OTTAWA — Canadian Forces brass and rank-and-file were reeling from the shock of a high-ranking officer charged with multiple counts of murder and rape, but experts doubt it will be a black mark for the military.
The Forces moved swiftly to replace Col. Russ Williams as top commander at CFB Trenton and is considering other sanctions against the senior soldier charged with murder, home invasion and sexual assault. Lt.-Gen. Andre Deschamps, chief of the air staff, said a review by 1 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg will mull “the most appropriate action,” noting members are held to a “very high standard of conduct and performance” whether in Canada or abroad, and whether on or off military duty.
Military legal expert and retired colonel Michel Drapeau said murder is among a small handful of offences that must be tried in civilian court instead of military tribunal. While Williams could retain his rank pending the outcome of proceedings, Drapeau said National Defence could force his compulsory release based on the severity of charges.
“I don’t remember in my lifetime someone of that rank charged with something so serious,” he said. “There are a whole range of actions that DND will have to take. Right now he is still a member of the armed forces, still innocent until proven guilty.”
Retired major general Lewis Mackenzie called the case “totally unique” because of the rank of the accused and gravity of offence. But he doubts it will tarnish the reputation of the military.
“It will garner more attention because of the rank, but I don’t think the Canadian public will make a decision based on an act that hasn’t been confirmed yet and involves only one individual,” he said.
Retired colonel Alain Pellerin, executive director of the Conference of Defence Associations, expects charges will be a blow to tight military circles, but doesn’t believe it will have broader implications for the reputation of the Forces because it wasn’t an alleged crime that occurred in the line of duty.
“It’s a very sad event and it will have an effect on the people in Trenton, but I would suggest that it won’t have much of an impact on the Forces outside that community or the way the population views the Forces,” he said.
Deschamps said the Forces is supporting civilian investigators and expressed condolences to victims, their families and members of the Forces.
“This situation affects us all and I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the families of those affected by these tragic events,” he said.
