McDonald sexual misconduct allegation was not deemed ‘unfounded,’ military confirms
Global News
In response to questions from Global news, the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal offered what appears to be the most direct rebuttal yet of McDonald's claims that he is exonerated.
The allegation of sexual misconduct made against Adm. Art McDonald has not been deemed unfounded, according to military officials.
In response to questions from Global News, the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal offered what appears to be the most direct rebuttal yet of McDonald’s repeated public claims that he has been exonerated by virtue of no charge being laid against him.
“As stated in August 2021, the CFNIS investigation into an allegation of sexual misconduct against Admiral McDonald resulted in no charges being laid based on insufficient evidence,” reads the statement.
“This does not mean that the allegation was unfounded, which is defined by Statistics Canada as ‘After a police investigation it is concluded that no violation of the law took place nor was attempted’.”
Military police had opened an investigation into McDonald in late February.
McDonald stepped back voluntarily from his role as chief of the defence staff at the time.
He has denied the allegations against him and, following the decision by military police that there was not enough evidence to charge him this summer, has been waging an increasingly public battle, arguing the lack of a charge means he should be “immediately” reinstated to the role.
Gen. Wayne Eyre is acting in his place.