A Canadian soldier based in Petawawa, Ont., has been charged with sexual assault against a fellow member of the Canadian Forces, the Department of National Defence announced Monday afternoon.
The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service has laid three separate charges against Corporal Simon Cadieux under the National Defence Act.
Cadieux is a member of the Joint Personnel Support Unit in Petawawa.
“The charges relate to an alleged sexual assault that took place while the accused was deployed as a member of the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) on exercise in Jamaica in November 2015,” said a release issued by the department.
The alleged victim is also a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, the release confirmed. The victim’s identity has not been made public.
Cadieux has been charged with:
- One count of sexual assault, in accordance with section 130 of the National Defence Act, pursuant to section 271 of the Criminal Code of Canada
- One count of behaving in a disgraceful manner, in accordance with section 93 of the National Defence Act
- One count of drunkenness, in accordance with section 97 of the National Defence Act.
“These charges reflect our ongoing commitment to support efforts throughout the organization to help ensure a respectful, healthy professional environment for all members,” said Lt.-Col. Francis Bolduc, commanding officer of the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service, in the release.
The Canadian Forces have faced widespread criticism for failing to address sexual misconduct within the ranks. Last year, a scathing report from retired Supreme Court Justice Marie Deschamps outlined an entrenched “culture of misogyny” in the military – one that is particularly toxic for female members.
Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jonathan Vance has since pledged repeatedly to crack down on harassment, intimidation and assault.
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