Senior Canadian Armed Forces leader retires and travels to Ukraine to help protect country from Russian invasion while 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.
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Several defense sources say Kadio has since traveled to Ukraine to volunteer to help fight the Russian invasion, which is set to enter its third month. Sources were not authorized to comment publicly on his whereabouts.
Read more: The latest controversy over military misconduct raises problems for real change in Canadian forces: experts
Cadio, 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 more on his personal plans,” 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.”
Global News reported for the first time on February 2, 2021, that former Chief of Defense Staff General Jonathan Vance faces charges of inappropriate behavior by two subordinate women, which he denies.
In the following weeks, military police launched an investigation into Vance, as well as Admiral Art MacDonald, Vance’s successor as chief of defense. Vance was subsequently charged with one count of obstruction of justice on July 15.
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Many women also spoke publicly, sharing allegations of high-level sexual abuse in the Canadian forces.
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The allegations also led to the launch of two studies by parliamentary committees.
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Defense officials have previously said members of the armed forces can be charged with crimes allegedly committed while in uniform, even after retiring.
Cadillo’s sudden retirement and departure come 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 stopped Cadio’s appointment as army commander in September after being briefed on what CFNIS described as “historic allegations” of sexual misconduct.
The Canadian Army has been without a permanent commander since February 2021, when Ayr was appointed acting acting chief of defense, while then-chief of defense Admiral Art MacDonald was investigated for alleged sexual behavior.
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Although MacDonald was not indicted, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau chose to replace him on a permanent basis with Ayr. Major General Michel-Henri Saint-Louis has been the Commander-in-Chief of the Army since April 2021.
Kadio 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.
Cadio categorically denied any wrongdoing in a statement last fall, saying: “The allegations are false, but must be thoroughly investigated to reveal 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 Ayr 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 this Wednesday “.
Cadio’s decision to travel to Ukraine follows Air’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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“With files from Amanda Connolly.”
© 2022 The Canadian Press
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