, when General Eyre was appointed acting acting chief of defense, while then-chief of defense Admiral Art MacDonald was investigated for alleged sexual behavior.
Although Admiral MacDonald was not indicted, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau chose to replace him on a permanent basis with General Eyre. Major General Michel-Henri Saint-Louis has served as Commander of the Army since April 2021.
General Eyre also announced the impending retirement of Royal Canadian Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Craig Baines, who was shot dead last July for golfing with retired Defense Chief Jonathan Vance while Mr Vance was under police investigation.
Deputy Adm. Baines, who apologized and remained as commander of the fleet, promising to make the most of his second chance, will be replaced by Rear Admiral Angus Topshi.
Mr Cadillo is one of several senior commanders to be investigated by military police for alleged sexual misconduct over the past year.
These accusations have forced the military to consider failing to deal with inappropriate behavior. They also drew criticism of the Liberal government’s stance on the issue and calls for greater external oversight of the military.
Mr Kadillo categorically denied any wrongdoing in a statement last autumn, saying: “The allegations are false, but must be thoroughly investigated in order to uncover the truth.” He said he had provided information to investigators to prove his innocence.
The retired officer also said at the time that he had asked General Eyre to choose someone else to serve as commander of the Canadian army, adding: “I know that these false allegations, as intended, will cast doubt on my ability to lead in this environment “
Mr Cadidio’s decision to travel to Ukraine follows General Eyre’s order banning Canadian military personnel from joining the thousands of foreigners who have flocked to the country in recent weeks to help fight the Russian invasion.
Russia has reportedly threatened to prosecute all foreigners captured fighting in Ukraine, while a senior Canadian officer last month raised the specter of Moscow trying to use captured foreign fighters for propaganda purposes.
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