Air Force delays installation of base commander amid investigation into Alta. pilot meeting
The Royal Canadian Air Force is delaying plans to install a new commander at one of the country's two CF-18 fighter jet bases due to a military police investigation.
A ceremony was planned for Tuesday to install Col. Colin Marks as commander of 3 Wing in Bagotville, Que.
But those plans are now on hold as police investigate an alleged incident at Canada's other main CF-18 base, 4 Wing in Cold Lake, Alta., more than two months ago.
Air Force commander Lt.-Gen. Eric Kenny announced the delay on Monday, saying investigators are looking into comments allegedly made during a meeting designed to choose call-signs, or nicknames, for fighter pilots.
“On June 22, at 4 Wing Cold Lake, a call-sign review board, where call-signs are assigned to members associated with the fighter community, took place in a small group social setting," Kenny said in a statement.
"An investigation was launched into statements made during this activity and remains ongoing. The investigation will examine actions of those involved during the call-sign review board."
While Kenny did not provide further details, the Defence Department in a followup email said multiple people were at the meeting.
Neither Kenny nor the department would provide further details, citing a need to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Marks could not immediately be reached for comment.
Fighter pilots and weapons officers flying on fighter jets are typically assigned call-signs at unit social gatherings where members share stories and anecdotes about each other, according to the Defence Department.
"Possible call signs are suggested by peers and voted on by the group," it added. "Attributing call-signs to members, particularly within the fighter and air weapons controller communities is a tradition meant to foster esprit de corps."
The Canadian Armed Forces has continued to deal with the fallout from a rash of inappropriate — and in some cases criminal — behaviour by senior officers.
The commanders of two naval frigates were relieved of their commands in June, though officials have said neither was related to allegations of sexual misconduct.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 29, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Tensions run high on the Hill as MPs debate second Conservative motion of non-confidence
Members of Parliament debated the second Conservative motion of non-confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government of the week on Thursday, amid simmering tensions.
WATCH LIVE Helene strengthens to a Category 4 hurricane as it nears Florida's Gulf Coast
Helene strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane ahead of its expected landfall on Florida's northwest coast Thursday night, forecasters said, warning that the enormous storm could create a 'nightmare' surge in coastal areas and bring dangerous winds and rain across much of the southeastern U.S.
Cold case arrest: Nunavut RCMP charge man with murder in 1986 death of teenage girl
Mounties in Nunavut have made an arrest in the murder of a 15-year-old girl almost 40 years ago.
Mounties in B.C. warn 'highly convincing' scammers extorting victims with photos of their homes
Scammers are increasingly using emails to extort money from victims by threatening to reveal compromising photos, videos and personal information to their friends and family members, according to a new warning from Mounties in Metro Vancouver.
Air Canada flight to Toronto diverts due to emergency
An Air Canada flight headed to Toronto from Frankfurt diverted to Edinburgh due to an emergency Thursday, the airline says.
Canadian rapper K'naan charged with sexual assault following arrest in Quebec City
Canadian singer K’naan has been charged with sexual assault after being arrested by police in Quebec City.
NDP MP introduces bill to criminalize residential school denialism
An NDP MP has introduced a bill that would criminalize residential school denialism, saying it would help stop harm caused toward survivors, their families and communities.
Masking reintroduced in N.S. hospitals as respiratory illnesses increase
A partial masking mandate has returned to Nova Scotia hospitals and provincially run healthcare facilities for visitors and healthcare workers.
Eye drops recalled in Canada over infection risk
A Canadian pharmaceutical company is warning consumers not to use some of its eye drops because of potential microbial growth that may result in eye infections.