On Thursday August 29, 2019, the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) charged a member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with sexual assault. The charge is in response to an incident which was reported to the Military Police at CFB Edmonton, AB, in January 2017.
Chief Warrant Officer Colin Stewart Duncan, a Regular Force member with 1 Canadian Air Division Headquarter base in Winnipeg faces the following charge.
- One (1) count of Sexual Assault contrary to section 130 of the National Defence Act pursuant to section 271 of the Criminal Code of Canada.
On January 16, 2017, the CFNIS assumed the investigation into allegations that the reported offence took place in Kingston, ON between July and August of 1996 while the accused member was instructing on a military course.
The matter is now proceeding in accordance with the military justice system for possible court martial at a date and location to be determined.
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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
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In all cases, the subject of charges is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The matter is now proceeding through military justice system.
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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.
