Interim commanders appointed in Edmonton
The Canadian Army has temporarily removed the two senior leaders of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, while an internal investigation proceeds.
Lt.-Col. Jason Hudson and Chief Warrant Officer Kim Doerr were reportedly directed to leave their positions over the weekend. The regular force battalion is based in Edmonton, and interim replacements have already been appointed.
Defence officials withhold details
The Department of National Defence confirmed that action had been taken but declined to disclose the circumstances surrounding the decision.
“An investigation is currently underway under the direction of leadership within [the] 3rd Canadian Division. As this process remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further,” spokesperson Andrée-Anne Poulin said.
“Canadian Armed Forces members, particularly those in positions of authority, are expected to always demonstrate sound judgment and exemplary conduct to preserve public confidence and maintain the trust of those they lead.”
Reports point to a recent alcohol incident
Several current and former military personnel said the inquiry concerns a recent incident involving alcohol. They were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, and defence officials have neither confirmed that account nor identified the kind of investigation being conducted.
Military leadership could address the allegations through a disciplinary review within the battalion, an inquiry ordered by a higher headquarters or an investigation led by military police.
A measure with possible career consequences
Although the department characterized the removals as temporary, taking commanders out of their posts is considered an exceptional step within the military. Such decisions can have lasting effects on the careers of the officers involved, even before an investigation reaches its findings.
Hudson previously led wildfire operations
Hudson held a prominent operational role during the previous summer as commander of the Operation LENTUS 25-05 land task force, which supported efforts to contain wildfires in northern Saskatchewan.
He helped oversee the deployment of more than 300 soldiers who assisted provincial firefighting teams in communities including Beauval, La Loche and Green Lake.
Other commanders have recently lost posts
The latest removals follow several leadership changes involving senior Canadian Army officers during the past year.
Col. James Smith was temporarily removed in April as commander of Task Force Latvia, Canada’s largest overseas deployment. He was reassigned to duties in Canada after being charged under the National Defence Act with one count of prejudice to good order and discipline over alleged irregularities involving compensation and benefits.
Earlier this year, Col. Fraser Auld lost his position as commandant of the Canadian Army Command and Staff College in Kingston, Ontario. Officials cited a “loss of trust in his ability to command” connected to an undisclosed personnel matter.
Col. James McKay resigned last summer as commander of the 33 Canadian Brigade Group, responsible for units across eastern Ontario, and subsequently left the military. His departure followed a social media controversy involving a private Facebook group known as the “Blue Hackle Mafia.”
Lt.-Col. Ryan Hendy was also affected by that controversy and was temporarily removed from command of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, a reserve unit.