Adm. Art McDonald letter to senior military officials ‘shocking,’ says Gen. Eyre
Global News
Military and political sources have said the lack of charges against adm. Art McDonald has not removed concerns about whether he has the moral authority to lead the military.
A letter sent by Adm. Art McDonald to senior military officials claiming he has been exonerated on an allegation of sexual assault and should be immediately reinstated is “shocking,” says Canada’s acting top soldier.
In a letter sent by Gen. Wayne Eyre to senior staff and shared with Global News, the acting chief of the defence staff responded to the letter sent by McDonald, who was placed on indefinite leave by the government amid an increasingly public battle to return to the top post.
“We must remember that in a democracy the military is subordinate to our duly elected civilian leadership. This fundamental is paramount to our profession. I was asked to act as Chief of the Defence Staff on February 25, and I will continue in that role until told otherwise by our civilian leadership,” wrote Eyre in the letter on Friday.
“To that end, this shocking letter changes nothing with respect to our vital work of defending our nation, changing our culture, and preparing for the threats ahead.”
READ MORE: Adm. Art McDonald tells colleagues he’s exonerated, should return to top military post
In the letter obtained by Global News on Thursday, McDonald said he was “quite disappointed that my exoneration has not seen my return to duty” after military police declined to charge the admiral over alleged sexual misconduct in August.
Global News has previously reported the allegation is specifically one of sexual assault.
He also argued his reinstatement is important to avoid “undermining the principles that must be foundational to legitimate cultural change” within the military, citing the need for fairness for both accusers and those accused of wrongdoing.
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