Canadian navy relieves Maritime Forces Pacific leader of duties over 'inappropriate comments'
The Royal Canadian Navy has relieved a senior leader of its Pacific forces of his duties after an investigation found he made "inappropriate comments" about another sailor's appearance.
In a statement Monday, navy commander Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee said he had relieved Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Tim Blonde of his appointment as Formation Chief Petty Officer of Maritime Forces Pacific, effective immediately.
"I no longer have confidence in CPO 1 Blonde’s ability to carry out his leadership duties, maintain discipline, and ensure the highest standards of ethics and values of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Armed Forces," Topshee said.
"The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has been clear that any form of misconduct within its ranks is unacceptable. It harms our people, jeopardizes our operational effectiveness, and is inconsistent with our values and ethics."
The navy commander said an investigation found that Blonde made inappropriate comments about a junior sailor's appearance during a social event at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt on May 6.
The investigation did not reveal evidence to support charges under either military or civilian law, according to Topshee.
However, "the evidence clearly showed that his conduct was unacceptable, and incompatible with his duties and responsibilities as Formation Chief Petty Officer; eroding the credibility necessary to execute the duties associated with this appointment," he added.
The rank of formation chief petty officer is the most senior non-commissioned appointment within Maritime Forces Pacific, whose job it is to represent the interests of non-commissioned members, according to the navy.
Blonde will continue to serve in the navy, but will no longer have a senior leadership role, according to the statement.
SECOND DISMISSAL IN AS MANY WEEKS
Blonde was appointed to the position in May 2019 after serving in a similar capacity with Canadian Fleet Atlantic in Halifax.
He is the second high-profile member of Maritime Forces Pacific to be dismissed from his post in as many weeks.
Lt.-Cmdr. David Dallin was relieved of his command of HMCS Regina on June 30 following an incident aboard another vessel during a naval training exercise.
Details of the incident have not been released, but Canadian Pacific Fleet commander David Mazur said in a statement that it involved "inappropriate conduct."
Following the dismissal, Cmdr. Meghan Coates assumed command of the Esquimalt-based warship.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by U.S. to hit Russian-held areas, officials say
Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials said Wednesday.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
7 surveillance videos linked to extortions of South Asian home builders in Edmonton released
The Edmonton Police Service has released a number of surveillance videos related to a series of extortion cases in the city now dubbed 'Project Gaslight.'
Suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery caught on video
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
New evidence challenges the Pentagon's account of a horrific attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan: CNN exclusive
New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers
A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.