February 1st, 2019 – Ottawa – National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces
This morning, the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) charged a member of the Canadian Armed Forces under the National Defence Act (NDA). The charges relate to a reported incident which took place while on decompression transition in Cyprus in November 2012, following a deployment to Afghanistan. Incident involved another member of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Lieutenant-Colonel David Buchanan, a Reserve Force member and current Commanding Officer of 30th Field Artillery Regiment, faces the following charges.
· One (1) count of Conduct to the Prejudice of Good Order and Discipline, Section 129 of the NDA.
· One (1) count of Drunkenness Section 97 of the NDA
In July 2017, a third party reported that incidents of sexual nature had occurred in November 2012 while the accused and the victim were in Cyprus as part of decompression phase, following a return from operations in Afghanistan. The CFNIS initiated an investigation into the allegations which has now resulted in charges.
The matter is now proceeding in accordance with the military justice system for possible summary trial or court martial at a date and location still to be determined.
Additional multimedia
"The Canadian Forces Military Police seek to investigate and where appropriate lay charges based on factual evidence regardless of location in Canada or abroad. All members of the Canadian Armed Forces – whether they are part of the Reserve Force or Regular Force – should expect to serve in a respectful and professional environment safe from harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour."
Major Kirsten Yue-Devoe, Acting 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 the military justice system for possible summary trial or court martial at a date and location still to be determined.
The CFNIS is a specialized unit established within Canadian Forces Military Police Group (CFMP 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 CFMP Gp and the CFNIS conduct police investigations independently, without interference and in accordance with the highest professional standards.
