Canadian Military Scandals 2026: Latvia Commander Removed and Sexual Assault Charges

Brig.-Gen. Vanessa Hanrahan, the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal, announced on March 31 that the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service has charged Col. James Smith, the commander of the Canadian Forces mission in Latvia.

The charges follow the temporary removal of Col. Smith from his post in Latvia, a move that coincided with a probe into compensation. The investigation is being conducted by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service of the Canadian Forces Military Police.

In a separate development, two members of the Governor General’s Foot Guards (GGFG) have been charged with sexual assault. The GGFG is the senior reserve infantry regiment in the Canadian Army and is based in Ottawa at the Cartier Square Drill Hall. Members of the unit are part-time soldiers who train for both international missions and domestic operations.

These legal proceedings occur alongside other disciplinary actions within the military infrastructure. Reports indicate that five individuals were fired following investigations triggered by an Ottawa-based fraud and waste hotline.

The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service continues to lead the inquiries into both the charges against the Latvia mission commander and the members of the Governor General’s Foot Guards.