Sexual assault charge laid against military member in Kingston, ON.

News release

September 16, 2019 – Ottawa – National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces

On September 12, 2019, the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) charged a member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with sexual assault contrary to National Defence Act, pursuant to the Criminal Code of Canada. The charges are in response to incidents which took place during training in Gagetown, NB in 1998, however reported to the CFNIS in April 2016 and in July 2018.

Master-Warrant Officer John Macpherson a Regular Force member with Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre (CADTC) currently based in Kingston, ON faces the following charges.

  • Two (2) counts of Sexual Assault contrary to section 130 of the NDA pursuant to section 271 of the Criminal Code.

On April 6, 2016, the CFNIS initiated an investigation into an allegation of a criminal nature which are alleged to have occurred in 1998 during a military course in Gagetown, NB. The matter was investigated at the time of initial complaint, however, suspended due to insufficiency of evidence. On 11 July 2018, the file was reopened resulting in additional information whereby charges were laid for two distinct incidents involving the same victim.  

The matter is now proceeding in accordance with the military justice system for possible court martial at a date and location to be determined.

Additional multimedia

Canadian Forces Military Police stock photo Photo: Avr Rachael Allen © 2017 DND-MDN Canada

Quotes

“The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service seeks to investigate and where appropriate lay charges based on factual evidence regardless of when the offence is alleged to have been committed. Much care is taken to investigate all matters of this nature, historical or otherwise, which is now before the courts.

All members of the Canadian Armed Forces whether they are part of Reserve Force or Regular Force are expected to serve/ behave in a respectful and professional manner at all times.  The CAF has been mandated to make the workplace environment safe from harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour."

Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Cadman, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces National Investigation Service

Quick facts

  • In all cases, the subject of charges is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The matter is now proceeding through military justice system. 

  • The CFNIS is a specialized unit established within Canadian Forces Military Police Group (CF MP Gp). Its primary mandate is to investigate serious and sensitive matters in relation to Department of National Defence (DND) property, DND employees and CAF personnel serving in Canada and around the world. The CF MP Gp and the CFNIS conduct police investigations independently, without interference and in accordance with the highest professional standards.

Associated links

Contacts

Maj Jean-Marc Mercier
Public Affairs Officer
Canadian Forces Provost Marshal and Canadian Forces Military Police Group
Phone: 613-949-1098
Email: jean-marc.mercier@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

Search for related information by keyword: Military | National Defence | Canada | National security and defence | general public | news releases

Page details

Date modified: