New Chief of the Defence Staff Under Investigation

Admiral Art McDonald has voluntarily stepped down as Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Forces after an investigation by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service.

There is no word on what the investigation is in relation to. The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service investigates serious or sensitive service and criminal offences against property, persons, and DND.

It has authority and jurisdiction over persons subject to the Code of Service Discipline, wherever Canadian Forces are established or deployed throughout the world, regardless of rank or status.

McDonald has only been in the position since January 14, 2021. On December 23, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that McDonald would succeed General Jonathan Vance as Chief of the Defence Staff.

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan announced that McDonald had temporarily and voluntarily stepped down as Chief of the Defence Staff amid investigations on allegations of misconduct.

Pending the results of the investigation, Lieutenant General Wayne Eyre would serve as Acting Chief of Defence Staff until McDonald is reinstated.