Major-General Dany Fortin denies any wrongdoing in relation to an allegation that goes back to 1989 when he was a student at the Royal Military College.
After an investigation from the Quebec prosecution service, Fortin was officially charged with one count of sexual assault Wednesday.
“On Monday, I was contacted by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service, who asked that I be here today in order to be arrested,” says Fortin. “This arrest warrant was a total surprise. I am reluctantly and at my own expensive forced to pursue two forms of legal regress. The first, to vigorously defend myself against the charge laid today in criminal court. Second, to ask the federal court to consider the lack of due process accorded to me throughout this ordeal. ”
Fortin and his team are also arguing his removal on May 14 from the position in which he lead Canada’s vaccine rollout was unjustified.
He was replaced by Brigadier General Krista Brodie.
Fortin also mentioned during his statement that he believes there is more to these allegations than there appears to be.
“As the acting chief of the defense staff told me, confirmed in his personal notes, the decision to remove me was a result of a political calculus,” addd Fortin. “I just want to get back to work.”
Dany Fortin has served in military command roles in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
The charges come amidst the turmoil the Canadian Military has seen over the past year, with allegations against multiple high ranking individuals.
