A Canadian soldier takes part in an announcement in Petawawa, Ont., on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean KilpatrickSean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Canada’s military brass have removed the commander of this country’s high-profile Latvian mission from his position a week after he was charged under the National Defence Act.
The Canadian deployment to the Baltics is among this country’s most significant overseas commitments and represents a contribution to NATO’s deterrence operation on the alliance’s eastern flank.
Colonel James Smith is being temporarily removed from his post as commander of Task Force Latvia and will be assigned other duties in Canada until the investigation is finished, Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command, said in a statement Tuesday.
“This is a decision made to ensure continuity of leadership and the effective conduct of operations while the charge against Colonel Smith proceeds through the military justice system,” Lt-Gen Boivin said.
It was announced Mar. 31 that Col. Smith was charged with one count under Section 129 of the National Defence Act—Neglect to the Prejudice of Good Order and Discipline.
The charge relates to an investigation by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service into the receipt of compensation and benefits, the military said.