(Ottawa) Lieutenant-Colonel Philip Marcus allegedly made inappropriate comments, according to National Defense. He led the IMPACT Air Task Force in Kuwait.
An investigation is underway, but the Department of Defense considers that the comments he allegedly made “go against the efforts of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to change our culture. He believes that the allegations against the commander “resulted in a loss of confidence” in his ability to lead his team. He was relieved of his duties on December 7.
The news was first reported by CBC News on Thursday, which reported inappropriate comments about lower-ranking women.
Lieutenant-Colonel Marcus has been reassigned to a staff officer position at the Royal Canadian Air Force Aerospace Warfare Center at Base Trenton.
“We are in a time of culture change and are committed to ensuring that the CAF is a work environment in which all members – whether they are in Canada or deployed on operations around the world – are safe, empowered and inspired to give their best serving Canada and Canadians every day, ”a Defense Department spokesperson said in writing.
This demotion comes as the Canadian military grapples with a series of sexual misconduct scandals targeting several high-ranking military personnel. A week after her appointment in November, the new Minister of National Defense, Anita Anand, announced that investigations and prosecutions in the matter would be transferred to the civilian system.
Operation IMPACT in the Middle East aims to strengthen the military capabilities of Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon. Lieutenant-Colonel Marcus’ mission was to ensure, among other things, the free and safe movement of people and goods.