Canadian navy relieves Maritime Forces Pacific leader of duties over 'inappropriate comments'
![Tim Blonde Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Tim Blonde was relieved of his appointment as Formation Chief Petty Officer of Maritime Forces Pacific on Monday, July 11, 2022. (Royal Canadian Navy)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2022/7/11/tim-blonde-1-5983289-1657578545539.jpg)
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
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6978649.1722015109!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.