The Royal Canadian Air Force is currently conducting an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving a member of the Snowbirds aerobatics team. As a result, the team will be performing with one aircraft short for the time being. The commanders of 1 and 2 Canadian Air Divisions have released a statement confirming the allegation and stating that the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service is handling the investigation.
According to Department of National Defence spokeswoman Jessica Lamirande, the member in question is a pilot with the Snowbirds team, but no charges have been filed yet. The department has chosen not to disclose the specific details regarding the alleged misconduct, including the location and timing. The department has revealed that the individual affected by the misconduct is also a member of the military. As a precautionary measure, the Snowbirds will be performing with eight aircraft instead of nine until further notice.
Lamirande explained that substituting another pilot isn’t currently possible due to the specific training exercises that the team undergoes before the show. In order for a replacement to be considered, they would need to be a fully trained and prepared CT-114 Tutor pilot who has completed the same exercises as the rest of the team. Unfortunately, such a replacement is not available at the moment.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, the member facing allegations has been reassigned to non-operational duties at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. This measure is intended to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation without implying any guilt or punishment. The affected individual and other Canadian Armed Forces members involved are receiving support and care during this time.
The Royal Canadian Air Force is fully cooperating with the investigative authorities and taking these allegations seriously. It is important to note that the military cannot disclose reasons for referring cases to civilian police, including the Snowbirds pilot’s case, as it aims to prioritize the well-being of victims and maintain the integrity of ongoing investigations. Various factors may influence the decision, such as incidents occurring outside of the country, a victim’s reluctance to participate in a police investigation, or a preference for a military police investigation.
In a review of sexual misconduct in the military conducted by retired Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour, the recommendation was made to permanently transfer the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault and related crimes away from the Canadian Armed Forces. However, the military is unable to disclose specific information regarding the current case or the decision to involve civilian police.
Efforts are being made to address the issue of sexual misconduct in the military, including discussions between federal and provincial authorities regarding the transfer of cases. The military has already referred 93 cases of criminal sexual offenses to civilian police since December 2021, with 64 of the cases currently under investigation.
© 2023 The Canadian Press
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