National

Sajjan has lost credibility on misconduct: experts

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 24 Jun, 2021 11:29 AM

Several experts say Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan has lost all credibility when it comes to tackling sexual misconduct in the ranks.

The comments follow a report from The Canadian Press that one of Sajjan's military assistants was ordered suspended three years ago from the Vancouver Police Department for having had an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate.

Sajjan's office says the two men served together as senior officers in the same army reserve unit, but that neither the minister nor his staff knew about Maj. Greg McCullough's past and the military was responsible for hiring him to the position.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has previously defended Sajjan, who was already facing opposition calls to resign for his handling of sexual misconduct allegations involving senior commanders.

But Megan MacKenzie, an expert on military sexual misconduct at Simon Fraser University, says the latest revelation suggests the minister himself is part an "Old Boys network" where senior military officers protect each despite allegations of misconduct.

Charlotte Duval-Lantoine of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute says Sajjan has lost all moral authority when it comes to leading the type of change that is needed to eliminate inappropriate and criminal sexual behaviour in the ranks.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Illicit pot is risky: B.C. public safety minister

Mike Farnworth, who is also the solicitor general, says Health Canada requires licensed cultivators to test cannabis to make sure it's fit for consumption, but little is known about the quality of illicit cannabis products and production.

Illicit pot is risky: B.C. public safety minister

Man accused in killing of London, Ont., family told cab driver to call police

Hasan Savehilaghi, president of Yellow London Taxi, said one the company's drivers was having a cigarette and a coffee next to his car in an empty strip mall parking lot on Sunday night when a black pickup truck came screeching to a halt directly behind his vehicle.

Man accused in killing of London, Ont., family told cab driver to call police

COVID-19 shot in Manitoba could be worth $100K

Manitobans who get a COVID-19 vaccine could also get a six-figure cash injection in their wallets. The provincial government is offering cash prizes of $100,000 and $25,000 scholarships in an effort to persuade more people to geta shot.

COVID-19 shot in Manitoba could be worth $100K

Another 13 arrests at B.C. anti-logging blockades

The RCMP began enforcing a British Columbia court injunction ordering the removal of blockades and protesters at several sites on May 17. Of those arrested Monday at an encampment area near Port Renfrew, 11 have been charged with breaching the injunction, and two for obstruction.

Another 13 arrests at B.C. anti-logging blockades

Recognize residential schools as genocide: NDP

New Democrats are calling on the federal government to recognize what happened at residential schools as genocide.

Recognize residential schools as genocide: NDP

Some border measures to ease; more vaccine coming

Starting early next month, the travellers who have received shots at least 14 days before coming will still have to take a COVID-19 test on arrival, and have to stay in isolation until the test comes back negative. The government also said 7 million doses of Moderna were slated to arrive this month, with initial shipments starting next week.